Board of Trustees Update - March 2025

Dear French International Community,

I hope you all enjoyed the Spring teaser this past week! I love when the daffodils and crocuses start to pop up, bringing bits of color to otherwise grey days. Make sure you visit the Japanese Gardens for the quintessential Portland Spring outing. While the flowers have been in bloom, so has our community of volunteers! 

After being postponed due to the February snowstorm, the volunteer-led All School Bingo Night was a resounding success, bringing together students of all ages for an evening of fun, connection, and camaraderie. With enthusiastic volunteers managing everything from setup to calling numbers and distributing prizes, the event ran seamlessly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. By the end of the night, whether a bingo winner or not, attendees left with smiles, new friendships, and a sense of belonging. Special thanks to Megan Hall and the Parent Community Building Committee for a fun night!

Another event that relies on the generous support of volunteers, the "Through the Looking Glass" gala fundraiser was an enchanting and unforgettable evening, raising an impressive $225,000 in support of our school. Inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, the event transported guests into a magical setting filled with imaginative décor, elegant costumes, and captivating entertainment. The generosity of donors, sponsors, and community members exceeded expectations, demonstrating a shared commitment to the school. By the end of the night, attendees left feeling inspired and connected, proving that a little wonder and generosity can go a long way. Special thanks to Gala Chair Leanne Bach and Co-Chair Brie Fisher!

Earlier in the month, the Board of Trustees met with the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) visiting team, both socially and for a governance deep dive where we explored the board's role in school governance, strategy, and philanthropy. Over the course of their visit, the accreditation team engaged with students, parents, faculty, and administrators, observing classrooms, reviewing curriculum, and assessing the school’s adherence to NWAIS standards. Their thorough evaluation highlighted the school’s dedication to developing curious and critical thinkers through a robust and immersive multilingual curriculum. With the successful visit in the accreditation process, the school reaffirms its standing as a high-quality independent institution, committed to fostering an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives and creates the foundation for reflective learners to thrive and effect change in an interconnected world. We're excited to get their feedback and recommendations for how we can strengthen our support for Scott and the school.

Lastly, the Board of Trustees had a regular March board meeting, where we did a deep dive on Campus Transformation, reviewed the audit results, examined best practices in our bylaws, and checked in on our mid-year goals. 

French International, like all US private schools, thrives on the commitment and generosity of our community. The collaboration between families, faculty, and staff is essential to achieving the mission of providing a well-rounded and exceptional education. Volunteering time is a powerful way for families and community members to support the school. Whether it’s participating in events, serving on committees, or chaperoning field trips, dedicating time strengthens the bonds between the school and our community. It also sets a positive example for students, showing the value of active involvement and shared responsibility.

Thank you for being part of creating a school community where every student can thrive.

Xièxie dàjiā
谢谢大家 

Sophia
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees