Black History Celebration |
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Last evening, our gym was filled with energy during our annual Black History Celebration, and we believe it was our best yet! An authentic and touching experience, the event showcased the rich culture, creativity, and contributions of the Black community. It brought together students, teachers, and families to honor the significance of Black history through a variety of performances and exhibits.
AJC volunteer and grandparent Katherine Louis opened the event by performing a story about the transformation of a caterpillar, embodying themes common in many African folktales, such as patience and believing in one's potential. She reminded us that through perseverance, we can evolve into something beautiful and powerful.
The event also featured a display of student artwork, including "I Am Black History" posters, where students shared personal reflections. Third grader Kennedy showcased her natural talent and brought us to tears while singing 'Rise Up' by Andra Day. Families participated in a trivia game, several courageous middle school writers took center stage to read their poetry, and the Lower School choir sang their hearts out. It was a beautiful way to recognize and celebrate Black history and culture.
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Thirteen 8th grade students elected to showcase their curiosity at our first-ever Science Fair. Those who chose to participate displayed a wide range of experiments, each beginning with a simple question. A few examples were: "Which liquid dissolves an aspirin fastest?" "What age group is more susceptible to the Mandela Effect?"
"What liquid is dense enough to keep an egg afloat?" Students applied the scientific method and created colorful posters to display their results for a panel of judges. Congratulations to all the participants for putting their best effort into this challenging project! |
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Did you know every K-5 student here at AJC learns to swim? Through our partnership with the incredible people at SwimRVA, water safety and swimming proficiency has become part of our curriculum. Students hop on the bus once a week to head to the pool at The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Center in Church Hill, where SwimRVA provides swimming lessons free of charge. Students level up throughout the year, ringing a bell with each new skill learned. Those who love the water can go on to make a splash on the AJC Swim Team.
Pool time is about more than just swimming—it’s about trying new things, overcoming fears, and never giving up. We’re grateful to SwimRVA for leading the way as our students dive into new opportunities! |
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"SwimRVA exists to increase water safety awareness across the Richmond area. Over the years, we have invested in our incredible community, teaching swim lessons and inching closer to our Drownproof Richmond initiative. Together with the YMCA of Greater Richmond, we provide every second grader in our community the opportunity to learn how to swim." |
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In a friendly competition to see which "House" could recycle the most water bottles during last month's city-water crisis, Tayari took the win. In total, AJC students collected over 2,000 bottles. That’s a lot of plastic—so much that we got a special visit from a recycling truck!
Students had the chance to see the truck up close and even hop inside for a quick tour. The driver, who has been with TFC Recycling for 30 years, demonstrated how the lift arm works and answered lots of questions about operating a truck with two steering wheels. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn about recycling, all thanks to Principal Gilliam's positive spin during a difficult time. |
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Chapel: Time For Reflection and Community |
Heartfelt notes for the students of St. Mark's School were collected at the altar. |
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Zamar stayed focused and put his best foot forward this week. |
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Each week, middle school students gather for Chapel which is led by Reverend Becky McDaniel and our student vestry. It’s a time to reflect, pray for one another, and receive communion in a relaxed and uplifting space. This month, students wrote heartfelt notes to students at St. Mark’s School in Altadena, CA, to offer support after they lost so much in the recent wildfires. Chapel always holds space for students to pray out loud and concludes with lively "shout-outs," when teachers recognize students for all the ways they've shown up as their best selves that week. Acts of kindness, perseverance and grit, as well as breakthrough moments, are rewarded with a shout-out, lots of applause, and a "dress down" ticket.
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6th grade students attended the Annual International Language Fair at Maggie Walker Governor's School. Students participated in language workshops for Arabic, French, Italian, Latin, and American Sign Language. They also watched traditional dance performances and enjoyed treats from various world regions. It was so fun to branch out and try new things! |
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Meet Jahiya, AJC Class of 2024 |
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Jahiya, AJC Class of 2024, is back in the mix through Cristo Rey's work-study program, and we couldn't be happier to have her! Each week, Jahiya works as a Teacher's Aide in Ms. Wean's 3rd-grade classroom, where her special gift for connection shines.
"Jahiya jumps in to help my students before I even ask. She gets on their level and relates so well with them. Whether it is math, reading, or hanging out with kids at recess, I can always count on Jahiya!" -Mrs. Wean, 3rd Grade Teacher Jahiya's ability to engage with students and adults alike has made her a standout presence. She recently shared, "I love working with younger students, especially helping them with reading and math. Seeing their faces light up when they understand something for the first time is so rewarding." A full-circle moment in the making. |
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AJC Cheerleading and Basketball Teams Shine |
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| Our Lions Cheerleading squad and Boys & Girls Basketball teams gave it their all this season! The cheerleaders' hard work during practices, guided by Coach Q, showed on the sidelines. Their confidence, energy, and precision were on full display at every game. Under Coach Wade's direction, our 6th Grade Boys Basketball team brought home a championship win, while our Girls Basketball team, with support from Mr. Szymendera, fought hard for a strong second-place finish against Our Lady of Lourdes. Way to go, Lions! |
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Writing Wednesday poetry sessions continue to spark creativity within our middle school writers and have become an outlet for expressing emotions and experiences. We're proud to highlight their courage and vulnerability through these heartfelt pieces. |
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I want new braids I want them fresh and neat I want clean parts and a unique style I want something you have never seen before I want to feel unrecognizable I want to feel like the prettiest girl in the world I want to always want to love to see my reflection and I want everyone to stop when I walk into a room I want all jaws to drop I want to hear all of the ouuuuus and awhhhs I want to hear all of the compliments No more self-consciousness No more worries No more old No more messy
No more being unnoticed No more being overlooked I want to look new, be new |
| Away from crop tops, high waters, pink stuff away from dark places, places that make me feel small away from my little brother's mouth my big sister's mouth (respectfully) away from emotions
sadness, love, cockiness away from thoughts the death of my big brother my dad the feelings I thought I never had the peace I never felt. |
| Fear at first palms sweating my turn to test my serve
I failed to hit it over the net feeling defeated, I started to pout I wonder why I even considered trying out. |
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The 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available. |
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March 6 & 7 Parent-Teacher conferences Early dismissal on the 6th No school on the 7th March 24 Teacher in-service day
No school for students March 31-April 4 Closed for Spring Break |
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Want to get involved? There are many ways to support our students! |
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