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From high school graduation at the beginning of June through this week, I have had the privilege of joining many end-of-the-year celebrations and ceremonies. Each is unique in its way, and each event marks a transition.

Last week, I attended the AAS Parent Coffee during which a group of brave 6th graders led a fascinating online safety presentation. These students are active social media users and have already seen some of the worst types of media and behavior online, primarily on Snapchat.

At the CEESA conference we hosted this year, some of our AAS students were invited to deliver keynotes to the group of educators attending. The three students chose to give advice to teachers: "Make connections with students outside the classroom," "Create an environment that allows for failure," and "Make learning fun."

It’s peak exam season at AAS! With final tests stacking up this month, students and parents alike are wondering: What's the secret to unlocking a perfect memory and pulling off top scores? Let’s talk about the science of remembering!

In my 30ish years working in education as a teaching assistant, teacher, principal, and director, I have worked in many schools. I have loved each school, but AAS stands apart. It is different because of the community.

Over back to back weekends, we were fortunate to host three CEESA volleyball tournaments that brought together schools from around the region, and between those sporting celebrations, we then also showcased TEDx, an Arts Exhibition, and an MS Dance.

Whether our students arrive from across the globe or transition from a neighboring school, their initial mastery of English often seems remarkably fast. Hearing a student chat effortlessly with friends, it is easy to assume they are already fully fluent.

Meet senior Kyrylo S., who recently was awarded the prestigious Margaret Sanders scholarship. Kyrylo is not only an academically strong student, but also a passionate dancer and a caring person, who is always ready to help the community.

Whether you watched live in the audience or via livestream, you must have been as impressed as I was by the talent on display during the CEESA MS Band/Strings/Choir music event last Saturday. One particular aspect that touched me—mentioned by one of the conductors—was the inter-generational nature of the experience.

My native language is Lithuanian—one of the oldest living languages in the world—and there is a certain young student in our elementary school with whom I share a special bond. Whenever we see each other, we greet one another in our native tongue and chat for a moment.