State of the School: Looking Ahead with Excitement!
Last Thursday, the AVS community came together for our annual State of the School event—a night filled with reflection, vision, and exciting updates about our future. Head of School Rob Cousins, Senior Leadership Team members, and Board of Trustees President Mary Szczepanik took us through key highlights, including AVS’s strategic direction, recent achievements, and major initiatives like our Unified Campus Campaign.
Adding to the fun, the presentation was sprinkled with AVS trivia, keeping everyone engaged (and laughing!) throughout the night.
Strategic Growth & STEAM Innovation
Our Division Heads, Katie Gibbons (Lower School) and Dr. Liz Davis (Middle School), shared how AVS continues to strengthen its commitment to STEAM education. Plans are in motion to enhance collaboration across disciplines, provide faculty with professional development, and align curriculum with research-based best practices. A dedicated STEAM committee is leading efforts to unify our approach across both campuses, ensuring students develop essential skills for an ever-evolving world.
Advancement Update: The Power of Community
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our AVS families, the Annual Fund has already raised an impressive $885,479 (and counting!) this year! These contributions support tuition assistance (benefiting 20% of our families) and exciting campus enhancements—including a new greenhouse and laser cutter. And, It’s never too late to give - the campaign will remain open until June.
We’re also gearing up for our Spring Community Celebration—a night of fun, fundraising, and AVS magic! Proceeds will fund much-needed technology upgrades, including new projectors, live-streaming equipment, and student devices. Mark your calendars for April 26!
Head of School Transition & Leadership Updates
Now fully settled into his first year, Rob Cousins reflected on his journey as Head of School and shared exciting news—AVS applications are up 10% from last year! We also got to know CFOO Christine Koidin a little better with a lighthearted game of Two Truths and a Lie (turns out, she’s a serious bookworm but not training for a marathon!).
High School Success: Our Students Shine
Our graduates are thriving! An amazing 89% of students were accepted to their first or second choice high schools, earning spots at top independent, parochial, and public schools. We’re so proud of their hard work and the bright futures ahead!
Thank You, AVS Community!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended State of the School—your engagement, enthusiasm, and support are what make AVS such a special place.
- Lower School
- Middle School
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