Note from the Head of School

     Recently I received the following note from a volunteer:

     As a volunteer at both Anna Julia Cooper School and a local public elementary school, I can attest, AJC is special.  I could feel it the moment I first walked through the doors:  the building was full of passionate staff and confident, respectful students.  AJC is a beacon of hope, seeking to balance the scales of privilege by providing excellent teachers, passionate leadership, personal guidance, and above all, love.
     I remain a committed volunteer, one of so many, because AJC is making a difference.  AJC students are smart, funny, inquisitive, proud, confident and kind.  Not because AJC taught them this, but because here they are given a place to grow into themselves and thrive.

    First, I think she is absolutely right.  Second, I love how she recognizes that the students---whom we often characterize otherwise---come to us already full of wonderful qualities and talents, only here at AJC they are able to bring those qualities to fruition. It’s exactly what we desire for any child anywhere. Third, where would we be without volunteers and supporters like this (or like her) ?

     We are closing in on the end of year ten.  If you've had a hand in making it all possible, thank you.  If you haven't, we're always looking for great volunteers.
 
-Mike Maruca

Classroom Happenings

     Although we are beginning to experience the year-end frenzy (thanks to graduation preparations and cumulative exams), our teachers are still delivering engaging and exciting experiences within their classrooms. Last week, Mr. Crane's 6th & 7th grade Science classes conducted frog dissections. They even pulled in our 4th grade students to be their assistants.

     The 8th graders wrapped up their Spanish class with a fun celebration. Throughout the year, Seniors from Maggie L. Walker Governor's School consistently came once a week and tutored our students in the Spanish language. During the last session, both classes came together and shared a meal inspired by different Spanish cultures. There was even a pinata!

     Our teachers and staff are working hard to provide fun and valuable lessons each day as we finish out another successful year at AJC.

Annual Spring Bash Recap

     Our annual Spring Bash took place on Saturday, May 4th, and it felt like the best one yet. Students, staff, graduates, families, and friends of the school all came together for an afternoon of wholesome fun.

     The event featured music from DJ Milli, a giant Hungry Hippos inflatable, and lively entertainment from 8th grader Malik Bruce in the dunk tank. As always, Poppa Bland and Brother James served up some delicious fried fish to keep us going. Kids of all ages enjoyed the many carnival games set up, and we raffled off some great prizes.

     Thanks to the efforts of many AJC parents, staff members, and volunteers, we ended up raising just over $1,000 for the school. A special thanks goes to AJC Connect for organizing the event and to Moran Reeves & Conn for being our main sponsor.

8th Grade & Graduate Reflections

     It is that time of year when our 8th graders begin to lay out more concrete plans for their first year of high school. As they approach graduation, they are reflecting on their time here at AJC. We sat down with some of them and asked the question, "What piece of AJC's culture do you hope to take with you as you enter high school?" Here are their responses:

     We also had the chance to catch up with graduate Teonne Smith (AJC Class of 2015) and learn what he is up to at this time. He just finished the basic electrical trade program at Job Corps and has moved on to overhead-line advanced training. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a journeyman electrician and work for a home builder's institute within the next five years. He says the bonds he made with AJC students and staff have stayed with him since graduation. AJC will always be a second home to him.

     We send warm wishes to all of our graduates, old and new, as we strive to be a second home for all who have come through our doors.

AJC Staff Accomplishments

     Our students aren't the only ones who are reaching educational milestones. Ms. Christa (School Counselor) recently defended her PhD dissertation. Once it is published, she will receive a degree conferral for a Doctorate of General Psychology.

     Mr. Crane (Science & English Teacher) graduated from the University of Richmond this past weekend with a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. 

    We are so proud of these incredible staff members and are happy to have them in the AJC family!