An 8th Grade Perspective

Dear Friends of AJCES,

     First and foremost, the year has been strong and the bonds even stronger.  From volunteers to parents, students, and staff, relationships between them all are mind blowing.  The love in the relationships are all genuine and the people here actually care for each other.  We do not think you will be able to go anywhere else in this world and find a relationship like any of the ones we have here at AJC.  Having tutors to help with complex homework, lunch pals, classroom helpers, or just a friend in general helps everyone throughout the day.  As we, the students, grow and mature, our family-like bonds within the AJC community grow with us.  We recognize the amount of support we receive year after year that helps to foster these relationships. And for that we are grateful.

                                   -- 8th Graders Aaleya Fowler and Anthony Bullock

All of us at AJC are ever mindful of the many blessings we receive day in and day out. Thank you for continuing to put your faith in us and our mission.

Classroom Happenings 

     Here is just a small snapshot of what AJC students have been studying and creating these first couple months of the school year:

     Cell Models - Students in Mr. Crane’s 7th grade Science classes recently built 3D representations of animal and plant cells. The students said the cake versions were both informative and delicious!

     Poetry - The 8th grade students have been studying various forms of poetry, as well as working hard on high school application essays. Here is Jasmine's poem titled "I Have a Dream":

I have a dream that everyone will be loved.

Happiness fills the cheeks of neglected children.

A bond so strong, it is unbreakable.

Very little worries in the world.

Every soul will be filled with love.

A dream that only we people could accomplish.

Daring to open up our hearts to others.

Ready to come together as one.

Equally, we all will treat our neighbors.

Anything will be done to protect each other.

My dream starts with us all.

 Cultural Explorations - Mrs. Gore’s 4th grade students spend some time on Monday afternoons learning about different countries and cultures around the world with help from Ms. Melissa. They kicked off this unit with a lesson on New York City and travelling through Ellis Island. They made their own passports, tried New York-style pizza, and created torches, just like the one Lady Liberty holds.

     As always, our students are hard at work and continue the year on the right foot. Be sure to like our Facebook page or follow our Instagram account for regular classroom updates.

Special Feature: AJC Connect

     AJC Connect is a relatively new network of young professionals who support the students and staff at AJC. The founders of AJC Connect also serve as the school’s Junior Board of Directors.

Three Areas of Support:

Mystery Lunch Buddy Program - participants are paired up with two students and surprise them once a month by showing up for lunch
Annual Spring Bash - volunteers help run games and stations during this fun, community event
Student Reward Meals - folks are invited to assist with organizing and serving reward lunches to celebrate the end of each quarter

     If you are a young professional who is interested in joining the AJC network of support, then AJC Connect is the perfect place to start! Please contact Anne Hunter at ajcconnect2018@gmail.com for more information.

Book Fair Results

     Thank you to everyone who participated in AJC’s Book Fair fundraiser through Barnes & Noble back in September. Through your support and purchases, we raised over $650 to be used for new library books! A huge thank you goes out to our school librarian, Carol Allen, for organizing the event. We were glad to see so many familiar faces throughout the day. In addition to volunteers and staff, the AJC Cheerleading Squad was also in attendance. The girls performed cheers outside the front door to draw in customers and also read stories in the children’s area for the public. We had a blast! Stop by soon to see our ever-expanding collection of library books.