Aviators Blog

On Tuesday, November 5, AVS families from both the Lower and Middle Schools came together for an evening of hands-on problem solving and mathematical discovery at Family Math Night.

Giving Tuesday is just around the corner—and we have some exciting news to share!

This year, every gift or pledge to the Alta Vista School Annual Fund made between now and Tuesday, December 2 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $75,000!

Our AVS community came together the morning of  Friday, October 24th to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with joy, music, and beautiful colors. MC’d by 5th graders Mira T., Meera C., and Zara, students from all grade levels helped tell the story of Diwali through narration, song, and instrumental performance. Dressed in vibrant traditional clothing, they brought the story to life with creativity and enthusiasm, filling the room with colorful light and learning.

What originally drew you to teaching middle school music?

I was always a musically inclined kid, but I really fell in love with it when I joined band in sixth grade. Slowly, my favorite core subjects started to become really tough, and I needed extra help just to stay on track—but I never needed that in band. I had learned how to practice, I knew how my instrument worked, and it was freeing to be able to learn new music on my own without needing a teacher or tutor for help.

In October, our 7th grade Spanish students hosted a Kermés for their 6th and 8th grade peers—a vibrant celebration of food, language, and culture. A Kermés is a traditional community festival popular across Latin America and Spain, often held in schoolyards or town plazas.

Alta Vista School was thrilled to welcome more than 100 prospective families to Aviator for a Day at our Lower School Campus—our signature open house event that celebrates the joy of STEAM learning.

This year’s Harvest Festival, organized by Danny Blumrich and the incredible team of faculty and staff, was a smashing success—thanks in large part to the extraordinary efforts of our Parent-Faculty Group (PFG) and the many volunteers who brought the event to life!

We’re excited to share some wonderful news from a beloved former member of our AVS community! Alek Barkats, who taught music at the Lower School campus for several years, has released a new children’s album—Extraordinarily Blue—a whimsical collection inspired by none other than the Moodish Players and the Mood Meter that have long been a part of AVS’s Friday Community Meetings.

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of The AVS Press Jr., our very first student-created newspaper!