VOICES

What’s it like to be a Keys Parent Ambassador?

Keys School Manila believes that in a progressive philosophy of education, parents are integral partners in developing well-rounded graduates. To make a close and successful school-parent relationship, Keys taps selected parents to be ambassadors for each grade level. These parents are what our school calls Keys Parent Ambassadors. 

Being a Keys Parent Ambassador is a worthwhile experience as it entails responsibilities that will ensure that every Keys family is heard with intentionality. The Parent Ambassador’s jobs are the following: 

1. Support new parents and parents new to the grade in understanding what progressive learning is and what it looks like.
2. Invite families to admission events, give testimonials for school tours, general assemblies, and the website page.
3. Be the “kindness and curiosity advocate” in parents’ group chats.
4. Give decision-makers feedback on the parents’ pulse. Bring up collective concerns to school personnel who can address/solve these.
5. Empower parents to speak directly with school staff and decision makers regarding individual concerns.
6. Encourage families to take part in parent development programs (e.g. Turn & Talk) and contribute to Keys events, surveys, and fundraisers.
7. Support Keys in social media.
8. Launch initiatives to build a stronger sense of community within the grade and the larger community. 

One of the Keys Parent Ambassadors for this school year is Pixie Fonacier. Her daughter, Noelle, is in sixth grade already. “This would be our seventh year, since Noelle started in Kindergarten,” she states. “Keys, I believe, provides a safe environment while fostering a love of learning. Its emphasis on critical thinking provides my daughter with the framework that will enable her to filter out noise when discerning the truth.”

© Pixie Fonacier

Pixie recalls some of her experiences as a Parent Ambassador in Keys. “I have always gone to school for the activities and I have been a parent representative since Noelle was in Grade 2. I usually join the Turn & Talk sessions and have volunteered for a few projects.” She also expresses how Keys makes her feel welcome when it comes to parent involvement. “Keys is not only a safe environment for the kids, but it is also a haven for parents. The teachers and the admin are so approachable. Fostering that feeling of community makes it easier to want to do more for the school.”

Pixie further voices out truly remarkable words about how Keys and parents work hand-in-hand for the betterment of every child enrolled and the school in general. “The Keys family is a very caring one. There are so many wonderful people who give so much of their time and energy for very noble and worthwhile projects. They don’t push you to be active but you find yourself wanting to do more. It never feels like a chore. And the sense of fulfillment after is priceless!”

Many parents have mentioned that being in Keys is such a wonderful experience. But here’s a common denominator with what they say: Becoming more involved as Keys parents makes a difference as they contribute something significant and tangible to the learning community!