It’s incredible to see what’s been accomplished since our Lower School groundbreaking last May. Floors are in, painting is nearly complete, and classrooms have taken shape. A playground will be installed next week and we are on track to begin our move in early June, with a ribbon-cutting planned later that month—just in time to welcome students for our summer session. Our new school will allow us to serve even more students, including a second section of 2nd and 3rd grades beginning in July. Front Entrance Huddle Spaces Kindergarten Classroom We are approaching the home stretch of our Hope Grows Campaign. The $37 million campaign supports the new lower school building, athletic field, endowment, and multi-year operating funds as we grow to serve over 270 students. Thanks to the generosity of a lead donor, all new gifts are being matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million. With matching funds in place, this is a pivotal

Family partnership is at the heart of AJC, and parent-teacher-student conference day is an opportunity to connect with caregivers and celebrate the pride we all share in their children. For many families, getting to AJC requires extra effort—from juggling schedules to arranging transportation—yet we have 100% participation year after year. These meetings are opportunities for uplifting conversations and a chance to ensure families know they and their students are seen, known, and loved.

Principal Gilliam, famous for her endlessly stylish “Tie Tuesday” wardrobe, helped kindergarteners practice tying ties this week—and we may be biased, but we’d be hard-pressed to think of anything cuter in the whole wide world. You’ll notice many of those sharp-looking ties belong to none other than Mr. Maruca! Students struck confident poses imitating Black and Brown leaders featured throughout the Lower School during Black History Month. We hope moments like these provide a sense of belonging and empower students to imagine new possibilities for themselves.

February is always a busy time at AJC as we work to honor stories that have shaped our world and celebrate voices that inspire us. This year’s annual Black History Celebration was a culmination of this effort, highlighting various Black individuals and the work of our students. Student MCs guided the audience through the program, which began with a song by The Lower School Choir. Students across grade levels dressed as notable Black figures and showcased their public speaking skills through interviews. They shared the accomplishments of the individuals they portrayed and imagined the advice those figures might offer future generations.  Also featured at the event were displays of student artwork throughout the gymnasium. Shadow boxes highlighted notable Black figures, abstract art depicted student perspectives on Black history, and prints created by second graders–inspired by artist James Lesesne Wells–adorned the walls. A special moment during the program came when Middle School Principal Yolanda