Let's Talk Fall Festival!

It’s fall and that means our Admissions Team is busy welcoming new families to campus and helping them discover all that SAA-SDS has to offer. This year, we’re putting a fun new spin on one of our annual events – Open House. 

We caught up with Admissions Director Maggie Glaser to talk about what makes SAA-SDS special, what families can expect at our Fall Festival Open House on November 7, and why she encourages our school families to invite a friend to join the fun.

What’s your favorite part of showing a new family around campus?

My favorite part is seeing the school through a new family’s eyes. As we walk around campus, I love when they notice how happy our students are. You see students learning, laughing with friends and engaging with their teachers. Those everyday moments say so much about who we are.

What’s something about our school that’s hard to capture on a website or in a brochure, but makes sense the minute a family visits?

It’s the relationships. You see it in the way teachers interact with their students, older students look out for younger ones, and faculty and staff support one another. Those genuine connections are part of everyday life here, and they make SAA-SDS a special place to learn and grow.

If you had to describe the SAA-SDS experience in three words, what would they be?

Joyful.  Connected.  Prepared.

There is a true sense of joy that runs through our school, and it’s reflected in the relationships our students build with their teachers and peers. And when they graduate, they’re prepared not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, to take on new challenges, lead with confidence, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

We’re doing something a little different with our Fall Open House this year. What can families expect?

We’re turning Open House into a Fall Festival! We want to open our doors to both our school families and the greater Memphis community for a fun, relaxed day that showcases who we are and all that SAA-SDS has to offer. 

Families can enjoy activities throughout campus including craft stations and face painting, music, LEGO fun, STEM activities and a bounce house! Our student ambassadors will lead campus tours, or families can explore at their own pace. Teachers and administrators will also be on hand to answer questions and help visitors get to know us. There will be something for everyone, no matter the age or grade level!

We’re encouraging our SAA-SDS families to attend Fall Festival and bring a friend. What makes this event such a great way to introduce someone to our school?

It’s a chance to experience SAA-SDS firsthand without the pressure of a formal school visit. Your friends can see our campus, meet our people, enjoy some activities and get a real feel for the community you’re part of every day.

Who should families think about inviting?

Anyone! Maybe a neighbor, a teammate’s family, a friend from preschool or someone who has mentioned they’re exploring school options. You don’t have to know if they’re actively looking for a school. If you think they’d enjoy meeting our community and seeing our campus, invite them to join you.

What would you say to a parent whose friend is looking at schools but isn’t sure how to bring up SAA-SDS?

I’d simply say, “We love it here, and I’d love for you to come see why!” Choosing a school is a big decision, and every family has to find the right fit for their child. Fall Festival is an easy, fun way to get to know us, ask questions and see what makes SAA-SDS special.

Join us for Fall Festival Open House on Saturday, November 7! Bring the family, invite a friend and enjoy a fun day exploring all that SAA-SDS has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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