Aviators Blog

This Monday, the AVS Lower School hosted an energetic and educational community meeting, spotlighting an interactive presentation by Gautam Shah (4th-grade parent) and his daughter Arya on the science of staying healthy during germ season! 🦠🔬

At our recent Parent Education Night, teachers shared valuable insights into what it truly means for third graders to “know” their multiplication facts—and how parents can play a crucial role in reinforcing this learning at home. The session emphasized that understanding multiplication goes beyond memorizing facts; it’s about recognizing patterns, relationships, and using efficient problem-solving strategies.

At AVS, our Community Meetings are an opportunity to come together, share knowledge, and celebrate the incredible talents within our community. Last Monday was no exception, as AVS parent and data scientist Lauren Chircus, alongside their daughter Sasha, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation on Color Vision.

Last Friday, our first-grade students proudly waved their purple flags as they marched through the neighborhood for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

I grew up in Southern California, went to UCSD for undergrad, then moved to NYC to begin teaching special education with Teach for America in 2013. I relocated back to the best coast after 5 years in New York, and have been in teaching and school leadership roles across grades K-12 in San Francisco ever since. I was initially drawn to become a learning specialist because I was inspired to help create the conditions for all students to find meaning in their learning, build confidence in their ability to succeed, and ultimately develop into their own biggest advocates.

In a recent Learning Celebration, fifth-grade students showcased their creative works, culminating in a unit focused on poetry, writing, and self-expression. The unit centered on identity, encouraging students to explore their unique voices through writing. They experimented with different poetic forms and sensory-rich vignettes, inspired by playful prompts like "You can’t write a poem about ____" and mentor texts, including snippets of Sandra Cisneros’s The House on Mango Street.

Last Thursday evening, about 30 parents gathered for a lively and insightful discussion on parenting. The event was led by Susan Garrison, LS Dean of Students, and Joanne Cohen, our School Counselor, and it provided a supportive space for parents to share their experiences, strengths, and areas where they felt they could use some guidance. It was a great reminder of the power of community, as parents were encouraged to lean on one another for advice and support.

This past Tuesday afternoon, the AVS Middle School proudly hosted its Annual Humanities Expo, offering a captivating glimpse into the power and interdisciplinary nature of the school's STEAM curriculum. The event featured an array of student projects that celebrated the integration of the humanities with science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Our Middle School Arts Bonanza was a vibrant showcase of student talent across drama, music, and the visual arts! Families, friends, and community members enjoyed being immersed in creative expression, from theatrical performances and sound design experiments to visual art displays and live music.