DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

As we celebrate the Christmas season, we are reminded of this phrase from our mission statement: "We strive to be a place where people find and experience joy." It was added a couple of years ago after an 8th grader shared that "the joy" is what he loved most about AJC. Though our students often carry heavy burdens, joy has always had a way of shining through: in an "aha" moment during class, a burst of laughter with friends, or a smile spreading across a student's face as their "mystery lunch buddy" walks through the door. It can feel like a small miracle. This Christmas, we thank you for helping make AJC a place where moments of joy—big and small—are found and experienced every day. And we hope you feel it too!

Creative Hands in Ms. E.'s Class

In Ms. E.'s imaginative 1st grade class, fine motor skills come to life in all sorts of fun and festive ways! From gluing and stringing beads to writing letters and numbers—and even sewing Christmas stockings—young learners are often busy creating something unique, and something to be proud of!

Some of Our Favorite Things..

Moments from Our Christmas Program

This year's Christmas Program was a lively holiday showcase, including a Middle School play about the true meaning of Christmas, a sweet violin performance, a special reading by Mr. Maruca, a choir of enthusiastic singers, and even a staff dance number! "Go Tell It On The Mountain" was a crowd favorite, along with "Hot, Hot Chocolate." During the event, two special volunteers, Jane Woods and Cotesworth Pinkney, were presented with our Gabriel Award for their remarkable support over the years: Jane as a beloved Lower School math tutor, and Cotesworth as a dedicated mentor to middle school boys for an amazing sixteen years. Thanks to all who came out to join us!

Holiday Hoops

This year’s Holiday Hoops Tournament brought Seven Hills, Saint Michael's, St. Chris, and St. Catherine's fans together for a full house and some exciting basketball on our home court. Our Lady Lions played their hearts out, but came up short while our Varsity Boys had an incredible run, winning first place! Big thanks to everyone who came out to cheer them on!

PLEASE JOIN US TO CHEER ON OUR LIONS

Jan 9: JV Boys vs. Steward @ St. Chris, 6:30pm

Jan 9: V Boys vs. St. Chris @ St. Chris, 7:30pm

Jan 11: Girls vs. Orchard House @ AJC, 10am

Jan 16: V Boys vs. Collegiate @ St. Chris, 6:30pm

Jan 16: JV Boys vs. St. Chris @ St. Chris, 7:30pm

Jan 17: V Boys vs. Collegiate @ AJC, 5pm

Jan 18: Girls vs. St. Michael @ AJC, 10am

Wednesday Wanderings

Facilitated by creative writing partner Elizabeth Johnson and Curriculum Director Susan Barstow, the poetry from our weekly "Writing Wednesdays" has garnered quite the fan club among AJC staff in recent months. Below is a selection of insightful poems written by our budding middle school poets.

I'm a Basketball

By Ja'Shara

I'm a Basketball

I shoot my problems

away

I'm a basketball

I keep my mind on the target

I'm a basketball

I make my own point

I'm a basketball

I dribble away from

drama

I'm a basketball

I don't go out of bounds

I stay on track

I'm a basketball

layup my anger

and run away

and get on something

new

I'm a basketball

What Are You Waiting For?

By Romiah

What are you waiting for?

Are you waiting for time?

to be unoccupied and not stressed?

Are you waiting for love?

to be happy and loved for once in a long time?

Are you waiting for a miracle?

to have your world full of colors and not black and white?

I'm waiting for the clouds to split

to see the sun clear the rain.

I'm waiting for the pain to cease

to get over the tears and runny noses.

I'm waiting for things to be better

to see a world where pain and

aggression isn't the norm.

I'm waiting for change.

What are you waiting for?

Winter

By Caiden

I always loved winter

the best

the snow

and cocoa in our little red cups

and family time with cousins playing games

and pumpkin pie

and love

going with family to see Christmas lights

having the best time

Christmas presents and joy

as time flies

you wouldn't

know

laughter, stumbling upon you

every minute counted

and that's why I

always loved winter.

Leading Lions

One of the many wonderful benefits of our expansion into lower grades has been the opportunities for older students to build confidence by spending time in various leadership roles with younger students. Last week, 5th graders read Christmas stories to our littlest lions in Ms. Robinson's Kindergarten class. These meaningful interactions create connections and reinforce our community of affection. It really doesn't get much sweeter!