PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER
VOL. 2024-2025, ISSUE 2
IB / AP results the spirit of giving
Looking Ahead: “Sustaining Excellence” Colloquium and Mid-Cycle Review – April 2026
Responsible AI Learning (RAIL)
NEW initiatives
New Scholarships
President’s Recognitions, Speaking Engagements and Professional Development (2024-2025)
acs.gr
From the president, Dr. Peggy Pelonis
Dear ACS Athens Community,
As we reflect on this academic year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the renewed energy, deepened commitment, and extraordinary spirit that define our school community. Across every corner of the campus, there is a palpable sense of purpose—our faculty, staff, and leadership have not only re-engaged with passion and optimism but have also doubled down on our shared mission: to shape capable, skillful individuals who are not only prepared for the future but positioned to improve life and living for others.
Among our many proud achievements this year, the extraordinary success of our graduating seniors shines brightest. These remarkable students earned admission to some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. and Europe, as well as institutions uniquely suited to their personal ambitions and dreams. Their IB results were nothing short of exceptional: a 100% pass rate, more than 30% of students scoring above 40, and a perfect score of 45 — a testament to their relentless dedication and academic excellence.
Our STEM programs soared, with standout performances in Math, Physics, and Chemistry that set new benchmarks of excellence. But the brilliance of our learners isn’t confined to the classroom — from Kindergarten through High School, our students consistently excelled on national and international stages, earning top honors in both academic and athletic competitions. This is the spirit of our community: driven, ambitious, and determined to lead.
We are witnessing the transformation of education into something vibrant, relevant, and deeply human. Our student-led start-ups, collaborative innovation, media lab projects, and expanding partnerships with universities and global organizations reflect more than academic ambition—they are tangible expressions of our goal to develop true problem solvers, future leaders, and Conscious Global Citizens. These are young people who think critically, act ethically,
and collaborate across cultures to address realworld challenges with creativity and courage.
In an environment enriched by over 60 nationalities, our students learn daily what it means to listen, adapt, and lead in a diverse, interconnected world. This multicultural experience is not just a backdrop—it is a powerful part of their formation. It prepares them to succeed wherever they go, equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but with empathy, resilience, and a global mindset. Amid the complexities and uncertainties of this past year, one truth has remained constant: the strength of our community lies in its people and their willingness to come together. Through strong collaboration and open, honest communication, we have moved forward with clarity and conviction. Our shared efforts—rooted in trust and guided by purpose, have created a cohesive environment where innovation, inclusion, and excellence thrive.
As demand for enrollment continues to rise, it’s clear that families recognize what makes our school distinct: a bold, values-driven education that prepares students not just for academic achievement, but for meaningful lives of contribution and leadership in a rapidly changing world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this vision, confident in our direction, and inspired by the limitless potential of our students.
Peggy Pelonis ACS Athens President
from the Board ChairPERSON, PASCAL APOSTOLIDES
Dear ACS Athens Community Members,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees (BoT), I would like to share a summary of our strategic activities and achievements over the past academic year and offer a perspective on the year ahead.
The 2024–2025 academic year was a resounding success. We saw record-high student applications reflecting our growing reputation, though space limitations did cap enrollment. Financially, a solid performance was delivered. The budget was managed efficiently and aligned with strategic objectives. Operations remained disciplined and focused, ensuring that resources were effectively allocated to support priorities and long-term goals.
This year also marked a significant milestone— we celebrated the school’s 80th Anniversary! Founded in 1945, over the decades ACS Athens has evolved into a premier international, private, non-profit institution grounded in the American educational philosophy, standards, and values. We are proud to have our accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) in the United States and to be considered a “Sustaining Excellence” School.
From a strategic and operational perspective, the BoT has updated the school’s five-year strategic plan. We have approved a modest expansion over the next five years, supported by a committed investment, while maintaining our dedication to financial independence. This plan is pending new city zoning regulations in Halandri and the surrounding areas.
We are continuing with many more facility renovations this summer, such as the structural fortification of the Elementary School, the reorganization of the business office layout, and much more in order to better serve our community.
There have also been changes to the composition of the BoT. Two parent
representatives— Ms. Eleni Aravanis, BoT Secretary, and Ms. Tina Stathopoulou, BoT Member— stepped down following the graduation of their children from ACS Athens. I sincerely thank them for their invaluable contributions. We are pleased to share that both will continue serving the school as members of the ACS Athens Advisory Council. We warmly welcome two new parent representatives to the Board: Mr. George Stassis and Ms. Ada Gianneskis, both of whom bring exceptional professional backgrounds and a strong commitment to supporting ACS Athens. Additionally, we welcome a new appointee from the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Jay Raman, who will be replacing Ms. Kristin Roberts following the successful completion of her tenure in Greece and her meaningful contributions to our school over the past three years. Finally, Ms. Irene Hayes will assume the position of Board Secretary on the Executive Committee.
As part of our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, we are pleased to announce that we will host a Colloquium in April 2026. Representatives of the Middle States Association (MSA) will be visiting our campus as part of the accreditation process, to see firsthand the meaningful progress made and reaffirm our shared commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence. Our faculty, staff and administration will be showcasing the results of their comprehensive research and self-study efforts at that time.
In closing, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the ACS Athens President, faculty, administrators, and staff for their outstanding work, dedication, and continuous commitment. I look forward to an even more exciting and successful academic year ahead.
Until then, I wish all members of the ACS Athens community a relaxing and enjoyable summer.
Best Regards,
Pascal Apostolides Chairperson, ACS Athens Board of Trustees
SENIOR WALKTHROUGH
As seniors took their final walk through the halls, memories surrounded them—laughter, growth, and all the moments in between. Hand in hand with bright-eyed first graders, they marked both a beginning and an end. It was a full-circle moment—heartfelt and hopeful— filled with smiles, hugs, and a few tears. Grateful for the journey behind them, they looked ahead with courage and possibility..
2025 Commencement Ceremony
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on June 20, 2025, marked an unforgettable evening of joy, pride, and heartfelt celebration. Graduates crossed the stage with confidence and excitement as their families and friends looked on with immense pride.
The evening commenced as Dr. Peggy Pelonis emphasized the interconnection between success and failure. Following was a heartfelt message by the Board Chairperson, Pascal Apostolides. The evening’s Honorary Speaker, Chargé d’Affaires Maria Olson—also a proud parent of a graduating senior—delivered an inspiring address filled with wisdom and encouragement. The Commencement Speaker, Mr. Michail Bletsas, Governor, National Cybersecurity Authority, Greece, and Research Scientist, Director of Computing MIT Media Lab, captivated the audience with his speech that skillfully emphasized the need for students being life-long learners in a rapidly changing world, using AI and ever changing technology while always keeping in mind the human factor. Finally, Dr. Harry Leonardatos, Academy Principal, addressed the class and announced the new graduates. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Salutatorian Seoyoung Yoon and Valedictorian Denis Romain
8th Grade PromotionAL Ceremony
Congratulations to our 8th graders for successfully completing Middle School and moving up to Academy! Principal Embrock was honored to welcome Dr. Anthony Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation, as our guest speaker for this important milestone in their academic journey.
5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
At the 5th grade Step-Up Ceremony, students looked ahead with excitement to Middle School—new classes, teachers, activities, and challenges. The highlight for many: their very own lockers, a symbol of growing independence and the exciting journey to come.
Kindergarten Step-UP
Eager young graduates, beamed with happiness, ready to take their next big step into first grade. Behind them stood teary-eyed parents, teachers and guardians, full of love, pride, and a touch of nostalgia.
Youth To Youth Commencement
On May 17, 2025, ACS Athens students, young people from The HOME Project, and faculty celebrated the ninth year of the Youth to Youth Educational and Integration programs, reflecting on the significant impact on their lives.
On April 26, 2025, ACS Athens and The HOME Project hosted a roundtable discussion titled “Advancing Education through Integration.” Philanthropist, Mr. Ed Shapiro, Managing Trustee of the Shapiro Foundation, and representatives from local private schools, shared their experiences with similar programs and discussed future initiatives. During the discussion, Mr. Shapiro confirmed that he would continue sponsoring scholarships for two students from the HOME Project to attend ACS Athens.
Empowering Students as Conscious Citizens
Our BASE (Bonding, Academic Support, Service, and Excellence) program continues to play a central role in shaping Middle School culture. It supports students in academic growth, health and wellness—including social-emotional learning— Approaches To Learning (ATL) skills development, and character education. At times, BASE lessons extended into our Flex period, reinforcing key learning objectives. While the program continues to evolve, it remains a strong foundation for student development.
This year, 7th Grade students integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into Science Fair and Greek Language projects, deepening global awareness through interdisciplinary learning.
Additionally, disability awareness lessons, assemblies, and service field trips provided meaningful opportunities for students to engage with the community and practice Conscious Citizenship. These experiences continue to foster empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility in our students.
The Spirit of Giving
Over the past year something quietly powerful has unfolded across our campus: students are giving of themselves, not for recognition or praise, but because they genuinely want to uplift others.
In partnership with the PTO, the IB student council and the 10th grade student council collected food, clothing, and toys for families supported by the Municipality of Halandri and the Koinoniko Pantopoleio in the winter and spring of this school year. Their actions came from a place of care and kindness. With thoughtfulness and intention, they united to meet real needs, one generous act at a time.
What touches us most isn’t just the act of giving itself, but the purpose behind it. Through these choices, our students are showing who they’re becoming: caring, thoughtful, and responsible individuals who recognize their power to make a difference. They’re stepping into the world not just as learners, but as compassionate humans, aware, engaged, and committed to something bigger than themselves.
This kind of growth can’t be measured by grades or test scores. It’s the quiet strength of character, the shining light of empathy, and the courage to care that truly define it.
To everyone who guides, models, and nurtures this spirit of giving:
Thank you. Your impact goes far beyond what words can express.
PTO Donation
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the PTO graciously donated € 20,000 for air conditioning, which will add to the amount already allocated for this purpose. Many thanks to the PTO for their dedication and hard work to support the school and its initiatives in so many ways!
Strategic Planning Looking Ahead: “Sustaining Excellence” Colloquium and Mid-Cycle
In March 2025, a comprehensive Strategic Planning meeting was held that engaged a broad cross-section of our school community, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and members of the Board. This collaborative process ensured that our strategic vision remains responsive to the evolving needs and priorities of our learning community.
Review – April 2026
The Colloquium will take place in April 2026. The Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) will visit our campus and witness our evolving educational practices via our comprehensive research study. This important event will also serve as our formal mid-cycle review, a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to institutional growth and academic excellence.
Preparation for this event is already well underway. Faculty, staff, and administrators are engaged in a structured and strategic process that ensures a meaningful and successful review. This proactive approach is critical to maintaining our high standards and positioning our school as a leader in innovative and impactful education. As part of the “Sustaining Excellence” Accreditation process, this is a “stamp of approval” signifying that our institution or programs meet established standards of quality.
A colloquium is a formal academic gathering that brings together individuals with deep interest and expertise in a shared area of study. Over the course of several days, our faculty, staff, and students will showcase their research and learning through presentations, workshops, poster sessions, panel discussions, and more. These presentations will highlight collaborative research and professional development efforts that keep our school at the forefront of educational best practices.
We are proud to extend invitations to parents, educators, higher education representatives, and industry partners. Your participation enriches the experience and reinforces the strong partnerships that support our students’ learning journey. This event not only celebrates the collective efforts of our school community but also reflects our shared commitment to academic rigor and innovation.
Responsible AI Learning (RAIL) Initiative advancement, completing the second of six modules in pursuit of certification under the RAIL Program with MSA
As part of our ongoing innovation agenda, ACS Athens has completed the second of six modules in the Responsible AI Learning (RAIL) certification program with the Middle States Association (MSA) in 2025. We are proud to be among the first schools globally to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. MSA has provided highly positive feedback, recognizing ACS Athens as a model institution and highlighting our leadership in shaping and strengthening the RAIL certification process.
Enhancing Student Support Services
To better support our students’ evolving needs, we expanded our team by adding a part-time psychologist, a third nurse, and a part-time counselor for the Elementary School.
Looking ahead, the Counseling Department will be restructured into two distinct areas: Academic/ Guidance Counseling and Wellness/SocialEmotional Support. This strategic change will allow for more targeted and effective support in both areas.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, ACS Athens’ HR and Professional Development departments have launched a dynamic set of initiatives focused on strengthening talent acquisition, employee growth, compliance, operational excellence, and culture building.
Partnership for Student Success
This initiative was established to address parents’ and educators’ collective interest in the well-being and development of students. The following four sessions took place this academic year:
• Partnership for Student Success Session # 1: Self-Harm and Safety: A Conversation We Need to Have with Manos Kougioumzoglou (ACS Athens School Psychologist) - January 28, 2025
• Partnership for Student Success Session # 2: Making Wise and Informed Media Choices for Children with Judith Wides (Director of Counseling and Family Support at the National Child Research Center Preschool (NCRC) in Washington, DC) - March 17, 2025
• Partnership for Student Success Session # 3: Calm Centered Parenting: Everyday Strategies for Stress-Free Living with Allison Simpson (Mindset ArchitectTM- March 28, 2025
• Partnership for Student Success Session # 4: Online Adolescence: Addiction or New Normality? with Dr. Lillian Markak, Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst - May 22, 2025
Learning Resources & Tools
• Comprehensive Curriculum Integration: Subjects such as Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ESL, and Foreign Languages are supported with robust resources.
• Digital Tools Used:
AI & EdTech: ChatGPT, Quizlet, EdPuzzle, IXL, Duolingo, etc., used to personalize and enhance student learning.
Interactive Platforms: Kahoot!, BrainPOP, Raz Kids, Blooket, Canva, and Minecraft foster engagement and creativity.
Driving Operational Excellence Through Process Optimization
Strategic collaboration across the Business Office, Bookstore, Procurement Office, and IT Department has resulted in major improvements to our purchasing and resource management systems. Outdated, manual processes—such as book ordering—have been replaced with efficient, digital workflows for acquiring textbooks, technology, and essential supplies.
These enhancements have not only accelerated procurement timelines, but also ensured that all departments receive the tools they need promptly and reliably. The result: greater operational efficiency, reduced delays, and stronger support for teaching and learning across the institution.
Math Competitions & Enrichment
• Encouraging Passion for Math:
ï Mathematical Olympiads (Grades 4–5): 23 students participated, developing logic and problem-solving.
ï Kangaroo Math (Grades 2–5): 44 students competed in this international event.
ï Math Circles: (Grades 2-5): 27 students participated. This program prepares students for competitions through collaborative mathematical exploration.
• Skills Focus: Competitions enhance creativity, analytical thinking, and persistence in solving complex problems.
New Initiatives
• Elementary Innovation Lab
• PIT (Personalized Innovation Tracks): Aimed for students who are highly motivated, challenge driven and passionate.
• Piloted with high-achieving students in Grades 2 and 5.
• Students plan, design, and implement real-world projects across disciplines (STEAM focus).
• Emphasis on mentorship, feedback, and showcasing final products to the community.
• Elementary Media Studio
• Creative Communication Hub
ï Students explore storytelling through videos, photography, poetry, and journalism.
ï Encourages artistic expression and digital literacy.
ï Sample themes include environmental advocacy, sports reporting, and school life documentation.
Innovation
Student-led start-up projects, collaborative work in our innovation and Media Labs, and expanding partnerships with universities and external organizations are central to our mission of equipping students with the skills and mindsets they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. These projects are already having a visible impact on student engagement, creativity, and leadership.
Middle School Engineers Week
The Engineers Week was organized at the ACS Athens Middle School this year. Seven guest speakers - engineers and parents of our community visited our middle school math classes, and exhibited the connection between their field and mathematics. The initiative aims to increase student curiosity and motivation for learning.
Additional Projects
Elementary
Revamped engineering curriculum and EPIC (Empowering Personalized Innovation & Curiosity) program, evolving from PIT.
Middle School
Engineering with Python and Architecture added in Year 2.
High School
VR Classroom and VR Masterclass, in addition to CanSat (aerospace engineering) and ACS Open (innovation and entrepreneurship).
These offerings support diverse interests, including STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math), entrepreneurship, environmental innovation, and technology.
The Innovation Lab provides hands-on learning for all age groups.
Engineering activities now include hands-on building and coding projects from kindergarten to Grade 5, enhancing early exposure to innovation. Programs such as ACS Open, Sewing for Purpose, Formula 1, and Biomimicry in Middle School showcase interdisciplinary and project-based learning.
Middle Schooler Gloria Kurantowicz launches a new hydroponic initiative, combining technology and gardening to teach Elementary students about innovative growing methods.
Fotini Vonatsou, founder at ACS Open, leads a multidisciplinary team of students to develop an AI-powered trash bin that detects and categorizes waste, which is presented to the Recycling Club to explore future collaboration.
High School’s ACS Open and independent student projects empower students to design and lead their learning journey. VR Classroom and Masterclasses: Adopted to enhance retention and immersive learning, with student interest significantly growing (from 7 to 119 participants).
CanSat Program (in partnership with the European Space Agency) includes real-world space tech applications.
Use of MIT Scratch and Python (in engineering) in Elementary and Middle School integrates technology from early grades.
Partnerships with European Space Agency (CanSat), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and various NGOs/institutions.
Collaboration with industry and external mentors through ACS Open (Innovation & Entrepreneurship incubator).
Biomimicry, Architecture, and Engineering programs link academic learning to real-world challenges.
Sewing for Purpose Club members craft handmade emotional support vegetables, blending creativity and care to support student well-being through the Counseling Office.
Middle Schooler Gloria Kurantowicz launches a new hydroponic initiative, combining technology and gardening to teach Elementary students about innovative growing methods.
Grade 10 Astronomy students explore the wonders of the universe through immersive VR experiences, deepening engagement and boosting information retention.
8th Innovation Summit
Aim: Student run initiative designed to create learning research-based projects they’re passionate about to peers and presenters.
Workshop topics included:
-3D Painting
Idea Factory Automata
Cybersecurity
Fashion Sketching
History & Humans
The Criminal Mind
Lemon Robotics
Linguistics
Plastic Bottle Waste
Post-Prison Realities
Robotics in Space
UN in Action
Media Indifference
The Butterfly Effect
Tech Revolutions
Stress Mngmt & Mindfulness
Space
Social Media & Dopamine
Mastering Persuasion
Machine Learning, 20.
2nd Media Literacy Festival
The 2nd Media Literacy Festival was held the week of March 17, with activities for the entire Elementary School in the new media space of the ES library, and panels for our 10th grade and the entire community in the Theater. Nineteen expert panelists on 7 panels came to talk with students, parents and guests on topics about Media Literacy, AI in education and career mentoring.
Commencements
Middle School Graduation and Academy Commencement ceremonies were live-streamed with live commentary (by Dr. Julie Crain and John Papadakis) for the first time through the Media Studio control room, instead of the Theater, adding more technical possibilities and features to the highlight events of the year with over 1500 live viewers.
Internship with ACG-Deree on Accessibility
Another key highlight was a groundbreaking internship project in collaboration with ACG-Deree, which ran from January to June. Led by ACS Athens Media Studio and alumna Maria Palios, the project focused on transforming two documentaries into pictograms— an innovative accessibility initiative designed to support neurodiverse individuals. This pioneering effort is believed to be the first of its kind worldwide and positions the ACS Athens Media Studio at the forefront of inclusive media production, paving the way for future projects in this important field.
Summer Camp 2025
Summer Camp entered the Media Studio for the first time with video and audio recording and production activities. More than 80 students aged 11-14 participated in these activities in the span of 2 weeks, with expert instruction and guidance by Media Studio staff producer Vana Alexopoulou.
President’s Recognitions, Speaking Engagements
and Professional Development (2024-2025)
• Book publication: Igniting Excellence in Faculty Development at International Schools; Beyond Borders. Published by Palgrave Mcmillan.
• Serves as Chair-elect on the Commission of the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Involved in the strategic planning of MSA as well as in planning school visits internationally.
• Re- elected to the Board of Trustees of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS)
• Serves on the Am Cham Educational Committee.
• Featured in newspaper Kathimerini for transformative education.
• Participated in the AAIE conference in New York, February 2025
• A feature article prepared by Dr. Pelonis in “Education Leaders”, appeared in the special insert on the changing educational landscape in Greece that was included in the BHMA Sunday newspaper on June 29, 2025.
Book publication: Igniting Excellence in Faculty Development at International Schools;
Dr. Peggy Pelonis’ vision for ACS Athens was published in Business Partners, the Magazine of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.
• Led a workshop ”Coping with Change” for 26 International Heads of Schools sponsored by NESA
• The President’s edition Podcast with invited speakers discussing education, leadership, innovation and more. We were honored to have Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa, planetary scientist and educator, visit ACS Athens in February of 2025 and participate in this initiative.
• Interviewed on the show “Ανάδειξέ
(Showcase It) and discussed key topics in educational leadership, while proudly highlighting ACS Athens.
• Participated in a panel regarding Media Literacy, organized at ACS Athens.
• Received award from the Daughters of Penelope - Promachos Athena Chapter 410, for Educational Leadership.
Volunteer Thank You CELEBRATION Spring Festival
The President and ACS Athens Administration hosted the Volunteer Thank You Celebration, in recognition of the PTO and the many dedicated volunteers who made a difference in our community this year. It was a heartfelt reminder of the power of community involvement and how deeply thankful we are for those who give their time and energy to support our schools.
Yet another successful ACS Athens PTO Spring Festival took place on Saturday, May 24th where our community came together to celebrate the vibrant, multi-cultural spirit that defines our community. From live music and dynamic cultural performances to an international food court showcasing food from across the globe, the event was unforgettable. As we continue to celebrate our 80th year in providing educational excellence to thousands of students over the years, this event continues to embody the values at the heart of our community: global citizenship, inclusion and joyful learning, with care.
New Scholarships
We are happy to announce a new, three year full tuition scholarship for a student athlete to attend ACS Athens in high school sponsored by the Hellenic-American Foundation of St. Louis. This initiative was facilitated by Board of Trustees member, Tassos Kaburakis.
The Academic Scholarship in memory of Christos M. Perakis, a cherished member of our community whose legacy touched many individuals around the world, honors him by providing financial support to a student who exemplifies the values and qualities defined by this individual. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/perakis-scholarship
Athletics
Competitive Sports:
26 Teams in total
4 NEW Middle School teams added this year due to need
• Fall season participation: 59 Middle School, 160 Academy
• Winter season participation: 63 Middle School, 62 Academy
• Spring season participation: 62 Middle School, 49 Academy
• 289 “unique” student athletes through the year Team Accomplishments
• VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER (Hague) - ISAA Champions
• VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (Eindhoven) - ISAA 2nd Place
• VARSITY BOYS VOLLEYBALL (Vienna)- ISAA 3rd Place
• CROSS COUNTRY: (in Athens) - ISAA - JV Boys: 1st Place; JV Girls: 3rd Place
• VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL (Valencia) - ISAA Champions
• VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL (Valencia) - ISAA 2nd Place
• SWIMMING (in Athens) - ISAA - JV Boys: 1st Place ; Varsity Boys: 1st Place; Varsity Girls: 2nd Place
The school year culminated in a fantabulous sports celebration for Middle School and an amazing sports banquet for Academy athletes, families and educators.
This year’s summer camp ran for just two weeks—from June 23 to July 4—shorter than usual due to campus construction, but it was still full of energy, creativity, and community spirit. Campers had 26 activities to choose from, including exciting new options like fencing and a fully equipped media studio. Longtime favorites such as LEGO building, swimming, and American Games remained big hits. Interest was so high that registration closed a month early, and we welcomed a total of 558 campers—482 in the first week and 452 in the second. Young children aged 4-14 joined us from ACS Athens, other educational institutions in Athens, as well as from other countries!
Behind the scenes, 66 staff members (75% from ACS Athens and 7% alumni) kept everything running smoothly, supported by 74 enthusiastic volunteers—including 58 current ACS Athens students. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to give back, build leadership skills, and be part of something truly special.
Coaches Clinic Summer Camp
A Celebrated Chapter Closes: Honoring a Legacy of Basketball Excellence This year marked the powerful conclusion of a long-standing and meaningful Basketball Clinic tradition at ACS Athens. The final clinic was truly memorable, featuring the participation of three distinguished coaches: Kostas Papadopoulos, National Youth Coach of Greece; Ritchie McKay, Head Coach at Liberty University; and Tony Bennett, 2019 NCAA Champion and Head Coach at the University of Virginia. Their presence and leadership brought inspiration, excellence, and a fitting tribute to the legacy of this exceptional program.
Facility upgrades
(Currently taking place)
• Installation of new Central Air Conditioning in all Elementary School classrooms.
• Complete the second phase of the Elementary School Structural Reinforcement.
• Install new protective guard rails in all floors of the Elementary building balconies.
• Total Renovation of Academy Science Lab Room 101.
• Renovation of half of the Administration building’s second floor, to create more functional space.
• Replacement of linoleum flooring with suitable granite tiles at the Sabbagh main Library’s entrance floor.
• Expansion of ACS’s Innovation Lab in Learning Commons Sabbagh Library.
• Installation of new basketball wooden parquet flooring in the closed Gym.
• Installation of a new Dehumidifier machine to support the whole swimming pool building.
• Renovation of exterior walls with new plastering and paints at misc. buildings.
• Replacement of the teachers’ desktop PC computers in all 95 classrooms, schoolwide.
• Replacement of misc. older main electric panels.
• Installation of 15 Interactive Display Panels in High School. New technology that replaces LCD Projectors & Interactive Boards.
• Purchase of two Owl Cameras for use in teleconferencing with virtual and physical participants.
Notable Maintenance Work:
• Restoration and extension of the lightning protection installation (to include the new solar panels).
• Ventilation installation in the pool’s boiler room.
• Study for a proper ventilation system for the Learning Commons offices.
• Fire Fighting system maintenance and proactive legionella water treatment.
• Fire detection system upgrade with the installation of new fire-resistant wiring.
• Repairs on corroded irrigation piping.
• Repairs on various corroded heating and water supply pipelines.
• Order of a main water circulating pump for the 7 ton chiller.
• Defective or malfunctioning sewage lines investigation using a camera, to determine further action.
• Cleaning, organizing, and tidying up the heating and pool machinery rooms.
• Signage on Kazantzaki public street towards the school’s main entrance to notify drivers to reduce speed.
• Anniversary banner for the school’s 80th anniversary, installed to be visible from the main entrance.
Technology/ Infrastructure Updates
Audio Visual
• Replaced 15 projectors with more interactive display panels, enhancing visual quality for instruction.
• Two Video conferencing OWL 3 Information Technology
Computer Hardware Upgrades involved replacing desktop computers in classrooms.
• 95 new Dell OptiPlex SFF 7020 desktop computers.
• CISCO Call Center Annual License and Support Subscription for our main telephone system.
• Recognizing the increasing role of AI in our lives, we are modernizing our learning ecosystem. This involves transitioning our student information system from Skyward to PowerSchool and our learning management system from Moodle to Schoology, which is integrated with PowerSchool. Our target launch for these upgrades is September 2026.
Fueling Our Future Through Giving
This year marked meaningful growth for our Development Office, working in close partnership with a passionate Fundraising Committee. Together, we laid the groundwork for a lasting and sustainable fundraising strategy to support the school’s long-term vision.
Highlights included launching a streamlined online donation platform—accessible via the ACS Athens and ACS Global Alumni websites—and leading major initiatives like the
successful Name a Seat campaign, the unforgettable 80-Year Celebration Gala, as well as several community and alumni engagement events. These collective efforts have deepened connections with our global alumni and increased donor participation, opening new pathways for ongoing support for the school’s initiatives.
Expanding Alumni Impact Through Mentorship and Networking
The ACS Athens Global Alumni Platform is thriving as a dynamic hub for professional networking, mentorship, and career development. Designed to connect alumni worldwide and foster relationships with current students, the platform supports internships, job placements, and cross-industry collaboration.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, various alumni events, including the 30-year reunion of the Class of 1995, the 20-
year reunion of the Class of 2005, the 2025 Alumni Insight Session, and Career Day brought our community together to celebrate success stories and explore meaningful ways to give back to ACS Athens through mentorship, internship, and shared opportunities for both students and alumni.
The Global Advisory Council, composed of accomplished alumni from around the world, continues to guide our engagement efforts and expand our global professional network.
