NOVEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AJC! We’re grateful for YOU and for the part you play in every story we share. It’s your generosity—of time, gifts, and spirit—that brings our mission to life, allows us to deepen our commitment to students and their families, and reminds us how connected we all are in this life-giving work.

Kinship & Connection

At our recent annual Donuts and Grownups event, where Principal Gilliam invited students to give a 'shout out' for their parents, you could absolutely feel the pride and joy in our gym. What a beautiful thing. A couple weeks later, at our third Parent-Staff Social, a hilarious mock Family Feud hosted by our Outpatient Therapist, TaQuisha Bell, aka 'Steve Harvey', had us all cracking up.

These moments remind us of what Father Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries (the largest gang-intervention program in the world), calls 'kinship' -- a community of belonging so mutually uplifting that "God might recognize it."

Kinship has a way of showing up with donuts and game nights, while cheering together at basketball games, or working together during student conferences — a reminder that there’s no secret recipe for the simple moments that bring us closer together.

We had a full house at Donuts and Grownups

Parent-Staff Social crew

Family Feud in action!

Beyond the Bell

This school year, about 20 third and fourth graders are taking part in an after-school program twice a week, created by Lower School teachers Stephanie Turner and Tamara Johnson. Each session begins with homework and a little chill time—plus a healthy snack—before jumping into engaging group activities designed to strengthen key skills like reading comprehension. Their commitment to their students is truly remarkable. Ms. Turner and Ms. Johnson go above and beyond—and even offer rides home—making sure nothing stands in the way of students participating.

Powerful Partnership:

Richmond Cycling Corp

Richmond Cycling Corps (RCC) has powered our middle school Biking elective for as long as we can remember. Program Director Matt Kuhn says he “just loves being with the kids”—and it's easy to see as he shows up each week to teach, mentor, and ride with our students.

Never been on a bike? No problem. Matt and his team meet kids where they are--staying back to teach a student how to pedal before venturing out. And if that doesn’t do the trick, they hop on the back of a tandem bike.

For students like 7th-grader Jalen, pictured above, the class has been especially meaningful. He learned how to ride a bike at nine, cruising around Church Hill, Libbie Hill, and Fulton with friends who “just wanted to stay out of trouble.” He loves trying tricks—wheelies and jumps—and spending time with Mr. Matt, who he’s known for four years. Programs like RCC—and mentors like Matt, who show up week after week—create lasting connections and uplifting experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

The mission of Richmond Cycling Corps is to educate and empower the lives of Richmond youth living in the heart of the East End by constantly pivoting towards relevant outreach.

Learn More: Visit RCC's website here.

Meet Our House Presidents

Janiyah P. (Ndoto)

Zyanae B. (Heshima)

Zy'Quis W. (Tayari)

Juelz N. (Bora)

Congrats to our new Middle School House Presidents: Janiyah, Zyanae, Zy’Quis, and Juelz! These standout 8th grade students were elected by their peers to help steer student decisions—like Spirit Week themes—and lead their Houses during competitions and team challenges.

Our four "Houses" are teams of K-8 students, teachers, and staff, whose names reflect our Pride motto using words borrowed from Swahili—Ndoto (I have a Dream), Heshima (I show Respect), Tayari (I am Prepared), and Bora (I will Excel). Our House system allows kids to earn points through shout-outs, perfect attendance, team competitions, and all the everyday ways they strengthen our school community.

Janiyah, Zyanae, Zy'Quis, and Juelz show off their House President swag!

Grad Spotlight:

Ja'Mean Tucker, Class of 2014

Ja'Mean Tucker, AJC Class of 2014, recently stopped by on his way to a big moment — a proposal to a local HVAC company about a trade program to open doors for young people like him. It’s a vision Ja'Mean hopes will strengthen opportunities in his own community.

On the morning of his pitch, there were lots of nerves and excitement. He practiced his presentation on Principal Gilliam, who offered helpful tips: slow down, breathe, glance at your notes, but most importantly, speak from your heart.

Once he found his rhythm, his quiet resolve and bright smile carried him forward. He says the proposal went well and interest meetings have been encouraging: 60 youth have already requested information about how to apply to the program.

We’re proud of Ja’Mean for taking initiative to open doors for others—a ripple effect we always knew was possible.

Third Grade Voices: I'm thankful for...

"I'm thankful for my mom and dad and sister. They take care of me when I don't feel good." - Curtis

"...Mrs. Wean because she encourages me to be my best." - DJ

"...my grandma because she takes care of me when my mom is at work." - My'ionna

"...my mom because she loves me and she makes me pancakes." -David

"...Anna Julia Cooper School because they cheer us up and make us feel like we're in a safe zone." - Isoke

Leveling Up Middle School Math

5th and 6th-grade math teachers John Szymendera and Myrtle Thaxton recently attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), where they explored topics such as trauma-informed math instruction, building safety and curiosity in the classroom, fostering student agency, and understanding the mathematical experiences of Black children. Beyond expanding their toolkit to help kids build fundamental math skills, they learned strategies to empower our students to see math as meaningful and relevant—approaches we believe will go a long way in boosting math achievement.

A First For Virginia

AJC is proud to be the first (and only) school in Virginia to receive a grant from the Drexel Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that “neither income nor zip code is a barrier to educational opportunity.”

The Drexel Fund’s mission is to support the creation and growth of pioneering private schools, nationwide, for underserved students. In September, we were thrilled to receive a three-year funding commitment to support our Lower School expansion, which aims to double student capacity in K-5th grades.

Last month, Lower School Principal, Micheal Crane, attended the Drexel Fund’s Annual Convening in Atlanta, joining leaders from sixty-three schools across fifteen states, engaging in peer-to-peer roundtable discussions, and making meaningful connections with like-minded independent schools.

National grant opportunities can feel like a long shot for a small neighborhood school like ours; however, support from the Drexel Fund has encouraged us to reach for the stars. If you hear of regional or national initiatives that might be a good fit, you can help by reaching out to our Grants Manager, Krissi Morley, at morleyk@ajcschool.org.

A LOOK AHEAD