President Farewell

I would like to begin by saying that it has been a great privilege to me to serve this school community as thePTO president.

Looking back on the last few years of service, it has been an exceptionally challenging time. When I agreed to take on the responsibility, our family had only been to the school once for a tour with our 4th grader and here we were attending classes from our dining room. This school, like so many schools, was in a crisis mode with the ever-changing needs of families and staff. Indeed, for me, it was no small feat to manage family needs and build a sense of community at NWSA while we were all apart.

As our doors opened and our community once again gathered, I came to meet amazing students, educators, support staff, and parents. So many of you came together to offer support and lift up our kids and teachers. 🙏Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Last year we welcomed our new principal, Katy Coffelt 🤩. It has been a pleasure to support her as she got her footing in the new surroundings. Please join me in supporting her as we all navigate new bells, new buses, and an exciting new campus breaking ground!

My personal mission for the last year was to build a strong incoming board with a deep wealth of experience. I believe this mission was accomplished. With the announcement of a new arts middle school, independent of the NWSA campus, it was important to establish some positions within the board to form a PTO for the new school. With this year, I will be stepping down as president and taking an advisory role with the board as past president. It is my extreme pleasure to introduce our new co-presidents for 2023-2025.

John Jaye originally hails from New York. He is a Duke grad and UNC Law grad, former corporate attorney, and entrepreneur. His daughter, Frida is a rising 9th grader and a musical theater major. John has retired from corporate life and is ready to jump from the frying pan in to the…Dragon’s lair! You’ll likely see this guy around campus a lot! If you do, say hi and welcome him to our funhouse! John will focus on the high school’s unique needs as well as the entire NWSA community.

Melani McNinch is no stranger to NWSA. She is the mom to Griffin, a 7th grade dance major but has been part of the NWSA family since 2018 when her daughter attended as a dance major as well. Melani has a long history of volunteering within CMS and supporting PTAs, previously serving Huntingtowne Farms IB Elementary as PTA president, treasurer, and secretary. She also has held PTA leadership positions at the county and state board of director’s level. At NWSA, Melani has volunteered with the Dance Arts Boosters for the past 5 years and looks forward to another year ahead serving both the dance department as well as all majors, families, faculty, and staff! Melani is uniquely positioned to help organize for the middle school PTO of2025-2026. We are so lucky to have her.

With my son, Henry now entering 9th grade, I look forward to many more years of supporting our great school. I cannot wait to see the campus as it comes together and all the wonderful things our community can accomplish together. Go Dragons!

Yours in Service,

Fae Shaffer