Volunteer Spotlight: Patti Shaffner Jordan & Sophia Skaar
At French International, we are proud to have parents dedicated to positively shaping our school and enriching the lives of our students. Volunteering involves the entire family in a student’s educational life. Additionally, service is part of the IB educational philosophy as we teach students that we have a shared responsibility to our connected global community.
Patti Shaffner Jordan and Sophia Skaar have served as co-chairs of the Capital Campaign Committee since 2022. The Jordan family joined the French International community in 2015, and Jayden is now a 7th grader in the French Track. The Skaars joined in 2019 and have three students in Maternelle and Lower School. Patti and Sophia partner with the Development Office, Head of School, and Campaign Committee to fund the site transformation in support of the school’s Strategic Plan. They work on building community connections and provide direction, support, and oversight for the capital campaign’s fundraising strategy.
What drew you to volunteering for the Capital Campaign?
Patti: After I rolled off the board in 2023, I wanted to find another capacity in which to serve our school community. As I reflected back on the last ten years that we’ve been at the school and how significantly it has shaped our son, family, and community of friends, I feel so blessed to be a part of this incredible community and wanted to do as much as I could to support the school’s Strategic Plan and campus transformation.
Sophia: Nearly five years ago, just one semester into my eldest son’s first year at French International, I received an all-school email inviting members of the community to participate in a Strategic Plan focus group. I participated in the group, eagerly awaited the findings, and was excited to learn that the Board of Trustees was moving ahead with a Maternelle and Lower School site transformation. With this action set into play, I immediately asked, “how can I help?” FI is long overdue for a permanent campus, and I was eager to be a part of this growth.
Discussing money is never easy, however, like all US private schools, French International relies on the generosity of our community to fund our mission. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of education, let alone an investment in state-of-the-art facilities, and philanthropy bridges the gap. We need every member of the FI community to participate in the capital campaign to achieve success!
What do you enjoy the most about your role as a volunteer? Any particularly fond memories?
Sophia: Being connected to the amazing FI community and working as a team to build and grow our presence in Portland, Oregon! Reaching 25% of our $8 million goal at the end of 2024 was definitely a highlight, and I love hearing students talk excitedly about the new campus. If you haven't had the pleasure of doing so, I encourage everyone to take a five-minute break and watch the construction…if you time it right, the Maternelle students will be out for recess completely captivated by their campus coming to life.
Patti: Years ago, after I’d moved to a new city, one of my mentors told me that “you’re not going to love the city you’re living in unless you give back.” and that has shaped my community service mindset. Volunteering at French International is a way for me to not only give back to our great school community but also leave an impression on my son’s school experience. I have plenty of fond memories from our board meetings or gala volunteering, but, in general, I love seeing the tangible impact that we can have, especially when it comes to fundraising like the Annual Fund or Capital Campaign, on our children’s education.
What message would you like to share with our community about the importance of volunteers at French International?
Patti: Any and everything that you do as a volunteer - whether it be bringing food to a classroom event, volunteering at the Gala, serving on a committee, or welcoming new families to the school - helps shape our entire school community, our children’s school experience and the wonderful families at our great school. Every minute volunteering has an impact across our entire school community!
Sophia: French International thrives on the commitment and generosity of its community. The collaboration between families, faculty, and staff is essential to achieving our mission.
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 French International and its community. It also sets a positive example for students, showing the value of active involvement and shared responsibility.