“It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”

– Meister Eckhart

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at AAS-Sofia!

I hope that you had a fun and fulfilling summer with family and friends. 

Schools are unique organizations in many ways. One of the best ways is that each August brings a new year. Whether you are new to AAS or beginning your 14th year at AAS (some families and staff have been here much longer than that), the 2026-27 school year is new. With it comes new opportunities for learning, making and growing friendships, trying something new, and more.

On August 13, we welcomed our new teachers to AAS. They have been learning about AAS and life in Sofia, as well as making new friends. 

On Monday, August 24, the AAS Board of Directors (including two new members) handed out ice cream and popsicles to our new students and their families at the New Family Orientation. Naturally, many new students were a bit nervous about joining a new school, and the ice cream certainly helped bring some more joy to that day. Welcome new students and families! 

On Wednesday, students finally returned to campus. I say finally, because the staff has been on campus for days, weeks, or all summer depending on their roles, and without students, it is just a campus–a beautiful campus to be sure - but not a school.

Students walked onto campus maybe carrying flowers for their teachers and teaching assistants; wearing new shoes or outfits; perhaps carrying new backpacks. They went into school with endless possibilities for an amazing year. It was an exciting day. 

That energy has continued through the week. This morning we had the first Parent Coffee of the year. It was the largest group of parents we have had for a Parent Coffee - thank you all for coming. This afternoon we had the traditional start-of-year whole school assembly and Flag Ceremony. Tomorrow (Saturday 11:00-14:00) is the PTO Back To School Barbecue - we hope to see you there!

Just as new opportunities can be exciting, they can also be scary. I met one student on Wednesday morning who was walking onto a new campus to begin at a new school where she didn’t know anyone or the language. I was amazed by her bravery. I saw her again today, and she gave me a thumbs up. 

As I shared at the Parent Coffee this morning, belonging is a prerequisite for learning. I hope that her thumbs up was because she is already feeling that she belongs at AAS.

We are here to help make this year the best it can be for you. If you want to connect with us about anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Whether you are new to AAS or have been here many years, I wish you the best for the 2026-27 school year!

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

– Winnie The Pooh