April 24, 2026

Dear Families,

This time of year we are really noticing the growth in the students - both academically and physically. They are sprouting like the trees outside! First graders are starting to look and feel like second graders, fourth graders like fifth and so on.

Our Grade 5 students visited the Middle School this week to get a glimpse of what's ahead, and we have been working hard to make sure they feel ready and excited for that next chapter. Grade 3 treated us to a lively percussion, marimba, and recorder concert. And Grade 4 presented their projects on protecting the earth to our K-2 students — covering everything from ocean conservation to saving water, taking questions and showing real pride in their work. The early childhood students were mezmerized!

Coming up, the ASM Gala is on May 8th. It's my first one and I'm excited! An evening to celebrate our special school, raise funds for our programs, and dance! More details are below -- I hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful weekend, 

Ms. Dani

Celebrating Earth Day at OPAL

A huge shoutout to our amazing Grade 3 students, who brought joy, creativity, and purpose to our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) program! These young Earth champions designed and led a series of delightful activities to celebrate and care for our planet — from crafting charming posters with messages of hope, to rock painting with beautiful chalk paints, planting seeds, watering our garden, and composting. 

Their enthusiasm and leadership reminded our entire school community that small actions — a seed planted, a poster made, a plant watered — add up to a healthier, more beautiful world.

Bravo to our incredible Grade 3 leaders — ¡Viva La Tierra Viva! 

REMINDERS:

• Arriving on time - Friendly reminder that school starts at 9:00 A.M. The first morning block is a critical time for learning so please help students arrive by 9am -- 8:45 is even better! 

• Hats and sunscreen - The heat is here and turning up. Please send your children to school with hats and sunscreen for outdoor learning.

• SIGN UP FOR OUR SUMMER CAMP IN ENGLISH --- This year’s Summer Camp will run from July 1-31. Our camp aims to immerse children in the English language in a playful, fun, and informal way through a full-immersion camp-style approach that integrates the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Campers will learn English through educational games and hands-on projects and will also enjoy plenty of structured time outdoors each day. Many of our students have an intermediate or advanced level of English; therefore, our camp is also a wonderful option for proficient English speakers.

Don’t Miss the Event of the Year: ASM Gala 2026!

Get ready to celebrate "Under the Stars" on Friday, May 8, at the iconic ABC Serrano! This isn’t your typical formal gala, it’s a night built for community. Last year we introduced a dynamic cocktail format so you can mingle, dance, and make new friends.

A few highlights:

• Our fantastic technology teachers and students are bringing an Artemis II experience to life! You’ll get to interact with the tech firsthand.

• Start the night with our very own ASM Jazz Band, then dance the night away with our live DJ.

• The Wine Pull is a new addition! Try your luck and take home a fantastic bottle.

• We will be announcing the ASM DNA Award winner and auctioning off the legendary "Extra Recess" (the winner gets a fun framed photo to commemorate the win!).

Dress to shine! Whether it’s metallics, glitter, celestial accessories, or classic black-tie, let your creativity fly.

Can’t join us? You can still win big! Grab raffle tickets here for a chance at tasting menus, spa treatments, jewelry, and more.

More surprises to be announced ... we hope to see you there!

Join us for our next family workshop - Thursday, April 30, 9:15- 10:15 on Connect to Your Child’s Inner Thinker: How to use Visible Thinking at home

Have you ever wondered what’s actually happening inside your child's head when they’re tackling a big question or when they share just a small response “Fine.” to your question, “How was your school today?”

Visible Thinking, developed by Harvard Project Zero is a powerful way to unpack our child’s thinking, curiosity and deeper understanding. It is also a helpful tool to learn more about our child.

Please join this hands-on workshop as we connect the Visible Thinking to our children and home life. We’ll practice how to use these routines at home and in our everyday life. 

Details of the workshop are as follows:

Time and Date: 9.15-10.15 am, Thursday, April 30

Location: Lower School Music Room (LS building, second floor)

Sign up: Please follow this link or the QR code below to sign up. Sign up deadline: Friday, 24th April.

We are looking forward to seeing you.

Monthly Character Strength: Open Minded

For the month of April, our character strength focus is open minded. At ASM, being open minded means staying curious, considering different perspectives, and being willing to have your thinking challenged and changed. In our classrooms, this shows up: in the questions students ask during inquiry, in how they listen to a classmate who sees things differently, and in the willingness to say "I hadn't thought of it that way."

Students who demonstrate this strength will have their names entered into a drawing at our next assembly for a chance to have lunch with Ms. Dani. We invite families to talk with their children at home about what it looks and feels like to be open minded, whether trying a new approach to a problem, listening with genuine curiosity, or being open enough to change their mind.