When we got underway this past Wednesday morning it was dark, very cold, and there was a dusting of snow on the ground. The local schools were on a two-hour delay--and then closed altogether. Out of an abundance of care for our kids, we decided to have school anyway. Someone started the buses early to warm them up for their colleagues who were driving. If a student missed the bus and then called, as several did, we circled back to their homes to pick them up so they wouldn't miss a day. Teachers worked extra hard because it was too cold for the kids to go outside for break. It took a little extra effort, a little more energy, than usual, but it was a great day.
The day gave us a chance to remember who we are and why we are here. Attendance was over 90% which is remarkable when the rest of the neighborhood (and many of our students' siblings) were not at school. They wanted to be here at AJC. It was a day that I hope reminded us all—staff, students, and families alike—that at AJC, we are a community committed to showing up, caring deeply, and making every day count. Mike Maruca, Head of School |
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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King |
On Martin Luther King Day, we turned a day off into a "day on" filled with history lessons, service, and acts of kindness. Together, students made colorful scarves and assembled snack packages to bring comfort to those experiencing homelessness. They also created cheerful valentines for residents of a nearby retirement home and heartfelt thank you cards for local firefighters. We hope Dr. King would've been proud! |
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Art For The Journey (AFTJ) has been bringing creativity and joy to our students for nearly a decade. Every Tuesday a talented team of trauma-informed artists work with K-5th graders, empowering them through art. From painting and sculpting to dreaming and designing, AFTJ fosters an environment where students can express themselves freely.
Recently, AFTJ undertook a special project. Kindergarteners colored winter hats, each child creating their own unique design. Then, a dedicated AFTJ volunteer spent countless hours crocheting their individual designs to bring them to life. Seeing the students light up as they received their very own hat was priceless! And (brrrrr!) the timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Through our partnership, students gain artistic skills and experience the pride of creating something uniquely their own. We believe the relationships formed with the caring volunteers from AFTJ are just as impactful as the art itself. |
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The mission of Art For The Journey is to nurture resilience and connection through the power of art and community engagement. |
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When the recent water crisis hit its second day here in Richmond, AJC staff sprang into action. We called every student's home, created a list of those in urgent need, collected donations (thank you to all who pitched in), and delivered bottled water to doorsteps within a matter of hours. Some folks needed a hug just as much they needed water. Simply checking in meant the world to them.
Throughout the following week, Principal Gilliam turned all those used bottles into a fun recycling competition among our House teams (with House TAYARI taking the win), and 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Wean, used recycled bottles for a science experiment. We are a resourceful bunch! |
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Above: Third graders have been learning about the water cycle in science. They did an experiment showing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation within recycled bottles. Because there was no ice due to the water crisis, they used snow to represent the clouds in their experiment. |
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100% Parent-Teacher Conference Participation |
We’re thrilled to share that every single parent, teacher, and student (200) participated in Fall semester conferences—showing our collective commitment to academic success. We're looking forward to connecting with families again during our second semester conferences coming up in March. |
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Meet Dhykwon, AJC Class of 2015 |
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From his time at Anna Julia Cooper School to his current work in social services, Dhykwon has shown his resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back. He's become a true role model.
After graduating from AJC, Dhykwon went on to St. Christopher's School, where he excelled in football and track, winning multiple awards, including all-state and all-prep honors. In addition to his athletic success, Dhykwon won a national gold medal in photography. He attended Christopher Newport University (CNU) where he played football and was involved in several organizations, including the Agape Gospel Choir, the Salvation Army, and the CNU NAACP. Our partner non-profit, UPRVA, has been by his side every step of the way.
Dhykwon returned home to finish his bachelor's degree at VCU and is now pursuing a Master of Social Work, while also working full-time at St. James Children's Center. He recently shared his greatest strengths are his "ability to read people and offer sound advice," qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in his career. When asked about his greatest accomplishment he reflected, "My greatest accomplishment is honestly still being alive. According to every statistic, a young Black male in Richmond, VA, is supposed to be dead or in jail, but I'm still standing strong and thriving." His answer speaks to his remarkable resilience.
When he's not working or studying, Dhykwon enjoys sports, spending time with friends, listening to music, and playing video games. We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next! |
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| Soaking up the sun while on vacation in Miami Beach. |
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Basketball Playoffs Coming Up! |
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| PLEASE JOIN US TO CHEER ON OUR LIONS! Jan 31: JV Boys vs. Collegiate @ Collegiate, 4:30pm
Feb 1: Girls vs. St. Edwards/Veritas @ AJC, 10:00/11:00am PLAYOFF GAMES St. Christopher's School 711 St. Christopher Rd. Richmond, VA 23226 First Round
Jan 30: JV & V Boys Playoffs vs. TBD @ 6:30/7:30pm Feb 2: 6th Grade Boys vs TBD @ 2pm Final Round Feb 6: JV & V Boys vs TBD @ 6:30/7:30pm Feb 9: 6th Grade Boys vs TBD @ 2pm |
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Scholastic Writing Competition |
The poetry of four seventh and eighth grade students has been selected for Honorable Mention by the Scholastic Writing Competition this year. The Scholastic Awards in Central Virginia is "the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative students in grades 7 – 12," making this an awesome accomplishment! |
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Stars in the night, under the water black tower
yellow light in the night cars driving on the tight, bright bridge driving through the breeze lights on because they're trying to see what's going on stars shining bright on the building moon looking just right the city quiet, dark moving slow as the water |
| One day at home
watching tv
it was maybe 8pm
I was ready to go to sleep
"Zyan, go take out the trash
it's full. I told you after dinner."
I get off the couch
put on my Crocs
got the trashbag out
put another bag in there
unlocked the back door.
People were outside playing football
it was hype, loud, a warm night
I hear the helicopter over my head
I look up at the sky
and see a full moon
it has black spots
like a cheetah
running, rising beneath the stars |
| I got Hot Cheeto dust in my eyes over the weekend. It was a medium burn
like hot sauce on my noodles like burning paper outside But that burn will never compare to when I got bit, everytime I look at the scar it brings back how it happened, and even sometimes it still has pain that's a burn that will never be forgotten like eating a hot pepper like calling somebody broke like a giant fire burning your house that starts from the candle on your dresser |
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February 14 Staff and student holiday |
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Want to get involved? There are many ways to support our students! |
Thanks for all the love! Stay warm! |
Middle school students were awarded a "dress down" day for sending a photo of their best snowman! |
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