ETHOS SPRING 2014
by Stelios Kalogridakis, Academy Counselor Yoga for wellness In the course of this year’s Wellness Month activities, we had the honor to welcome once again Dr. Kostas Chrysikakis. This is the second year that Dr. Chrysikakis gave us the honor to present to our students. A renowned sports psychologist, nutritionist, personal growth coach, and certified yoga instructor, Dr. Chrysikakis met this year with not only all of our student athletes, but as well as two Physical Education classes, 10th and 11th grade advisory classes, and Mrs. Kassem’s 10th grade Chemistry class. Similar to last year, students were gathered at the gym and were able to do some yoga exercises w/ breathing; the lecture was titled, “Body, mind & spirit: The elements of success,” followed by a relaxation technique at the end. It was a resounding success, with over 75 student-athletes and students attending the event. Students were presented with some theory on healthy choices and the strengths of healthy living, followed by a group yoga instruction for all to participate in. Footage of this event will be available soon for all to see. by Zaharo Hilentzaris, Elementary School Counselor Healthy choices Ms. Zaharo Hilentzaris, the Elementary School Counselor, spoke to JK-5th grade classes about safety in regards to strangers, medicine, healthy eating, drinking, exercising, physical and oral hygiene. In addition all grades learned the importance of taking care and expressing their minds, thoughts and feelings. Respecting differences, tolerance and conflict resolutions were hot topics this year as great importance was placed on how we can care and be kind to our peers. Dr. Alessandra Sax, JK-12 Counseling Psychologist also joined Ms. Hilentzaris in teaching the 4th and 5th grade about healthy hygiene. The 5th graders also learned about sexual development with the help of Dr. Sax, Ms. Cathy Makropoulos, the Elementary School Principal, Ms. Hilentzaris and Ms. Cynthia Ouaijan, JK-12 Counseling Assistant. by Anna Makris, Academy Advisory Counselor Yoga Stops Traffic On Friday, April 4th, students grabbed their mats for a day of Yoga with Mrs. Sharka Furda, a certified Yin Yoga and Vinyasa flow style teacher. She led high school students, Faculty, Staff and parents in over 100 sun-salutations in order to raise awareness for the Indian anti-trafficking charity Odanadi. Each year, thousands of yoga practitioners from around the world come together for one day in order to raise awareness and financial support for this common cause. Throughout the school day, ACS students were delighted to participate in a day of Yoga, connect with each other and exercise their mind, body and soul. Faculty, Staff and parents joined Mrs. Furda after school for a relaxing, yet challenging, experience, where they were able to release their stress and worries from a long day.