Dear Parents,

 

On Wednesday morning we held a special program for our seniors to celebrate their college and university acceptances. There are a few seniors still waiting to hear from schools that they hope to attend. Attending the assembly were the senior advisors and the junior class. This is the first year that we held this program, which emphasized to our juniors the importance of not waiting until the last minute to begin the process of looking at schools they have an interest in. We are fortunate to have a full-time College Counselor (Laura Walsh) who guides and follows each student through the process. It's hard to believe that these seniors will be graduating in three months. During the program I noticed that we had 94 seniors and juniors in attendance. Four years ago this number would have been half that size. Next year's class of seniors will be our largest graduating class in our short history as AOA. Four years ago the graduating class numbered 23. The future class of 2014 will number 53, if not more.

 

Most of you are aware that I travel to China each year to meet with current parents of AOA students. When you read this, I will be in China as my trip began yesterday, February 28th. I return March 14th. I will be traveling with Ms. Natalie Roote, our Mandarin teacher. She serves as a translator as well as knows all of the students. The trip serves as an opportunity to connect with parents, who on most occasions will never have the opportunity to visit AOA. During the trip we also meet with families interested in AOA, as well as interview potential students. We will be visiting the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Wenzhou, and Shenzhen. With the exception of the 15 hour flight, I look forward to this trip. In case you wonder who is in charge while I am away, Bob Ahrens, Dean of Students and Student Affairs, assumes my role.

 

Spring Break is around the corner. Friday, March 22nd, is the last day before break and students return to classes on Monday, April 8th.

 

Depending on my visit to China, you may or may not hear from me next Friday.

 

Have a great weekend and week ahead.

 

Chuck Roman

  

Families of winter athletes are cordially invited to attend our Winter Sports Banquet and Awards Night on Wednesday, March 6th.

The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. in our dining room and will be served by our Dining Services staff. The menu includes pasta with marinara or meat sauce, tossed salad w/dressing, cookies and a hot or cold beverage. The cost of the meal for family members is $5.99 each and can be paid at the serving line. The athletes and coaches will receive a complimentary dinner.
 

Following the banquet, at 7:15 p.m. we will meet in the auditorium for a guest speaker and special awards presentations. At 8:00 we will then break off into four different areas for team presentations:

• Cheerleaders will meet in the Small Dining Room
• Boys Basketball teams will meet in the Main Gym
• Girls Basketball teams will meet in the Auditorium
• Swim teams will meet in the Community Room
  
   

This year, AOA's Annual Down Home Dinner will take place on Saturday, March 9th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Dining Hall. All food for this event is prepared by students in the club ROAD: Respecters Of All Diversities (although all students are invited to participate in the preparation), our AOA kitchen staff, faculty/staff members and Junior Elana Tompkins' gracious family. Please come to support this evening of sharing. See below for the dishes offered and ticket information.

 
This same evening, Upper School students will have a Spoken Word Night starting at 8:00 p.m. in the Community Room. 

   

  

Please encourage prospective families to join us on Friday, March 8th, for a Campus Visit Day.  The event for grades 6-12 is from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.; for grades PK-5, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Families can contact the Admissions Department at admissions@andrewsosborne.org or a 440-942-3606 to register.