19 Mar 2024

Superintendent's Office

  Dear ACS Community,

Last week was a wonderful week to see students excel in activities beyond the classroom.  We saw our middle school and high school students compete in both basketball and track & field as part of the Cougar Cup Competition.  This year we had ten different teams that joined us for different parts of the completion.  

In addition, many of our music students performed on the stage at the Hard Rock Cafe.  If you saw them, I'm sure that you were impressed like I was.  It was an emotional experience to watch these students bravely stand in the middle of the stage and share their talent with the community.  It was also a privilege to witness the incredible growth that the students have made in their music ability since our first concert at the end of the pandemic.  

Last week also was an exciting first for ACS.  We hosted what has been described as the first chess tournament at a Bolivian school where competitors were eligible to receive an official, internationally sanctioned ranking.  It was quite a site to behold, as the entire auditorium was packed with chess players deep in thought.  

Please be aware that to support preparations for the census, ACS will not have any in-person classes on Friday the 22nd of March.  We will have Elementary School Conferences, as these are not direct educational activities.  Secondary school teachers will send out more information about virtual work.  

Finally, please remember that the 25th to the 29th of March is a school break.

Have a great week ahead.

Yours,

Andrew


Estimada Comunidad de ACS,

La semana pasada fue una semana maravillosa para ver a nuestros alumnos sobresalir en actividades fuera del aula. Vimos a nuestros estudiantes de Secundaria competir tanto en baloncesto como en atletismo como parte de la competencia de la Copa Cougar. Este año tuvimos diez equipos diferentes que se unieron a nosotros en diferentes partes de la finalización.

Además, muchos de nuestros alumnos de música actuaron en el escenario del Hard Rock Café. Si los vieron, estoy seguro de que quedaron tan impresionados como yo.  Fue una experiencia emotiva ver a estos alumnos pararse valientemente en medio del escenario y compartir su talento con la comunidad. También fue un privilegio ver el increíble avance que los alumnos han logrado en su habilidad musical desde nuestro primer concierto al finalizar la pandemia.

Asimismo, la semana pasada fue una emocionante novedad para ACS. Organizamos lo que se ha denominado como el primer torneo de ajedrez en un colegio boliviano, donde los competidores eran elegibles para ser clasificados internacionalmente. Era algo digno de contemplar, ya que todo el auditorio estaba lleno de jugadores de ajedrez sumidos en pensamientos profundos.

Por favor, tengan en cuenta que para apoyar los preparativos para el censo, el ACS no tendrá clases presenciales el viernes 22 de marzo. Sí tendremos las Conferencias de Primaria, ya que estas no son actividades educativas directas. Los profesores de Secundaria enviarán mayor información sobre el trabajo virtual.

Finalmente, recuerden que del 25 al 29 de marzo tenemos receso escolar.

Que tengan una gran semana.

Atentamente,

Andrew

Urgent Action Items

 

  • 5 April, tuition is due
  • Fri. — No in-person classes at school
  • Fri. — ES Conferences
  • (Mar. 25-29) — NO SCHOOL
  • ACS Calendar

    • Wed – PD
    • Fri – END Q3
    • Mon – SPRING BREAK

    Elementary School


    Dear Elementary Parents,
    The last week before "Spring" break will be a busy one! We are completing final preparations for student-led conferences, and I know that your children will amaze you with their presentation skills, critical reflections, and goals for the coming quarter. 

    As a side note, I will be away from tomorrow through Friday. With Dr. Warren and several teachers, we will be attending the AMISA Educator's Conference in Asuncion, Paraguay. I will give a presentation, and Dr. Warren will give one too. Though conferences like this one, and the opportunity to present are special, I am reluctant to miss this exciting week here at school. 

    Student-Led Conferences: As you know, this Friday is a special opportunity for you to join a reflective and action-oriented meeting with your child. It's important for you to know a few things about these conferences:
    • Promote Independence: Allow your child to take the lead at the conference. Encourage them, and be an active listener and participant. Offer guidance and support as needed, but allow your child to take ownership of the conference. Help them set realistic goals and brainstorm strategies for improvement.
    • Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation to continue striving for success.
    • Attend with an Open Mind: Approach the conference with an open mind and a positive attitude. 
    • Focus on Growth: Emphasize the importance of growth and progress rather than just grades or outcomes. Encourage your child to learn from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

    A few more logistics about student-led conferences:

    • Your child must be present. Siblings are welcome to attend or can visit our library during conferences.
    • Our teachers will host several students at a time and will be present to encourage, assist, and answer brief questions. 
    • These conferences are celebratory and are not the time for conversations about social, emotional or academic concerns you may have about your child. However, your teacher will be standing by, prepared to schedule meetings for you to discuss your concerns at another convenient time.
    • 10-minute student-led conferences are also available for Specials (Art, Music, PE & Technology) and Spanish. There are optional, but children will be prepared for these presentations as well.

    Should you have any questions about student-led conferences, please do not hesitate to contact the front office.

    Thank you, as always, for reading - I wish you a bright and thought-provoking week ahead! I also wish you a lovely week of rest and relaxation next week. I look forward to seeing you all after Spring Break!

    Sincerely,

    Eric Crabtree
    Elementary Principal

     

    Learning & Teaching

    Dear MS Parents ~ Thank you so much to those of you who were able to join us in person or online last Monday. 

    For those who were unable to participate, please find a recording of the session here:

    https://youtu.be/4Hn13N8dgBM

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to Tim (tim.warren@acslp.org) or I (ann.peterson@acslp.org) with any questions or comments.

    Thanks again!