Inside AJC

Students Shine at our Annual Christmas Celebration

December 19, 2025

This year’s Christmas celebration was a delightful showcase of student talent and hard work. The Middle School Band, directed by Quintin Terrell, Markaya James (pictured above), and Daniel Martin, impressed the audience (our largest yet!) with holiday favorites—pretty remarkable as many students had just picked up their instruments for the first time this year. Our middle school theater class performed a reimagined Grinch, fourth graders shared a play about the true meaning of Christmas, and the lower school choir sang a sweet selection of holiday favorites. We also announced this year’s Gabriel Award recipients: Middle School volunteer of 17 years, Betsy Fauntleroy; Lower School volunteer, Lee Hatcher (pictured below); and pro-bono occupational therapist, Janet Williams—incredible people whose gifts of time and uplifting relationships have enriched our school community in countless ways. Gabriel Award recipient, Lee Hatcher Gabriel Award recipient, Betsy Fauntleroy

3rd Graders Readers Theater

December 18, 2025

Here at AJC, we’re always looking for creative ways to build literacy skills and reading fluency. Our recent 3rd Grade Readers Theater added a festive twist. Students were placed into small groups and worked with scripts, practicing daily, with a focus on reading smoothly, using appropriate tone and expression, and working as a team to bring their characters to life. The experience culminated in a live performance attended by parents, staff, and even some AJC grads who showed up in support. Their warm and encouraging audience gave students a chance to build confidence and take pride in their hard work. Bravo to Mrs. Wean and her 3rd Grade readers!

Sibling Pop Up Shop

December 12, 2025

Big thanks to Jonathan Clarke, Mentor Ministry Leader with Real Men Ministries, who, alongside his son, donated gifts collected through Toys for Tots to AJC last week. Guided by his mission of pointing men toward “a higher proposed life,” Clarke’s thoughtfulness helped create a special opportunity for our Lower School students. With help from Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Raggi, a sweet Sibling Pop-Up Shop quickly came together, complete with a gift-wrapping station. Students shopped one by one for their siblings, taking pride in choosing gifts they knew would bring joy to their brothers and sisters on Christmas morning.

A Meaningful Milestone: LS Topping-Off Ceremony

December 10, 2025

As we all prepare to celebrate the greatest gift of all – God’s love among us – we are deeply moved by the generosity that makes it possible to share this love with more students here in Richmond’s East end. Our hearts are filled with joy and hope for all that lies ahead as we look forward to expanding our community of affection in 2026. We recently celebrated a meaningful milestone alongside our construction partners, Kjellstrom and Lee (K&L), as they placed the final beam on the roof of our new Lower School. In keeping with their commitment to making this project a learning experience for students, K&L paused construction to host a “Topping Off” ceremony—an exciting moment captured above. Students blew bubbles up to the construction team as the last beam was set into place. We are grateful to all who have supported the Hope Grows Campaign. Now in the home

Meet Our Middle School House Presidents

December 9, 2025

Janiyah P. (Ndoto) Zyanae B. (Heshima) Zy’Quis W. (Tayari) Juelz N. (Bora) Congrats to our new Middle School House Presidents: Janiyah, Zyanae, Zy’Quis, and Juelz! These standout 8th grade students were elected by their peers to help steer student decisions—like Spirit Week themes—and lead their Houses during competitions and team challenges. Our four “Houses” are teams of K-8 students, teachers, and staff, whose names reflect our Pride motto using words borrowed from Swahili—Ndoto (I have a Dream), Heshima (I show Respect), Tayari (I am Prepared), and Bora (I will Excel). Our House system allows kids to earn points through shout-outs, perfect attendance, team competitions, and all the everyday ways they strengthen our school community.

Powerful Partnership: Richmond Cycling Corp

December 4, 2025

Richmond Cycling Corps (RCC) has powered our middle school Biking elective for as long as we can remember. Program Director Matt Kuhn says he “just loves being with the kids”—and it’s easy to see as he shows up each week to teach, mentor, and ride with our students. Never been on a bike? No problem. Matt and his team meet kids where they are–staying back to teach a student how to pedal before venturing out. And if that doesn’t do the trick, they hop on the back of a tandem bike. For students like 7th-grader Jalen, pictured above, the class has been especially meaningful. He learned how to ride a bike at nine, cruising around Church Hill, Libbie Hill, and Fulton with friends who “just wanted to stay out of trouble.” He loves trying tricks—wheelies and jumps—and spending time with Mr. Matt, who he’s known for four years. Programs like RCC—and mentors like Matt, who show

Beyond the Bell: After-school Math Club

December 3, 2025

This school year, about 20 third and fourth graders are taking part in an after-school program twice a week, created by Lower School teachers Stephanie Turner and Tamara Johnson. Each session begins with homework and a little chill time—plus a healthy snack—before jumping into engaging group activities designed to strengthen key skills like reading comprehension. Their commitment to their students is truly remarkable. Ms. Turner and Ms. Johnson go above and beyond—and even offer rides home—making sure nothing stands in the way of students participating.

Kinship & Connection

December 2, 2025

At our recent annual Donuts and Grownups event, where Principal Gilliam invited students to give a ‘shout out’ for their parents, you could absolutely feel the pride and joy in our gym. What a beautiful thing. A couple weeks later, at our third Parent-Staff Social, a hilarious mock Family Feud hosted by our Outpatient Therapist, TaQuisha Bell, aka ‘Steve Harvey’, had us all cracking up. These moments remind us of what Father Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries (the largest gang-intervention program in the world), calls ‘kinship’ — a community of belonging so mutually uplifting that “God might recognize it.” Kinship has a way of showing up with donuts and game nights, while cheering together at basketball games, or working together during student conferences — a reminder that there’s no secret recipe for the simple moments that bring us closer together. Family Feud in action! Parent-Staff Social crew

Grad Spotlight: Ja’Mean Tucker, c/o 2014

December 1, 2025

Ja’Mean Tucker, AJC Class of 2014, recently stopped by on his way to a big moment — a proposal to a local HVAC company about a trade program to open doors for young people like him. It’s a vision Ja’Mean hopes will strengthen opportunities in his own community. On the morning of his pitch, there were lots of nerves and excitement. He practiced his presentation on Principal Gilliam, who offered helpful tips: slow down, breathe, glance at your notes, but most importantly, speak from your heart. Once he found his rhythm, his quiet resolve and bright smile carried him forward. He says the proposal went well and interest meetings have been encouraging: 60 youth have already requested information about how to apply to the program. We’re proud of Ja’Mean for taking initiative to open doors for others—a ripple effect we always knew was possible.

Beyond the Bell: Montessori Math Club

November 4, 2025

It’s no secret that AJC teachers and staff pour their hearts into their work every day—but did you know many also extend the school day to provide after-school programs? From sports to academic clubs, each offering gives students extra time to explore new interests and deepen their connection with one another. A new standout this year is the Montessori Math Club, led by Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Robinson. Meeting for two hours after school twice a week, the club has grown to sixteen eager mathematicians-in-the-making. Through curiosity and play students are building early connections to math concepts, and having fun while they’re at it. Mrs. Robinson’s son, Trey Smith — Optometry Technician at MCV — deals out fun with a deck of cards. Keeping score at a recent student vs. staff volleyball match. Spoiler alert: staff won!

Inside AJC

Students Shine at our Annual Christmas Celebration

3rd Graders Readers Theater

Sibling Pop Up Shop

A Meaningful Milestone: LS Topping-Off Ceremony

Meet Our Middle School House Presidents

Powerful Partnership: Richmond Cycling Corp

Beyond the Bell: After-school Math Club

Kinship & Connection

Grad Spotlight: Ja’Mean Tucker, c/o 2014

Beyond the Bell: Montessori Math Club

Students Shine at our Annual Christmas Celebration

3rd Graders Readers Theater

Sibling Pop Up Shop

A Meaningful Milestone: LS Topping-Off Ceremony

Meet Our Middle School House Presidents

Powerful Partnership: Richmond Cycling Corp

Beyond the Bell: After-school Math Club

Kinship & Connection

Grad Spotlight: Ja’Mean Tucker, c/o 2014

Beyond the Bell: Montessori Math Club

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