SAAS Family Association October Newsletter

Our Purpose Statement

The SAAS Family Association strives to be an inclusive community that organizes activities for faculty, staff, students and their families. We support one another as we engage with SAAS to build a community of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging that empowers everyone to QUESTION, IMAGINE, CREATE, in order to CONTRIBUTE boldly to a changing world.

Family Association President's Message

Dear Fellow SAAS Parents and Guardians,

We hope you are settling into fall with ease. We want to briefly reflect on the first six weeks of school, recap past gatherings, and provide an overview of upcoming events and dates to hold on your calendar.

Thank you to all who attended the fall Family Association Kick-off Meeting on September 9 with our guest speaker, Giselle Furlonge. It is always fabulous to hear from Giselle, and she gave an engaging pop quiz on SAAS By-The-Numbers. We had a great turnout, and it was an evening full of lively conversations and enthusiastic parents and guardians ready to jump into action and engage in activities to further relationships with the SAAS community.

At the “Back-to-School Nights” earlier this fall, we felt the excitement in the packed halls as parents and guardians rushed to their students’ classes. We have much gratitude and appreciation for the faculty outlining their curriculum, expectations, and general tone for their classes. As parents, it is such a benefit to gain first-hand knowledge to improve communication with your teen about their classes and teachers.

Fallapalooza! The #SAASPride was alive and well at Fallapalooza, and it was amazing to see so many families cheering on our 6th – 12th graders at their games!  Thank you to all the parents who volunteered at the Family Association Logowear booth and who showed their support at this school-wide, fun-filled community event.

There are many upcoming Family Association events including:

• October 9: Class Representative Training Meeting (Zoom Link Here)
• October 15: Parent Education Panel and Discussion: Building Community & A Culture of Wellbeing - Supporting Teens at School & Home (in-person).
• October 18: Friday Treats. The first of the year

For more information on these and other events, including grade-level specific events and more, read on here, check the SAAS calendar, and be sure to read your SAAS Friday Emails brought to you by SAAS Communications.

Thank you, parents and guardians of SAAS for your ongoing commitment to making SAAS a place of inclusion for everyone in our community and by supporting the school’s efforts by volunteering, providing treats, and participating in parent education events to further support our students and their growing needs.

Feel free to contact us at familyassociation@seattleacademy.org with any questions or comments throughout the year. 

Charles Gust, Co-President

Parent of Stephen (Grade 12) and Thomas (Grade 10)

Charlene Kletzly, Co-President

Parent of Grace (Grade 12) and Cooper ’22

Friday and Staff Appreciation 

Friday Treats for Faculty and Staff begin October 18! On Friday, October 18 we will launch this year’s Friday Treats for Faculty and Staff. One Friday morning a month (from October to May), parents and guardians from all grades bring in savory snacks and sweet treats. Parents and guardians also volunteer to help distribute treats to all the faculty kitchens on the main campus and at the satellite buildings, Madison and Temple. 

Are you interested in helping with Friday Treat distribution?  

Please sign up here!

Will you drop off snacks and treats for our wonderful faculty and staff?

Learn more and sign up via the red button below!

Sign Up for Friday Treats 

More faculty and staff appreciation events are coming in the winter and spring. Please contact Miho Nasu (VP-Faculty/Staff/Family Support) to join the team planning faculty and staff appreciation for this year. 

Admissions Support

Karen Lonergan, Parent of Tate (Grade 12) & Lulu (Grade 10) 
Allison Barnes Vadon, Parent of Evie (Grade 11), Georgia (Grade 10), Maddie (Grade 9), & Corinna (Grade 7)

Thanks to all who have signed up to volunteer for admissions events this fall and winter. We are in the process of aligning volunteers to activities and will be in touch with those of you who have expressed interest. Our two major events this season are Open House for both the Middle and Upper School, scheduled for October 26 and November 16. These events are fantastic opportunities for SAAS to showcase its diverse offerings and unique opportunities to prospective families. If you know friends or family members interested in learning more about SAAS, please encourage them to attend Open House. They can sign up through Ravenna.

Parent Education 

Paul Teske, Father of Max (Grade 11)

Building Community and a Culture of Wellbeing: 

Supporting Teens at School and Home

Tuesday, October 15, 6:30 to 8:00 PM

SAAS Middle School Commons (1137 13th Ave, Seattle 98122)

RSVP Here

Are you curious about what’s really on your teen’s mind these days? How are they navigating friendships, stress, and the pressures of school? What themes come up in their conversations at school? 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage directly with key voices from our SAAS community! Join us in person for an insightful conversation with Giselle Furlonge, Associate Head of School; Leigh Hopkins, Director of Counseling; and Andrés Arteaga, Director of Equity and Inclusion. Moderated by SAAS parent and experienced facilitator, Deli Moussavi, this event will bring parents into the circle of support our teens rely on.

What we’ll dive into:

What’s on their minds? Explore the real-life issues students share with trusted adults at school, such as friendship dynamics, conflict resolution, anxiety, academic pressures, and more. 

Building a toolkit for support. Learn actionable ways you can help your teen prioritize their well-being while handling challenges with resilience. 

This isn’t just another talk. It’s about community building and a chance to connect, share, and leave with practical insights and a deeper understanding of how we can all foster our teens’ emotional and mental health. 

We can’t wait to see you there for an interactive, insightful, and supportive evening that will equip you with ways to better support your teen, no matter what they’re facing. Come for dessert AND great conversation! 

Please RSVP Here

Learn More Here

Questions about Parent Education events and activities? Contact:

Paul Teske, Father of Max (Grade 11)

Grade Level Activities and Events for
SAAS Parents, Guardians, and Families

6th Grade
Class of 2031

Exciting grade-level events are coming soon—stay tuned for details! If you have ideas to share or would like to host a 6th-grade potluck, please reach out to Kathyryn Oliver, Geraldine Rodriguez, or Kate Goodman.

Your 6th grade Class Reps:

Kathyryn Oliver (co-lead), Geraldine Rodriguez (co-lead) Kate Goodman (co-lead), Abby Maletis, Brooke Vail,, Mitra Heshmati, Andy Pollack, Carly Kaufman, Angela Schofield, Donna Cochener, and Karen Craig.

7th Grade
Class of 2030

7th Grade Parent and Guardian Coffee with Special Guests from SAAS!

October 18, 8:15 to 9:15 AM

Anchorhead Coffee (1115 12th Ave, Seattle 98122)

Join us for a conversation with Achijah Berry, Middle School Dean of Student Life and Caitlyn Jackson-Berrios, 7th Grade Dean of Students. Before you head out to start your day, join us over at Anchorhead (just across the street from the SAAS Arts Center on 12th Avenue). Seating is limited, so we may gather downstairs. Order your drink of choice, and enjoy a selection of pastries provided by the Family Association. 

RSVP Here

Street parking only. On campus parking is not available.

Questions? Contact Castalia Simon or Kay Takano. 

Your 7th Grade Class Reps: 

Yomara Gomez-Naiden, Marianne Graham,Pooja Jain, John Nelson, Shalini Nilakntan, Castalia Simon, Tiffany Sparks-Keeney, and Kay Takano 

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2030 Parents and Guardians on Facebook. Also, join our WhatsApp group for SAAS 7th-grade parents and guardians.

8th Grade

Class of 2029

Hello 8th grade families!

We’re busy planning a parent and guardian coffee for October, and our first social event will be in October/November. And we’re already looking ahead to an end-of-year celebration for the Class of 2029!

Don’t forget to join our Facebook page.

Your 8th grade Class Reps:

Talya Jeffries (lead - communications), Sybrina Soga (lead - planning), Erin Papworth (lead - finance), Yin Zhen, Kayti Knudsen, Jaisri Gangadharan, and Kalisa Owens

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS Class of 2029 Parents and Guardians on Facebook. Also, join our WhatsApp group for SAAS 8th-grade parents and guardians.

9th Grade
Class of 2028

Hi 9th grade families! 

Thanks to all who joined us on September 25 for the social at Flatstick Pub on South Lake Union. A great time was had by all!

We have another great event planned in October – Hang Out during Night Out! Did you know the 9th graders have a “Night Out” at the school on October 30?  Make things easy on yourself: drop your student off, park at the Spring Street garage at SAAS, then walk the three minutes over to the Elysian Brewery where you can have some wine/beer and snacks on us!

What: Hang Out during Night Out

Date: Wednesday, October 30

Time: 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Elysian Brewery (1221 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122)
Please RSVP to help us plan accordingly, thanks!

9th Grade Parent/Guardian Coffee

Thursday, November 7

8:15 AM - 9:15 AM, Anchorhead Coffee (1115 12th Ave, Seattle 98122)

Have coffee on us and meet with SAAS staff, Rachel Leavitt-Baron and Rick DuPree, to learn about service hour requirements. 

RSVP Here!

Questions? Contact Shalini Nilakantan.

Would you be interested in hosting a potluck in your home with other 9th grade families? We can coordinate with you on the date, time and max number of people.  Please message Max Dale if you would consider hosting and/or have any questions.

Class Reps for 9th Grade:
Audrey Sousa, Shalini Nilakantan, Catherine Gaston, Laura Siebers, Sophia Zhang, Max Dale

For more about events and activities, to share information, and to ask questions, join our Facebook group SAAS 2028 Parents & Guardians.

10th Grade
Class of 2027

It’s baaack! Join us for cocktails and dreams at the second annual ‘80s and ‘90s Trivia Night!  Food, fun, and fabulous prizes await.

Second Annual ‘80s/’90s Trivia Night!

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Mox Boarding House (13310 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue 98005)

RSVP Here!

Questions? Contact 10th-grade class rep Ashley Ball or Charlotte Simmonds

Class Reps for 10th Grade:
Melinda Amoratis, Ashley Ball, Ellen Blanchard, Andrea Leone, Charlotte Simmonds and Nicole Truesdell

For more about events and activities, to share information, and to ask questions, join our Facebook group, SAAS 2027 Parents and Guardians.

11th Grade
Class of 2026

Hey, 11th grade parents! 

First Friday Coffees are back!

Join other 11th grade parents and guardians on October 4 8:30 AM -10:00 AM at Mr. West Cafe Bar at University Village (2685 NE Village Lane | Seattle, WA 98105) Let's socialize and discuss dreams and fears about the college application/visits process. Grab a coffee, tea or treat and sit and chat.  

Upcoming dates for Friday Coffees! Mark your calendars:

8:30 AM to 10:00 AM - locations and topics are mostly still TBA.

• November 8
• January 10 (Dote Coffee, Lincoln Square South, 500 Bellevue Way NE)
• February 7
• March 14
• April 4
• May 2

Also in the works are Evening Socials each trimester, and a spring Community Service Event for families with a social after (dates TBD). If you have any ideas for parent and guardian events you would like to see happen this year, please contact your 11th grade parent Class Reps.

Your 11th Grade Class Reps:
Molly Goldman, Kavita Garg, and Aaron Lieberman

For more about events and activities, to share information or ask questions visit: SAAS 2026 Parents and Guardians on Facebook.

12th Grade
Class of 2025

Hello 12th grade Parents and Guardians! 

Please be on the lookout for an evening social in late October. More details will be provided soon! In the meantime, join our Facebook group, SAAS 2025 Parents and Guardians, to connect with other SAAS 12th grade parents and share information.

Your 12th Grade Class Reps:

Amy Royalty and Karin Keith

For more about events and activities, to share information, and ask questions visit SAAS 2025 Parents on Facebook. 

Upcoming Events Details 

Learn More About the SAAS Family Association