Term 1, SY2025

The Grade 2 students gave their presentation as a whole group.

We learned how to stop when someone say stop. We also learned that there's time to play and time to learn. Clean up when eating is done. Respect everyone and be kind all the time.

End-of-term ceremony for the first semester

On July 16, we held the end-of-semester ceremony for the first term. At our school, we have a tradition where, during both the opening and closing ceremonies of each term, students present their goals and reflections for that term. This initiative is rooted in our desire to help children express their thoughts in their own words with confidence in front of others.

This year, all grades—including the kindergarten and student council—gave presentations. We are seeing more and more students speak clearly and confidently while following proper presentation etiquette.

Here are some of the reflections shared by each grade. Each student clearly took time to think deeply about their experiences, and these reflections will help them carry their learning into the second term.

Grade 0 (Kindergarten) delivered his presentation in a loud and clear voice.

Good morning Everyone. My name is I. I had so much Fun in A class and learned Alphabets and Numbers, danced and cralts. Thank you to all the teachers for loving me, I will always remember AASO asa my Second Family.

From Grade 1, from left to right: R-kun, K-kun, and S-kun.

We learned how to add 2 to 3 digits in Math. We learned to read and answer the story questions.We learned how to write our name in complete. We are all excited to the next level and learning in this Second Term.

The Grade 2 students presented in pairs.

From the left, A-san and N-san from Grade 2 spoke with the loudest voices. M-kun and N-san also did their best in their presentation.

Here are the reflections from the Grade 3 students:

Ry-kun: I followed the rules at after-school care.
K-kun: I go to the bathroom and drink water during break time.
Re-kun: I learned the rules for behavior during class.
A-kun: I learned not to act selfishly.
K-kun: I learned how to clean properly and to listen carefully to the teacher.

R-kun and M-san from Grade 9.

Everyone should communicate more and use kinder words.

I’m looking forward to the school trip in the second term.

B-kun from the student council gave his presentation without using a script.

In the first term, we were able to successfully hold major events such as the sports day and the anniversary of our founding. In the second term, we would like to make the school more exciting by planning Halloween and Christmas events.

I also looked back on the first term.
There were 70 school days in the first term. Did you give your best effort in both your studies and school events? The hard work you put in will surely lead to future success. During the summer break, please take care of your health and be careful to avoid accidents.

The students are listening attentively.

The older grades, in particular, show a very good attitude when listening.

They are growing into students who can do the right things as a matter of course.

This year’s key focus is “Greetings, Responses, and Clean-up,” but we’re still struggling with making clean-up a consistent habit.

We’ll continue working hard in the second term as well.

　　　　　　　　　　Flower Contest and Birthday Celebration

The Environmental Beautification Committee announces the results of the Flower Contest. They bow politely.

Let’s make sure to check everything before we leave.

First place goes to the Grade 6 flower bed!

The July birthday celebration was held after the closing ceremony.

Everyone sang the birthday song together to celebrate.

Happy Birthday!

Farewell

I-kun in Grade 0 and K-kun in Grade 3 will be leaving AASO at the end of this term due to their family moving.

Everyone is sad to see them go.

We hugged Mr. Shinjo, who has taken care of us for two years, and said, “See you again.”

Small Tea Gathering (July 14)

On June 30th, we received an invitation to a tea gathering from Juna, a fourth grader in the Tea Ceremony Club. The name “Small Tea Gathering” is lovely — it perfectly reflects the club’s spirit of modesty and grace.

Our Tea Ceremony Club was newly established this year as an after-school activity and has quickly become popular among the students. The instructor is Ms. Kana Kuwae, a parent of one of our students. Every Monday at 3:40 p.m., the club meets, and Ms. Kuwae teaches the children the beauty of the tea ceremony while wearing elegant kimonos.

This year’s tea gathering was held twice. The first event on July 7th was for students’ parents, where the children performed the tea ceremony they had practiced. The second event, on July 14th, was held for the teachers.

The children dressed beautifully in elegant kimonos and served traditional Japanese sweets with grace to each guest. They carefully prepared and served the tea with great respect.

It was truly a wonderful tea ceremony and a delightful small gathering.

G9 M-san gave a welcome greeting to the invited guests:
“Thank you very much for coming to our Small Tea Gathering today.”

G2 N-san and J-kun, in charge of the tea, quietly wait until the wagashi (Japanese sweets) are fully served.

“Principal, here are the wagashi (Japanese sweets). Please enjoy them before the tea.”

“Thank you very much. I will.”

These goldfish look as if they could start swimming any moment. This is a brilliant expression of the season, showcasing the masterful skill of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

The children are truly fortunate to experience such wonderful traditional culture right here at school.

They prepare the tea carefully.

Their practice is clearly paying off.

(July 7)

Here, they prepare the tea using only their wrists. On the left is Ms. Kuwae.

(July 14)

G4 E-san’s way of holding the tea bowl is quite impressive.

(July 14)

This is wonderful as well. G1 V-san.

(July 14)

A very skillful tea ceremony performance.

Relaxing after the tea gathering. Thank you!

七夕　TANABATA

July 7th is known as Tanabata, the Star Festival. According to legend, it’s the one day each year when Orihime and Hikoboshi—represented by stars on either side of the Milky Way—can meet. In Japan, it’s customary to write wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku.

The children at AASO took part in this tradition, writing their own wishes on vibrant tanzaku. The bamboo branches were so full of wishes that there was hardly any space left.

The most common wish was for world peace, reflecting the children’s kindness and hope for harmony. Many also wished for the health and well-being of their family and friends, showing their care for those close to them. Academic goals such as improving grades, passing English proficiency exams, and getting accepted into high school were also popular.

Some children dreamed big, writing wishes for wealth and becoming millionaires, imagining a prosperous life. There were also wishes for good health, safety, and environmental conservation—covering a wide range of hopes and concerns.

Reading each child’s wish filled me with energy and hope. I sincerely wish to cherish the pure hearts of these children.

We plan to keep these tanzaku displayed as they are for as long as possible.

May everyone’s wishes reach the heavens!

To all the kindergarteners,
there’s a certain mysterious feeling.

“Could I have a string to attach to my tanzaku?”

“Please wait a moment.”

“Hey, what did you write? Let me see!”

I carefully tie it myself.
I hope my wish comes true.

Big sister helps out.

Leave it to me!

Peace signs are the best! Peace is what matters most!

And peace signs from the side too!

To all Grade 1 students:

Where should I tie it?

I wonder what kind of wish you wrote.

It’s a secret, right?

I hope everyone stays healthy and doesn’t get hurt.
Also, I wish for everyone to be happy.

May everyone in my family stay safe and well.

I want to be a police.

I wish I will be more taller.

A talk by Ms. Marichu:

She explained the history and background of American Independence Day. The children listened attentively.

Independance Day

July 4th is Independence Day in the United States.
Before gaining independence, the United States was a British colony. In April 1775, the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) began in the state of Massachusetts. On July 4, 1776, during the Continental Congress held in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted, proclaiming America's independence from Britain. Since then, July 4th has been celebrated across the United States as Independence Day.

After Ms. Marichu explained the historical background of how Independence Day was established, the Grade 4 students gave presentations on what they had learned. They confidently spoke in English — it was very impressive!

July 4 is called Independence Day because it's the day America became a free country.

The 4 is like America birthday ! It's a day to celebrate the United States.

On July 4, people watch colorful fireworks light up the sky.

Many towns have parades with marching bands, floats, and people dressed in red, white and blue.

Families and friends get together for picnics, barbecues, and fun activies.

People wear red, white, and blue to show their love for America.

Nurturing a Kind and Caring Heart

This is our second year working on improving the flowerbeds, and we’re happy to see that they now have fewer weeds. We began this project to help children develop a gentle and caring heart by growing flowers.

The seedlings in the photo below are zinnias grown from seeds by Mr. Shinjo. Although we don’t have photos of the children transplanting them into the flowerbed, they helped with this process. Most of the flowers in the flowerbed were provided by Mr. Shinjo. We are taking good care of them and are truly grateful.

Growing flowers in the summer is tough, but thanks to the children’s daily watering and care, the flowers are blooming beautifully. The children have already developed a love and appreciation for the flowers.

As in previous years, a flower contest organized by the Environmental Beautification Committee will be held during the end-of-term ceremony. We’re looking forward to seeing which class wins first place.

The flowerbed prepared for planting flower seedlings (May 7)

Tall flowers will be planted in the row along the fence (May 7).

The Grade 3 flowerbed still has flowers from March. It shows how well they’ve been cared for (May 7).

The Grade 9 flowerbed was replanted with new soil and seedlings (May 7).

Zinnias have started blooming one after another in the Grade 1 flowerbed (May 27).

Grade 2 Flowerbed

G7A students work on maintaining the flowerbed every day during their break time (May 27).

For some reason, the Grade 8 students planted corn (May 27). They harvested it in June and cooked just one ear, but it was very delicious

Grade 1 and 2 students water the plants every morning using plastic bottles (June 19).

They also voluntarily pull weeds from the flowerbed (June 19). Their caring hearts for the flowers are growing.

Grade 2 students observing the 'Urizun beans' they planted in life studies (June 19).

Even in July, the flowers are still thriving despite the heat. It’s thanks to the children’s love and care. Thank you. (July 2)

In the Grade 6 flowerbed, zinnias in yellow and pink bloomed along with the orange ones (July 7).

The Grade 7 flowerbed is a mix of cosmos and zinnias (July 7).

Weaving everyone’s hopes for peace.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　From the right: Director Mr. Hirashiki, Student Council President MG, Volunteer Committee Chair MN.

Hopes for peace

June 23 (Monday) was “Memorial Day,” but our school held classes only in the morning (half day). As part of our peace education, the cranes that each class started folding the week before reached 1,000, and the Volunteer Committee, who proposed the idea, handed the thousand cranes over to the Student Council.

On June 21 (Saturday), M, the student council president, represented AASO and handed over the thousand cranes—filled with everyone’s hopes for peace—to Mr. Kanaya Hirashiki, the director of the Ginowan City Museum. On the same day, the student council, Volunteer Committee, and other volunteers from our school participated in the “4th Okinawa ‘Cornerstone of Peace’ Name Reading Ceremony.”

AASO members listening attentively to the explanation of the 4th Okinawa ‘Cornerstone of Peace’ Name Reading Ceremony.

Grade 9 student MG reading aloud the names engraved on the Cornerstone of Peace.

Grade 9 student MN

Grade 6 student J, a student council officer.

Grade 3 student R participated together with his father.

Grade 3 student K reads the names together with his mother.

Grade 9 student R, Vice President of the Student Council

Grade 9 student B, a student council officer.

Volunteer Committee members expressing their gratitude for the cooperation in making the thousand cranes (June 23, at the student assembly).

Hopes for world peace

Grade 6 peace studies: Students conducted group research at the city library.

I’m filled with gratitude for the life that has been passed down to me. I will live my life to the fullest.

What I learned from the Okinawa War exhibit panels at the city library:

Half of the residents of Nagata and Ganeko districts lost their lives. I was once again deeply struck by how tragic the war was and how precious life truly is. This strengthened my belief that war must never be allowed to happen again.

27th Anniversary Celebration

On Monday, June 2nd, we held a gathering to celebrate the 27th anniversary of our school's founding at Fukufuku Hall. After the principal's speech, we all looked at a memory album prepared by the student council that introduced the history of Amerasian School in Okinawa from its founding to the present. Staff and students were touched to learn that the first principal was Midori Seiya.

This year, the PTA once again gifted us a wonderful birthday cake, adding a special touch to our 27th anniversary. Thank you very much.

<Principal's Greetings>

　This year, Amerasian School turned 27 years old. It is also known as the 27th anniversary of the school's founding. So far, 99 students have graduated from Amerasian School. Considering the current number of students, this may seem like a small number, but there have been some years when there was only one student graduating, so 99 is not a small number. Who will be the 100th student at this year's graduation ceremony?

　Now, the Amerasian School in Okinawa (AASO) was founded on June 1, 1998 by five Amerasian mothers. That's why June 1 is the birthday of our school. One of those five mothers, Midori Sayer, now Midori Reed, lives in Florida, but she still keeps in contact with AASO. This time, we will send Midori a colored paper with your message written on it. I'm sure she will be very happy.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

By the way, the original purpose of the Amerasian School was to accept Amerasians, that is, children born to American and Asian parents, or more simply, children born to American and Japanese parents. However, nowadays, it also plays a role in supporting international children who are not Amerasian but who, for one reason or another, cannot adapt to public schools (Japanese schools).

In this way, the role of Amerasian School has changed little by little, but not everyone can enroll. Please keep this in mind and make an effort every day to have a fulfilling school life. The efforts of each and every one of you will make this school a better place, and turn it into a fun place.

Happy 27th birthday, American School!

This was written by Shinjo Sensei

During the break, the student council and volunteers decorated the school. Simple is better.

The big birthday cake was made mainly with the rainbow, our school's image color. It was delicious.

From kindergarten to 2nd grade, the children wear festive party hats or crowns to celebrate joyfully. The heartfelt sentiment from the homeroom teacher truly touches the heart.

For grades 3 to 6 — could it be that the crown is actually their own?

Junior high school students: “If you don’t give me cake, I just might eat it anyway!”

We put a lot of effort into the decorations! Great job to Student Council President M, Vice President R, and Council Member B. Thank you for all your hard work!

The student council presents a video showcasing AASO’s 27-year journey.

Congratulations on the 5th Anniversary of the School!

In 2001, the first student from our school to be accepted into a prefectural high school was Mr. Ken Thayer.

Our founding principal was Ms. Thayer, followed by our second principal, Mr. Williams.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on AASO as well.

Our third principal was Mr. Komine, followed by Mr. Nakada as the fourth, and currently, Mr. Higa serves as the fifth principal.

A commemorative photo with two birthday cakes. Happy 27th anniversary!

The three lovely ladies from the PTA brought the cakes and also prepared allergy-friendly donuts. Thank you so much! They also helped cut the cakes and distribute them to each class. We truly appreciate their support!

2025 Amerasian School Sports Day

On Saturday, May 24th, the Amerasian School Sports Day was held at the Ginowan City Multipurpose Indoor Sports Ground .

This year's sports day was the first attempt to have the student council act as the host, with the theme of "Fair and serious competition!" , but thanks to the cooperation of the parents, we were able to see it through to the end. I believe that this experience will give the children a lot of confidence and will lead to more fulfilling school events in the future. In addition, the children in each group were very serious about their cheering and their attitude towards the competition, and they really tried their best. I think this was also an expression of the children's gratitude, as they tried their best to respond to the cheers of their parents and families. And the biggest benefit of this sports day was that we were able to see many wonderful smiling faces of the children, which we don't see in everyday classes. This reaffirmed the significance of school events. We would like to continue planning as many events as possible in the future.

Finally, the PTA once again provided drinking water, ice, and salt to help prevent heatstroke. Thanks to them, no child got sick and everyone was able to do their best until the end. We are truly grateful for the warm support of the parents, both materially and emotionally. Thank you very much.

1 Radio Exercises 2 Foot Race 3 Rock Paper Scissors Train (K-G2) 4 Five-Color Tug of War (G5-G9)

5. Ball throwing 6. Borrowing race 7. Grade-wide relay

This is a commemorative photo taken right after the sports day ended. Everyone was smiling happily after having completed the sports day until the very end. Graduates also came to join us (the two on the far right in the last row).

Opening Ceremony

Blue Team: Military volunteers also participated, splitting into teams.

The headquarters seat. Student council officers who acted as MCs for the first time. Vice-presidents G9R and G8J were in charge of the opening ceremony and the first part of the event. They were probably nervous, but they did their best until the end. Student council advisor Vice-Principal Shibata (far right at the back) watched over the students, believing in their independence. This is education.

The second part was handled by student council members G9B and G6J. They conducted the session with confidence and in a loud voice.

Student council president G9M and board member G7A were in charge of the third part and the closing ceremony. They gave a great final summary. Thank you!　

At the end of the opening ceremony, each group cheered together. Let's do our best, everyone!　The Yellow team's cheering was very unified and they won the cheering award.

The red team will be singing a cheer song to get themselves fired up. Let's do our best!

The blue team gathers around the leader in the center and gets pumped up. We're going to win! Oh!

Program 1 Radio Taiso Exercise

The sports committee members took the lead. We worked hard to remember.

I think it was the first time for all the volunteers to try radio taiso, but they did a great job of copying the movements.

It stretches all the way to the fingertips. I like it!

This is also great!

　　　The only thing we practiced as a whole group was radio taiso ...

I think they're a little off.

Even though the sound of Radio Taiso was barely audible, the physical education committee members made big movements and did a really great job.　　

Program 2: Running　　　　　　　　　　　

Everybody, are you ready?

Look, it's started. Run! Huh?!

This is the division for kindergarteners to first graders. They run with total dedication. The cheering is also enthusiastic. Go for it!

They're always a good friend trio. Today they're rivals.

It's a smile you rarely see in the classroom.

Don't look at the signal, just make a sound. It's a tense moment.

2nd to 3rd grade elementary school students will take on the challenge in their preferred starting style.

Both of them are flying!

I'll run as hard as I can to the finish line. So cool!

Students and teachers alike feel the same way: Good luck!

The students are sitting in the designated places and following the rules of cheering. Nice!

5th grade elementary school students. Flying boy! Who is number one? We all feel like number one.

This is a great example of form. G6E

I will run with all my might until the end.

We received high-fives from the volunteers. You've done best!

The junior high school division is about to start. They are in full serious mode.

　　Second year of junior high school.

It was a short distance for a junior high school student,

Everyone will fight fair and serious!

When they reach junior high school, they are concentrating on the signal sounds. They are role models for elementary school students.

Nice form!　

This is also great!

The last one is a third-year junior high school boy. He is really impressive. The first-year elementary school girl behind him is also looking at him with respect. Why is he there? It's a mystery.

3. Rock Paper Scissors Train (K-G2)

It's ticklish. It's not that kind of game.

My older brother also participated in the event to fill in for a friend who was absent. I think this is one of the great things about AASO.

The person who loses rock-paper-scissors will line up at the end.

The trains are getting longer and longer.

First, rock, then rock-paper-scissors. Yay, choki wins.

Line up behind me.

Who are you playing rock-paper-scissors with?

Live coverage → Everyone, we're finally at the final game of rock-paper-scissors. Which train will win?

The older sister is a substitute. She is doing her best.

Now, it's time for the last round of rock-paper-scissors. The winner will join the train and make one long train.

With everyone watching, we played rock-paper-scissors. It was a tie.

Wow! We won!!! The teacher was so happy.

Yay, the red team won!

I lost, but I did well.

Ok, Ok, OK! The volunteers also really made it a success.

4. Five-Color Tu

4. Five-Color Tug-of-War: Develop a strategy to get the five colored ropes.

What color should it be? Let's make it blue.

Yay! No one's coming.

Alright, that worked.

What shall we do? Shall we use the red rope?

We'll go with the green rope.

Hurry, hurry.

Okay, pull!

Wow! Oh my Goodness!

Okay, you can do it! I'll help you!

The thrill of tug-of-war! The excitement of team sports. Here we go!

Pull that out!

I won't let you go!

Hmm, that's it!

Come here. Everybody, come here!

Someone help me! Leave it to me!

All right! We can do this! Let's all pull together! Pull until the end!!!

Let's go!

I won't lose!

Pull that!

We won't lose either

That's it!

There you go!

You can do it!

Yay, I won!

A relaxed expression in the fight against the guardians

Realize our power

It's ten years too early to try to beat us.

I say it often: I won't lose.

I can't decide what color rope to get.

Wow, what power!

That's it! Pull it! Put your strength into it!

The two are brothers. This might be the first time they've worked together. Good luck!

　Serious competition!

Serious competition!!

　　Serious competition!!!

Something's not right?

Hey, that rope over there is dangerous.

Give me at least one.

Intermediate results. Good luck to the blue team!

For now, the Yellow team is in the lead.

5. Ball throwing competition　grouping → 1. Group: Kindergarten to 3rd grade 2. Group: 4th to 6th grade 3. Group: Junior high school students

The lower grades competed to see how many they could put in within 60 seconds, while the middle and upper grades competed to see how many they could put in within 30 seconds.

The children's concentration was amazing and they quickly put all the balls in the goal . This is what a sports day is all about.

Thanks to the support of the volunteers, I was able to enjoy the project. I am very grateful.

Come on, just a little bit more. Make your decision!

Last shot. Hurry up.

The junior high school students also enjoyed it. They filled it up with ease.

★ Break time

6. Scavenger hunt　　　Thanks to the parents' cooperation, this was a very enjoyable event. Thank you.

We will now begin the "borrowing race." We ask for your cooperation.

Please borrow mine. Sunglasses, right?

What's the theme? Huh, hats?

Please come here, old man. Thank you for choosing the theme "People wearing caps." I'm happy.

What's the theme? "People wearing bandanas"

We were fast.

We were early, I guess.

I never thought there would be a person with a parasol as the theme.

Open it quickly. What's the topic?

Theme: "People wearing sunglasses." I brought my dad. You've got to be kidding me. That's crazy! I'm so happy you chose me!

Our theme is "volunteers," and there are a lot of them.

The topic is "Volunteer" okay? I'm "Nail art". Good job on finding it.

　Did you find the person in question? Hurry up! Oh, No!

First, let's pick a topic from the topic box.

Topic: "Sun visor" - the one without a top?

Theme: "Someone with long hair" That's not you. Eh, is it okay if it's me?

The topic was "people wearing glasses" and I found it right away!

Good luck! Yellow cheers indeed!

The theme is "Sunglasses"

I found it! I found it!　

What is the theme? The teacher is also curious. The theme is "People with pigtails"

Take a quick look. Hold on, I'll guess what the topic is now. This isn't that kind of game.

The theme was "people with braids" - perfect.

The theme is "People with bangs". Is that OK? We are parent and child.

A substitute graduate A also participated. Thank you.

The theme was "People wearing towels." You're wearing a towel, right? I'm not.

Professor Rowen, do you have a beard? I don't.

Theme: "A person with a beard" Yay, I got it! Thank you for your cooperation.

7. Grade-wide relay

All students from kindergarten to third grade will participate in the first part.

Now, pay attention to my child.

The two volunteers used their free time to discuss the order of the relay. They couldn't lose.

It's about to start.

Mom, don't call out to me. I need to concentrate.

Everything's ready. Total concentration!

Ready, Set, Go !!!!!

Both of them are cool! A fair and serious fight.

We won't lose! Good luck, you two!

It's a good match. The passing of the baton will be the key to victory.

It's the anchor competition. The cheering is going to be intense. Go for it!

The finish line! It was my first time to cross the finish line in a final race.

All students from 4th to 6th grade will participate in the second part.

G5Rk sprinting, so fast!

The strongest runners are running in both the yellow and red teams. G4R is chasing G6E's senior. We won't lose!

Junior high school students cheering on the elementary school students. Oh, one of them is a teacher.　Go for it!　This is what it means to be a united team.　　

The third part is the junior high school team. Parents and volunteers also participate, so it's a three-way battle. So, which team will win?

Red team, please come quickly. We're starting. I was the last starter because Mr. Lowen was going to participate in the relay. It was an honor.

The race has started. The volunteer team has made a strong start. Now, they will go around the track (about 150m) once and then pass the baton to each other. Dad is fast too! Good luck!

The volunteer team took the baton in the lead, but there was very little gap between them and the rest of the team.

The baton was handed over to the third runner. The Volunteer Team is still in the lead, and the Blue Team is in second.

The baton was handed over to the fourth runner. Oops, did the yellow team drop the baton?

No, he caught the baton right away and started running. What incredible physical ability! Wow!

The baton was handed over to the fifth runner. Sixth graders J and B ran as substitutes. The yellow and blue teams switched positions.

The sixth runner is running. What is the ranking?

The parents' team is also doing well. They are currently in 4th place. Chibariyo.

The baton has been handed over to the seventh runner. The blue team and the yellow team are in a close race.

The baton has been handed over to the eighth runner. The race between the yellow team and the blue team is still close.

Now, the blue team will give chase.

The baton has been passed to the ninth runner. The red team is in second place.

Currently, the Yellow team is in third place.

The baton was handed over to the 10th runner of the Red Team. The gap between them and the Blue Team has widened a little. Good luck!

It looks like the blue team has overtaken the yellow team.

Now, the yellow team will chase the blue team.

The baton was passed to the 11th runner for the Blue Team.

There was almost no difference between the Blue Team and the volunteer team. The 12th runner for the Blue Team was a substitute graduate, Mr. I.

Now, the blue team and the volunteer team received the baton at the same time.

The baton was passed to the anchor for the blue team and to the 11th runner for the red team. Although there was a big gap between them , they ran with all their might.

The Blue team is about to reach the finish line. The Red team is about to hand the baton over to the 12th runner.

The blue team finished in first place!　

The baton was handed over to the 12th runner of the red team . Although they were far behind the other teams, they will do their best until the end.

The baton was passed to the anchor for the Yellow team, who was graduate A.

The anchor for the blue team was graduate K. Thanks to the cooperation of the graduates, we were able to have runners for all the teams. We are very grateful.

The baton has been passed to the anchor for the Red Team. The anchor is the captain, G8Y. Now, show us the AASO spirit!

Although they are far behind the other teams, they will run as hard as they can. This is the greatness of AASO students. We all applaud their efforts. Do your best until the end!

Awards and Closing Ceremony

We will now begin the closing ceremony. First, we will announce the results.

Congratulations to the Red Team for winning　

Mom and Dad, we got first place.

I won't give this to anyone.

Thank you to the Yellow Team 　for second place　 . Nice performance!

　We are the strongest! Nice!

Well done to the 3rd place　Blue Team .

Closing speech Vice principal Ms. L gave a speech. Everyone did a great job. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you to all the volunteers. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Thank you to all the volunteers. We had a good time! Thank you!!

The Red Team wins the 2025 Amerasian School Sports Day !

First term goals for each grade

Unfortunately, I missed the chance to take a picture, so I was unable to take a picture of the kindergarteners' presentation. The boy on the right (Mr. I), who is sitting at the very back facing us, made the presentation. "I will do my best to practice reading books, spelling, and writing."

On Friday, May 2nd and 9th, each grade level announced their goals for the first term at a student assembly. The purpose of these presentations was to improve thinking, judgment, and expression. These three skills are cultivated in regular classes and class meetings, but we believe it is especially important to give students as many opportunities as possible to present their expression skills. Therefore, we have an initiative where students present their class goals in front of everyone at the beginning of each term. This year, many students tried to give a presentation for the first time, and they did a great job.

K-kun, a Grade 1 student. "I'll work hard on reading, math, and spelling."

Ms. I and Ms. N in G2. "I want to be able to spell English words and communicate in both English and Japanese."

R and N, third-grade students. "I try not to get up from my seat during class. I don't make funny faces."

Ms. I and Ms. Y from Grade 4. "I want to study English and Japanese a lot."

Z and R in Grade 5. "I stay quiet when the teacher is talking and refrain from talking."

Grade 6 students B and J. "We will create a class library and enjoy reading."

Grade 7 students Y and Z. "Don't hit people. Study more Japanese and English."

Grade 8 students T and R. "I will be more careful with my language. I will listen to the teacher more carefully." They gave their presentations without a script.

Grade 9 students T and R. "Don't be late. Turn in your homework and be prepared for class before it starts."

J and J from the student council. "We will make the school more fun by holding more events."

The MCs were student council president M-san and vice president J-kun. They did a great job of hosting the event.

The two G2 students were taught how to draw Pikachu by the two G8 students. Thank you, big brother. Y, is Pikachu's funny face?

Reading buddy

We will continue with the Reading Buddy program, which began last year, in which older students read to younger students. We have devised a way to make it easier for students to participate by pairing them with as large an age difference as possible. At first glance, this initiative seems to be aimed at improving vocabulary and reading comprehension, but the real aim is to remove the barriers between grades and improve communication skills throughout the school, while at the same time building trust among students. We also hope that this initiative will help develop rich hearts, such as compassion, kindness, and a volunteer spirit . Therefore, this year, in addition to reading aloud, the younger students will be able to engage in activities such as drawing, origami, and card games.

G8J and G2T, I will read it carefully.

Here are the Grade 9 boys and Grade 4 boy R playing UNO. We all hope that they enjoy this time together.

As expected from G8 Oniichan. He reads it smoothly.

Hmm, I wonder how to read it? Big sister will read it for you

For some reason, he stares at one point and concentrates as he listens.　

Grade 9 and Grade 4. We are trying our hand at making things. We plan to sell them at a school event. Thank you!

In the G2 classroom, the older girls from G7 are reading aloud to the younger students. Both the reader and the listeners are serious.

Read slowly and carefully.

Your facial expressions will naturally become more expressive.

Big brother is so cool! A look of respect.

The G7 girls are drawing in the G1 classroom. It's fun.

In the G1 classroom, the children are engaged in their own activities, such as reading picture books and drawing pictures. The older brothers and sisters in the G6 class provide them with gentle support.

I'm trying to read a slightly more difficult book.

I'm practicing drawing.

You trace the letters with your finger to read them. Yep, it's easy to understand!

In the G3 classroom, the G8 students held an origami class. Thank you, big sisters and big brothers.

Grade 5 students playing together with kindergarteners.

They watch over the kindergarten children playing.

Kindergarteners learn a lot through play, and the older girls seem to know that.

This is how you pose.

The Grade 5 students used gestures to express what the characters were doing. They have excellent expressiveness.

Yes, you're doing well. The Grade 5 students are encouraged to do so by praising them.

A Grade 9 student checks what the Grade 4 student is reading.

A G8 boy reading silently with a G2 student. It's amazing in a way.

Which one should I choose? A Grade 1 student still can't decide on a book. This one is good. A Grade 7 student gives him some advice.

A Grade 4 student and her older sister in Grade 9 were looking at a dinosaur picture book with great interest.

Volunteer Committee

Starting this year, a new committee has been established in the Student Council. It is a volunteer committee with Minako-sensei as its advisor. The committee is made up of students from 4th grade elementary school to 3rd grade junior high school. They have already started an early morning greeting campaign. I will be keeping an eye on their future activities. (May 2nd)

The greeting campaign will be carried out in two groups, on the parking lot side and the school building side.

Good morning! I'll greet you with a cheerful voice.

May 8th: Volunteer committee members wearing sashes and participating in a greeting campaign. They work hard every day. Chibariyo!

In preparation

Tensei Children's Words Tensei People's Words

今年度も小学4年生以上を対象に「天声こども語」と「天声人語」に取り組みます。「天声こども語」は約350語、「天声人語」は約600語を準備された原稿用紙に書き写します。取組時間は30分。早い子どもは10分以内で書き終えることができます。すごいことだと思います。

この取組の効果として、➀集中力をつける　②言葉の幅が広げる　③文字を書く力を高める　➃文章をじっくり読み取る力を向上させる。などが期待できます。個人差はありますが、子どもたちの真剣に取り組む姿を見ると絶対できると思ってしまいます。

This is the first time that fourth graders have participated in this project, but they are concentrating hard.

5th grade elementary school students This is their second year, so they have a bit of leeway.

6th grade elementary school students who are not good at Japanese will also try their best.

First year of junior high school: Your ability to concentrate will improve even more when you enter junior high school.

Almost all second-year junior high school students are able to copy the entire sentence.

A group of first year junior high school girls. Two of them are working on Tensei Jingo.

Four third-year junior high school students are working on Tensei Jingo.

This classroom is a joint class for first and third year junior high school students. I will follow the example of my seniors.

Wakeiseijaku is a slogan that shows the principles of the tea ceremony . It means that the host and guests should be at ease with each other, respect each other, and purify the equipment in the tea room and the atmosphere of the tea ceremony. The Sen school in particular places great importance on this slogan as one of the four rules established by Sen no Rikyu, representing "harmony," "respect," "purity," and "tranquility." (From online sources)

Tea Ceremony Club　　

Our school has a wide range of after-school club activities, including the Eiken test, English reading, arts and crafts, and basketball, but this year we have also started a new club, the tea ceremony club. The instructors are Ms. Kuwae, a parent of our school, and her daughter. They come to school every time dressed in beautiful kimonos, and teach the children the principles of tea ceremony through lectures and demonstrations.

Currently, there are seven students taking the course, but the number is expected to increase in the future. On that day (April 23rd), after an explanation of "Wakei Seijaku," each student tried to make tea. They are seriously learning about the hospitality and consideration of Japanese culture. I think it is a great joy to be able to learn about the spirit of harmony and traditional Japanese culture so closely. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to both of Mr. Kuwae.

Ms. Ai (left) prepares to make tea, while Ms. Ka explains about Wa-Kei-Seijaku. The children listen intently.

You will be paired up to experience being the one making the tea and the one drinking it. First, you will enjoy Japanese sweets.

You will be taught how to make tea.

You will be given detailed instructions on how to use the chasen.

He's very good at moving his wrist up and down without much force.

Please, please have some. Thank you.

It was very delicious. The texture of the rice bowl was also very nice (in my opinion). It was a wonderful presentation.

Morning School

There are 12 children enrolled in the morning school this year. The teacher in charge is Ms. V, the first grade class teacher. She is a wonderful teacher with a lot of experience, so you can trust her. The morning school hours are one hour from 7:00 to 8:00, but some children come to school at 7:00 and enjoy themselves while following the rules.

The photo below is an example of this discipline. We are raising children who do the obvious things as a matter of course.　

Greeting Campaign

One day in April, I asked some second-year junior high school students who had come to school early and looked bored, "Why don't we do a greeting campaign?" They answered with a lively "I'll do it, I'll do it." I was surprised by their response because I never thought they would do it, but I encouraged them by saying, "Make sure you greet people properly." They are really cheerful children. Although they sometimes get scolded, they also have a lot of good points. I would like to find and nurture many of those good points.

I said "Good morning" to the elementary school students in a loud voice. They seemed a little confused. It's great that students can greet each other.

I smiled and greeted the older brother. The older brother replied, "Good morning!" I like it!

Elementary school students greeting and high-fiving. It's a fun morning. Thank you, big sister! Minako-sensei (far left) says she wants to start a volunteer committee. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do next. Cheer up!

Greeting Campaign: Consistency is power!

Members of the greeting campaign calling on their classmates to join in

2025 School Opening Ceremony, Kindergarten Entrance Ceremony, and School Entrance Ceremony

The scenario was to introduce the new students after the principal's speech, but the children were so cute and their eyes were shining, so I ended up introducing the children first, even though I was in the middle of my speech. I was glad that the ceremony ended without any awkwardness.

On Tuesday, April 8th, the first term opening ceremony and the kindergarten and elementary school entrance ceremonies were held in succession. Afterwards, an orientation was held for each class. It was a long event, but the children listened carefully to their teachers and did their best until the end. This year, there were (7) new kindergarteners, (13) first graders, and (8) first graders. Our school has now reached 100 students , and the whole school is full of energy. This is all thanks to the understanding and cooperation of parents and other related parties towards our school's education. We are truly grateful.

This year, our school's main goal is to promote "greeting, responding, and cleaning up after yourself." We, the staff, would like to work together to raise students who can do the obvious things as a matter of course. Thank you for your continued support this year.

Everyone at kindergarten.

Dear new first year students.

To all first year junior high school students.

The student council president, M-san, gave a welcoming speech. Welcome to AASO!!

Each teacher gave a speech. I am Ms. Kripa, the kindergarten teacher (far right). Thank you for your support.

I'm Professor Crocodile. I'm Professor Wasabi. Together we are Wabi-Sabi. Nice to meet you! (Two in the center)

From the right are Ms. Jenna, the 4th grade homeroom teacher , Ms. Mia , the 5th grade homeroom teacher, Ms. Minako, the 6th grade homeroom teacher, Mr. Shinjo , and Mr. Matsuyama.