AJC's 4-week summer session was a resounding success, proving that 'summer school' can actually be both enjoyable and exciting! Blending morning academic blocks with a healthy lunch and an array of afternoon activities, our summer program is all about providing a safe and engaging experience for students. We turned up the fun, ramped up the learning, and built a positive vibe that we can't wait to carry into the upcoming school year. |
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We're thrilled to welcome Stephanie Turner to the AJC Family! Stephanie was born and raised in Richmond and is mom to two children, one who attends AJC. She earned her bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University and is currently studying for her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She spent her first 12 years as an educator at Henry Marsh Elementary teaching K-3rd grades. She is excited to begin her journey at AJC teaching Kindergarten! Below, Stephanie shares what drew her to AJC and reflects on what she believes are her students' greatest strengths and challenges.
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What drew you to AJC? The intimacy and close-knit dynamics is what hooked me to AJC. In comparison to my prior educational experiences, I have great appreciation for the trust and autonomy provided to the educational staff to provide our students with a quality education.
What are the greatest challenges you believe AJC students face? I believe students' greatest challenge is lack of exposure. My favorite quote, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.", illustrates my belief that the more information you expose, the more curious a mind becomes.
What do you see as our students' greatest strengths? I believe the greatest strengths of our students are their eagerness to learn and build relationships. My short time here has proven that the deeper the bonds, the deeper the commitment to being successful. There is truly a community effort within the walls of AJC. |
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One of the highlights of summer is having our alumni back in the building! More than just a work experience for grads, our Summer Work Program feels a lot like a homecoming. Our graduates love being back in the familiar environment, and we love having them here.
Participants help the school day run smoothly and have an opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining valuable experience in various aspects of school life—from classroom support to administration tasks and custodial work. This summer, twenty grads (current high school students) joined us, practicing essential soft skills like time management, teamwork, and problem-solving. |
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Ollie ('23), pictured above, worked with third graders in the mornings and with the building crew in the afternoons. Hardworking in both roles, he loved working with students. Maybe he'll become a teacher someday! |
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Christine ('20) and Coreyana ('22) covered the front desk for Ms. Katye. |
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Matthias ('22) provided 5th grade classroom support. |
| George ('21), pictured here with his little brother. |
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Christine ('20) and Coreyana ('22) covered the front desk for Ms. Katye. |
Matthias ('22) provided 5th grade classroom support. |
George ('21), pictured here with his little brother. |
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Did you know? On average, children spend 5 hours a day on social media. Studies have shown childhood depression and anxiety rates have sky-rocketed over the past decade as a result. To combat this crisis, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 on July 9th, mandating cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 schools. |
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AJC's leadership team long-ago recognized the negative impact cell phones have on youth which is why we implemented a 'no-phone zone' several years ago. Each day as students arrive they slip their phones into a metal case for safe-keeping and leave them at the door. It's a practice they don't seem to mind at all. "I don't have to worry about getting in trouble for having it out. It's not an option. And it's kind of a relief to not have to worry about it falling out of my pocket and breaking during gym." -Rising 7th Grader, ZyQuis
Our experience has shown that students feel a bit lighter and less burdened when they leave their phones behind. We're proud to be a leader in phone-free education, and we're hopeful more children will find relief as a result of Executive Order 33. |
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Several students elected to take part in an unforgettable experience with Culture Encounters during our summer session. Youth from various schools came together through the non-profit's 'Eat. Talk. Write' program to try new foods, hear about the journey of various local restauranteurs, and then write about their experiences. We were delighted to hear three of the top five winning restaurant review entries belonged to AJC students! After all was said (and tasted), India Cuisine's Butter Chicken entree emerged as our Lions' unexpected favorite dish!
Sixth grade girls continued the exciting journey with Culture Encounters by participating in weekly classes in Bharatanatyam, a form of classical Indian art expressed through rhythm, music, and dance. They caught on so quickly, there's talk of an upcoming performance! |
Culture Encounters Mission
To ignite cultural curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation in our region through the transformative power of the arts, shared experiences, and open dialogue, while serving as a model for global harmony. |
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OUR MUSIC PROGRAM NEEDS YOUR HELP! |
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We are still looking for the following instruments: -
2 Alto Saxophones
- 2 Tenor Saxophones
- 2 Trombones
- 2 Baritones
- 7-10 Drum Pads and Drum Sticks
If you know someone who can assist, please reach out to Katye Snipes at [email protected]. |
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LOWER YOUR TAXES WHILE SUPPORTING AJC! |
Interested in lowering your tax bill? Click HERE to find out how to support AJC through Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program (EISTC) to receive a 65% state tax credit! |
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO MAKE AN EISTC DONATION:
STEP 1: Complete Preauthorization Form and return to AJC for approval of your Tax Credits. Do this in one of two ways:
1. Print and fill out this form and return to AJC at 2100 N. 29th St. Richmond, VA 23223. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR DONATION AT THIS TIME, ONLY RETURN THE PREAUTHORIZATION FORM.
OR
2. Complete the electronic form available HERE using secure Docusign.
STEP 2: Wait for the Preauthorization Notice, which will arrive by email from AJC.
STEP 3: Sign the Preauthorization Notice and return to AJC and INCLUDE your donation check made payable to Anna Julia Cooper Scholarship Foundation or AJCSF. |
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Would you like to get involved? |
There are many ways to support AJC! |
From all of us at AJC, thank you for your support! |
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