SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER |
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I read recently that "music is what language would love to be if it could." How true is that, right? It comes to mind because as I'm writing this I'm hearing clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a couple of french horns and maybe a piccolo in a nearby room where our middle school band is practicing. Think of starting from zero. Think of the sound of an orchestra warming up before the conductor arrives. That's about where we are right now. There's so much to highlight and write about as year sixteen is well underway, but why not music? It's something many of us have long wanted to hear. I'm confident that by the end of the year we'll be hearing some beautiful music and, like everything else around here, with a little sunshine and watering, it will add to the already beautiful music being made at AJC. Thank you to all who have made it possible.
- Mike Maruca, Head of School |
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BACK TO SCHOOL TRADITIONS! |
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The day before each new school year begins, AJC staff pair up to visit every student's home to be sure they know how excited we are for their return (and what time their bus will roll up in the morning)! It’s an opportunity to connect with parents and show our dedication to their children. The next morning, students are welcomed at our front doors as they arrive for their first day of school. It's traditions like these that foster our community of affection and make AJC such a special place!
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We're thrilled to welcome John Szymendera to the AJC Family! John is a Richmond native and graduate of the University of Virginia. He's been teaching elementary school since 2020. In his spare time he enjoys basketball, camping, and is a proud owner of six reptiles and amphibians. His classroom reflects the interests of a naturalist -- full of pictures and facts about unique animals, and an aquarium habitat for Jabba, the class frog. Students participate in feeding and tracking Jabba’s behavior. They've learned he's very shy and spends most of his time in hiding. According to the class tally he was last spotted 15 days ago!
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Below, John shares what drew him to AJC and reflects on what he believes are his student's greatest challenges and strengths:
What drew you to AJC? My sister taught here many years ago, during AJC's early stages. Because of her, I knew a lot about the community and mission, which are what drew me in. This school has so many people looking out for you, helping you, and encouraging you that not a lot of schools have. The community and mission were noticeable even before I started working here, and I have only felt this feeling of community grow stronger since.
What is the greatest challenge you believe AJC students face? The greatest challenge I think our students face, and a lot of students in general face, is having belief in themselves. My main goal as a teacher is to make sure my students understand how capable they are, and how much success they can have. The first step towards that success is making sure they actually believe that success is possible.
What do you believe are our students' greatest strengths? One of our students greatest strengths I think is their sense of humor. When I arrive in the morning, I am always confident that my class will make me laugh throughout the day. Even if we have difficult things going on in our lives, it's amazing that when we get to school, there is always something to smile about. |
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"When I feel like doing something, I just do it. I enjoy everything, everyday. I draw with my cheek and shoulder. That’s the way I draw." -Bukuru Nyandwi |
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Bukuru meets with students during their visit. |
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Artist Bukuru Nyandwi has been drawing since he was a young boy living in Tanzania. What most people see as his physical limitations have never stopped him from doing the creative work he loves. Through a collaboration with Milk River Arts, a Richmond non-profit providing workspace for neurodiverse artists, Bukuru has created an impressive collection of artwork which is currently on display at the Quirk Hotel in downtown Richmond.
Several AJC students recently visited Quirk to meet Bukuru and take in his art, hung at wheelchair height to reflect his perspective. Students quickly recognized his artistic style because several of his colorful pieces adorn the main corridor of our Middle School. After speaking with Bukuru, students were invited to write poetry in response to his work. This creative collaboration celebrated resilience, joy, and the power of art to connect people across our community. |
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Bukuru's Flowers by Aniylah
Beautiful green house plants Unique, all of them are. Keeping me attracted to its detail Unstoppable growth of the flowers
Reassuring you that it's not just Sharpie. Urbanity art he has created. |
| Aniylah and Ziayona at Quirk Hotel |
| Her by Ziayona She is tall her soft hair following for miles everyone in awe of every step she took, wanting her, her life, her beauty. She spent her days running free singing, dancing, enjoying her life her hair swaying in the wind in a movement that could leave you hypnotized. |
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| Meet Shanasia, AJC Class of 2015. Shanasia recently became the first in her family to graduate from college when she earned her B.S. in Public Health from Radford University and is now an elementary teacher at Peter Paul Development Center.
Shanasia was inspired to become a teacher while interning at AJC under the guidance of Principal Yolanda Gilliam.
"I learned what it means to be a teacher which is not always about school work. It is about teaching life skills and being a safe space for students. Coach G had done this for me when I attended AJC so to know that teaching can leave an impact on a child for this long is inspiring."
When asked about her greatest accomplishment she wrote, "I believe my greatest accomplishment is graduating college. Being a Black child living in a neighborhood like Creighton Court, odds were not in my favor. I overcame a lot of obstacles which I am proud of myself for." |
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| Bump! Set! Spike! Our Lady Lions may still be learning the basics, but they've got a winning record and they're enjoying every minute of it! The support they show for one another on the court fills us with PRIDE. Please come out to cheer them on!
Upcoming Games:
October 2nd: AJC vs. Steward at 7:00 pm October 9th: AJC vs. Collegiate at 7:00pm October 23rd: AJC vs. Steward at 7:00pm
Location: RVC, 200 Karl Linn Road in North Chesterfield |
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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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