STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING—
these two priorities encapsulated our approach to the 2019-2020 school year. Charged by these new initiatives, our faculty sought new ways to inspire our students in their learning, and, as a community, we explored new ways to strengthen and grow our bonds with one another. We engaged in many new styles of instruction and held some fantastic events during the first eighth months of the year. As we ended spring break, however, we entered an unfamiliar world and saw the addition of two new phrases that would mark the 2019-2020 school year—COVID-19 and distance learning. With the closing of campus, we cancelled many end-ofyear events, including our beloved Olympics and Dads Club BBQ Cook-Off. We also saw the cancelling of many revenue-generating programs such as our Extended Day and Camp AOS programs. Fortunately, due to the generous support of our community through the Annual Fund, Book Fair and Spaghetti Dinner, and the Dads Club Golf Tournament and Sporting Clays, AOS weathered a difficult end to our year. I cannot adequately express how grateful I am that we were not only able to avoid any layoffs or furloughs, but we also continued with campus and curriculum improvements laid forth by our current strategic plan. These improvements include the installation of livestream capabilities, the purchase of new tables for the 6th-grade science room, and the buildout of a brand new middle school maker space and technology room due in large part to the incredible support of this year’s Annual Fund. Our families are our lifeline, and the best way I know how to demonstrate my gratitude for the incredible support we receive from them is to ensure that we educate the hearts and minds of our students. It is my honor and privilege to continue that work. Thank you, again, for sharing your gifts and for being a donor.
Dr. Samuel V. Fragomeni Head of School
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“
The best way I know how to demonstrate my gratitude
for the incredible support we receive... is to ensure
that we educate the hearts and minds of our students. - Dr. Samuel V. Fragomeni, Head of School
”
