Introduction
PTO plays a key role in promoting parental involvement in their child’s schooling, building relationships, and bringing the community together for the betterment of the students’ educational experience at ASM. The organization is an example of ASM’s commitment to involve all stakeholders in the school and to enable each and every one of us to contribute to the development of our institution. The PTO is open to all ASM parents. To become a member, please contact one of the PTO members for more information.
PTO Members
The PTO is made up of the following members:
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- President: Natalie Samake
- Vice-President: Fatima Larsson
- Secretary: Priti Paul Kadiri
- Treasurer: Teresa Fonseca
- Event Coordinator: Tariq Lahdour
- Lower School Representative: Hanane Ramzi
- Middle School Representative: Robyn Coady
- Upper School Representative: Claire Bosworth
- Head of School Representative: Casey Asato
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Natalie Samake
President
Bio →Born in Germany and a hotelier by heart, Natalie has earned a Diploma in Hotel Management in Heidelberg, a Diploma in International Hotel Administration from ICHA and a BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management from University Center Cesar Ritz/Washington State Program in Switzerland. She also holds a German Diploma in Interior Design & Architecture, and Certificate in UI/UX Design from CALTech. Nathalie has lived and worked with her husband, Yves, in many countries around the world. Natalie left the hotel world after the birth of her children (Gatien, 11th grade and Talya, 8th Grade) and has focused on her passion in hospitality in hotels and corporations by freelancing as a project manager.
Fatima Larsson
Vice-President
Bio →Fatima Larsson, a Dutch/Moroccan Citizen holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing and Business Management from The Netherland. She is fluent in Dutch, English, German, French, Swedish and Arabic colloquial Moroccan. A global citizen, Fatima has lived and worked in The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Japan, UAE, Morocco, Singapore and Sweden. She has gained extensive experience from several industries such as Research, Aviation, Hotel and Trading. She held multiple roles in PR / Marketing, Aircraft Operations for the private aviation industry and Sales of Private Jets to high-net individuals. Together with her husband they founded a Business Consultancy company in which she is still active. Fatima has two daughters Amira (grade 7) and Amani (grade 5) with whom she shares her love and passion: travel, languages and making this world a better place!
Priti Paul Kadiri
Secretary
Bio →Priti earned her undergraduate degree from MIT and advanced degrees from Harvard University and the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Her leadership spans a variety of industries, including beverage, real estate, shipping and logistics, design, as well as philanthropic work creating and running dozens of schools and libraries. Priti is a member of organizations like the Royal Institute of British Architects, Women in Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA), India Committee of American Bureau of Shipping, FICCI Committee of Art and Business of Art, Harvard Club India, and MIT Club India.
Teresa Fonesca
Treasurer
Bio →Teresa is a Brazilian mother of 2 boys at the lower school of ASM (Grades 1 and 4). She has lived in Marrakech with her family since the end of 2019, when she became part of the ASM community. Teresa is a chemist by training (BsC, MsC, and PhD) and was a university professor in Brazil. One of her projects was to develop hands-on, simple, and non-harmful scientific experiments for kids. While still in Brazil she developed a passion for entrepreneurship and coffee, which led her to become a coffee specialist (several certificates, including international ones) and to jump into the coffee business.
Tariq Lahdour
Event Coordinator
Bio →Tariq is a PE and Health Teacher . He holds a BA in English Literature, TESOL certificate ,FIBA Africa Certified, AD Certified, ib DP sports science ,and ib MYP curriculum mapping 1st degree certified. He has organised several big events for ASM students and families.
Hanane Ramzi
Lower School Representative
Bio →Hanan holds a BA in English literature from Caddy Ayyad University, a TEFL certificate from the American language center, and a TESOL methodology certificate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She joined ASM in 2009, she helped with grade 1 for 9 years, and currently, she is the ART teacher assistant for the past 3 years. Hanan enjoys working closely with students and making them discover themselves through colors, material, and creativity. Hanan has also been a part-time English teacher at the American language teacher of Marrakech. Hanan Enjoys music, traveling, cooking, and walking by the beach.
Robyn Coady
Middle School Representative
Bio →Robyn hails from the northeastern part of the USA between Pittsburgh PA, New York City, and Vermont. Robyn got her degree in acting at New York Tisch School of the Arts. Robyn worked in theater and film in both New York City, and Los Angeles before having her two children Rockwell and Harper, both now at the lower school at ASM. Before moving to Morocco Robyn worked as an organizational psychologist. Currently, Robyn spends most of her time writing a book about her life and art and practicing yoga. Robyn is proud to be married to the finest man she knows; Norman Coady, who teaches history and politics at ASM.
Claire Bosworth
High School Representative
Bio →Claire is an enthusiastic, innovative and conscientious professional with over twenty-seven years of successful experience in the education sector. Since graduating with a BA English Honors degree and PGCE, she has held a range of teaching and administrative positions in a number of schools in the UK, as well as serving as an Educational Adviser for 10 years in Northamptonshire, where she provided guidance and training for teaching professionals in more than 40 schools. In her first international post, in Slovakia, she served as Deputy Head of the school and Head of Secondary. Since moving to Marrakech five years ago, Claire has served as a teacher of High School English and Theory of Knowledge, Upper School Principal and Librarian at ASM – and she has also embarked on her most important role… as a mom!
Casey Asato
Head of School
Bio →Casey Asato was appointed Head of School at the American School of Marrakesh starting July 1, 2020. Previously, he has held administrative and teaching positions in Hawaii, the U.S. Mainland, Japan, and Peru. He holds a BSC in Finance, MA in Asian Studies, MA in the Teaching of Social Studies, and an EdD in Professional Educational Practice.
PTO Activities
Please check this page later for more information on PTO activities and upcoming events.
FAQs
What’s the purpose of ASM’s American-style parent-teacher organization ?
Since 1897, the Parent Teacher Organization has been a tradition in American schools. Evolving to meet school’s needs, American-style PTOs are a proven way for parents to be involved in school activities that benefit both students and teachers. The tradition includes parents and teachers collaborating to meet the needs of children, as a supplement to the school’s efforts. The purpose of ASM’s American-style Parent Teacher Organization is for parents and teachers to work together to support our children.
Why should you as a teacher or parent want to participate in ASM’s American-style parent-teacher organization ?
By participating in ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization you will have an opportunity to better our children’s life at school and play a role in their educational experience. You will be able to build relationships with other parents and teachers, foster community, and build bridges between the many cultures represented at ASM.
What are examples of tasks that ASM’s American-style parent-Teacher Organization performs?
ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization performs tasks including but not limited to:
- Fundraise for special projects or needs that benefit kids
- Build Community and Organize Events (Book Week, International Fairs, Career Fairs, Science Fairs, Sports Days, Bake Sales, etc.)
- Promote cultural integration and understanding
- Create Orientation/Mentorship programs for new families and teachers
- Volunteer (chaperones for field trips, in-class assistants, extra curricular program assistants, event volunteers)
- Form “Clubs” to support extracurricular programs (Sports, Theatre, Music, Model U.N., Dance, ect.)
- Assist with Communications (weekly newsletters, student accomplishments)
- Sponsor Teacher appreciation efforts
- Transportation (carpool coordination)
- Serve as ambassadors for ASM
- Have Fun!
What are examples of tasks that ASM’s American-style parent-teacher organization does not perform ?
ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization is not involved with operating ASM. American-style PTO does not get involved in academics/curriculum, administration, hiring, teacher and staff evaluations, discipline policy, or financial/budget allocation decisions.
Am I required to commit a large portion of my time and energy to ASM’s American-style parent-teacher organization ?
You may spend as much or as little time and energy in ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization as you like. We realize that everyone has different schedules and only some will be able to take on leadership roles. However, even volunteering just a couple hours at a school event or fundraising project will greatly benefit ASM and its community of parents, teachers, and students.
Who can participate in ASM’s parent-teacher organization ?
All parents, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to participate in ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization. A select group of high school students are also invited to participate.
Is ASM’s parent-teacher organization a separate entity from ASM ?
No, ASM’s American-style parent Teacher Organization is a part of ASM and works directly with the ASM headmaster and teachers.
What defines success for ASM’s parent-teacher organization ?
When our kids have more resources and opportunities owing to collaboration between parents and teachers and a sense of community around ASM.
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