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The beginning of a new school year is always a time of new hopes and excitement, new faces and fresh starts. There are also new shoes, new clothes, new books and notebooks, and sometimes new attitudes. And more than a few new hairstyles. At AJC, in our 15th year, we are starting fresh with all of that and more. We're in the getting-to-know-you phase with new staff members whether they are in the classroom, the library, an admin office, the gymnasium, or the kitchen. I think the veterans are thoroughly enjoying the addition of these colleagues who have already enriched our lives and our mission. If there is such a thing as a secret sauce here, the main ingredient is the people who make our endeavor and adventure thrive. Everything else is, well, everything else--nice to have but no match for the people who help us "to love, educate and uplift our students and graduates."
-Mike Maruca, Head of School |
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Teamwork Makes The Dream Work |
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AJC's annual summer work-week provided an opportunity for staff to grow closer as a team. Through a powerful story exchange, facilitated by Narrative 4, we shared meaningful personal stories with one another. Our stories were then shared with a partner to present (as if it were their own) to the entire staff. Tender, vulnerable, enlightening, and uplifting come to mind to describe the experience. We learned a lot about one another -- what makes us unique and what has drawn us to this special place on 29th Street. One thing we all have in common? Our commitment to creating a loving community -- a place where we hope students feel safe and uplifted, each and every day.
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AJC Graduates On The Move |
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The students of AJC's Class of 2023 have spread their wings and are now attending high schools all across Richmond -- from Cristo Rey to Rise Academy (formerly Church Hill Academy) and Collegiate, St. Christopher's, Trinity, Steward, Armstrong, Thomas Jefferson, and John Marshall. We wish them luck at their new school homes and look forward to seeing them often, through our Graduate Support Program -- now led by Lorin Johnson, a member of our inaugural class. Lorin and Mike, pictured below, share many memories from that two-story house-turned-school, where it all began 15 years ago.
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Below, several grads (now rising seniors) had the opportunity to explore their career interests this summer through our partner organization, UP RVA. We can't wait to see where the next year takes them! |
Heard The Buzz? AJC Summers Are The Bees Knees! |
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New Adventures, Broadened Horizons |
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Middle School students explored the great outdoors during the month of June as they spread out across the country for once-in-a-lifetime summer adventures. Through generous partner organizations -- Overland, Camp Dudley, Camp Kiniya, Camp Alukulana, and Shrine Mont -- students attended sleep away camps or explored our National Parks. Fishing, kayaking, and hiking were among the many activities students experienced during their trips away from home. Many moments, from leaving loved ones to taking a first flight, took a boatload of courage. Even through some homesick days, students stayed open and stuck with it.
We know travel has the power to broaden personal horizons, build confidence and create memories to last a lifetime. But nothing beats the good fun and endless smiles these kids enjoyed. |
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Want to get involved? There are many ways to support AJC! |
There are a ton of ways you can get involved here at AJC - come for a tour, spread the word about our mission, join our army of volunteers (mentoring, reading and lunch buddies, oh my!), send school supplies from our Amazon Wishlist, or make a donation.
Please visit our website or contact Katye Snipes at [email protected] to get plugged in. |
YOU make it all possible. Thanks, from the bottom of our hearts! |
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