Fresh

Early in May, the Spitler School staff selected a group of students from grades 4-6 for a field trip to the Angkor Garden Park. Through this visit, students explored nature, observed the environment, and enjoyed hands-on learning experiences outside the school campus. The outdoor activities helped students strengthen teamwork, cooperation, and social interaction while also promoting relaxation and enjoyment after classroom studies.

Renewed Energy

Spitler School extends its sincere thanks to Angkor TK Travel Agency for sponsoring a recent volunteer project at the school. Volunteers and staff members worked side by side on a painting project that brought fresh color and renewed energy to the campus. It was a fun and meaningful day for everyone involved, and we are grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm the volunteers shared with our school community.

Shining Faces

We love introducing our teachers and students who we are lucky and joyful to have at our schools. Please meet Spitler School teacher, Chanlyda and Spitler School student, Reaksmey.

Chanlyda has been sharing her knowledge and training of Aspara dance with our students for years. Spitler School offers this extra-curricular class through the support of SSF Founder, Pam Spitler, who fell in love with the beauty and elegance of this traditional Cambodian dance. 

Read Chanlyda’s story here.

Reaksmey will be one of approximately 120 6th graders who will graduate in August and attend Stephen Majuzian Middle School, an SSF-supported school. We have watched her grow and learn at Spitler School for seven years!  

Read Reaksmey’s story here.

Chea Chanlyda is a dedicated Traditional Dance Teacher at Spitler School Foundation who has spent her career preserving and promoting Khmer cultural heritage through the art of dance. Her work reflects a deep passion for Cambodian identity and a strong commitment to educating the next generation.

Before becoming a teacher, Chanlyda built strong experience as a traditional dancer, performing at many cultural events across Siem Reap Province. These included inauguration ceremonies, Cultural Day celebrations, National Mother’s Day events, and blessing ceremonies throughout Siem Reap province.

She also had the honor of representing Cambodia in cultural exchange performances in Thailand. In 2006, she joined a friendship program involving Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, and returned again to perform in Thailand in 2007.

In 2010, Chanlyda began teaching traditional dance at Spitler School Foundation. Since then, she has been guiding students with patience and care, helping them learn both dance techniques.

She describes the school as a warm and supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and friendship are part of daily life. She is grateful for the leadership and the positive working atmosphere, as well as the strong bond with her colleagues.

Outside of her professional life, Chanlyda is married to Sophat Vandy, a musician and coffee seller. Together, they have two children: a 18-year-old son, Mit Samnang Pannaseth, and a 5-month-old daughter, Vy Samrith Viteary.

Through her dedication and passion, Chea Chanlyda continues to inspire students to love and preserve Khmer traditional dance, ensuring that this beautiful cultural heritage lives on for future generations.

At just 12 years old, Rith Reaksmey, a Grade 6A student, has already spent most of her childhood learning and growing at Spitler School. She first joined the school as a kindergarten student in 2019 and has continued her educational journey here ever since.

Reaksmey lives with her parents and three siblings and is the youngest child in her family. Her mother is a housewife, while her father works as a truck driver. Despite the challenges that many families face, Reaksmey remains dedicated to her studies and hopeful about her future.

Among all her subjects, Khmer and English are her favorites. She especially enjoys reading stories in both languages, which has helped strengthen her language skills and deepen her love of learning. She has also developed practical computer skills and can confidently use Microsoft Word for basic administrative tasks, while having some experience with Microsoft Excel.

As she prepares to graduate from Spitler School, Reaksmey plans to continue her education at Stephen Mazujian Middle School, which is close to her home and offers the programs she needs for the next stage of her studies.

Looking ahead, Reaksmey dreams of becoming a Khmer language teacher. Inspired by her passion for the subject, she hopes to one day guide and encourage future generations of students, just as her own teachers have supported her throughout the years.

We are proud of Reaksmey’s achievements and determination, and we wish her every success as she takes this exciting next step in her educational journey.