ACS Athens Owlcast

Welcome to another episode of the ACS Athens Owlcast. Today with us is Hercules Lianos, a graduate of our school and a member of the ACS Athens faculty whose students are continuously challenged to reflect and analyse the information flow they receive and produce. It’s all about Media Literacy. Today we talk with Hercules Lianos, Academy Teacher of Media Literacy. Stay with us as we discuss: Reflecting on today’s complicated media landscape The lack of trust in the news of young people and their resulting cynicism Discussion and debate in the classroom about the news What does it mean to be media literate today? Objectivity and purpose of reporting the news Targetting a specific news audience - the Fox News example The effect of opinion leaders in the impact of information flow

If you browse through the News of the ACS Athens website, one of the busiest sections is that of Athletics and Activities. As an American school, ACS Athens invests consciously in co-curricular athletics and participation of students in sports, as a way to build character, cultivate the nobility of fair play and set goals for the life ahead. Students appear to celebrate their successes in tournaments as part of team or individual sports, but also announce academic scholarships and other distinctions. Athletics is also at the heart of fostering school spirit, by involving the entire community, students, faculty, administrators but also alums and parents. Therefore, more than an academic requirement, more than providing outlets for chanelling the endless energy of students, physical and mental, Athletics play a crucial role in the development of children and adolescents. Sports have always been Babis Mamas' passion, and alongside working and studying, he competed at the U18 and U21 Greek Track & Field team for Long and Triple Jump, and at a later age, he was introduced to Volleyball. Volleyball also became a career as he coached professionally at teams in Athens (Panathinaikos, Panionios) and later in the UK. This year, Mr. Mamas is the Assistant Director of Athletics of ACS Athens, with additional responsibilities in student life. Today with Babis Mamas, we discuss: Experiencing athletics through different school systems The value of competition in character building and in someone’s learning journey Growing by getting out of the comfort zone The business management side of sports management Sports management as a career choice ...and much more!

This is the 2nd part of the podcast on the 2022 Areté Awards, hosted by Amalia Zavacopoulou, member of the Areté Awards Committee and Division chair for social Studies at ACS Athens. 12 years ago, the community of ACS Athens initiated the annual Areté Awards in order to recognize students, faculty and parents who promote Civic Responsibility through Conscious Citizenship, aiming to improve life and living on the planet. As a community that comes together to address the needs of others, we strive to promote civic responsibility and to model it for our students. And since Areté in English means virtue, our community members are always challenged to uphold a particular moral excellence, showing high ethical standards in their own life, the life of their family and their entire community. In the second part, today, Amalia Zavacopoulou speaks with the parent recipient of the 2022 Areté Award for Civic Responsibility, Debbie Richards Perakis, also a member of the ACS Athens PTO, and with the Faculty Recipient of the Award, Antigoni Karnesioti Simantira.

12 years ago, the community of ACS Athens initiated the annual Areté Awards in order to recognize students, faculty and parents who promote Civic Responsibility through Conscious Citizenship, aiming to improve life and living on the planet. As a community that comes together to address the needs of others, we strive to promote civic responsibility and to model it for our students. And since Areté in English means virtue, our community members are always challenged to uphold a particular moral excellence, showing high ethical standards in their own life, the life of their family and their entire community. Every year individuals are nominated for their “activities or deeds” that meet the Areté Award Criteria, which include evidences for embodying the spirit of areté and civic responsibility, demonstrating extraordinary initiative to serve others, modeling service at ACS Athens and/or in the local community, inspiring others to become involved and striving socially and ethically as healthy, responsible members of the community. Amalia Zavacopoulou, member of the Areté Awards Committee and Division chair for social Studies at ACS Athens, spoke to the 2022 Arete Award Recipients for civic responsibility. In this week's first part of the Areté Awards Owlcast, Ms. Zavacopoulou talks with the three student recipients.

On October 7, 2022, The ACS Athens Dean of Academics, Julia Tokatlidou, together with the IB and AP programs Director, Mark McGowan, gave a presentation at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global conference on the ACS Athens Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration program. Their presentation title was, “A Student-to-Student Teaching Approach to Inclusivity and Differentiation” as they highlighted the innovation of the Youth-to-Youth program, especially the student-to-student approach where our students assist in the teaching of English and Greek languages, computers and other subjects to unaccompanied refugee minors. Over 100 educators from schools around the world learned how the ACS Athens model of a student-to-student approach to learning could be applied to a variety of contexts and classes, and the response was one of overwhelming enthusiasm, leaving many with ideas of how to start similar programs or practices at their schools. Both Ms. Tokatlidou and Mr. McGowan have talked about the excitement of their discussions, the new relationships that were created, and the new ideas acquired that can enhance the education of our students. In today's Owlcast, we discuss The obvious and necessary need for differentiation used at the Youth-to-Youth program How can one school’s initiative serve as a springboard for others to develop experiential learning The transformation of students when they act as teachers The youth-to-youth program as a model of supporting underprivileged youth And much more!

More than 30 colleges every year, from the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, but also from around the world enter our classrooms, talk to our students and go much beyond a marketing pitch to prospective students. They see how ACS Athens students get prepared, not only academically but also socially and psychologically, for College life. It’s one thing to write a college essay, it’s quite another talking to the recruitment officer who at the end might be part of the admission decision of your application. And students really enjoy that, especially since they get to ask the questions. Today, our guest is Dr. Stephen Soanes, Student Recruitment Officer of Warwick University. Representing one of the top 10 ranked UK schools, Dr. Soanes talks about why students choose to study at Warwick U. in field like Business Management, Economics, and Media, Film and Creative Writing. He holds a BA, a Master and a Ph.D. in History from Warwick University, and he has represented the school since 2014. With Dr. Soanes today we discuss: Representing a university that is not set in stone… quite literally - making it easier to create new spaces Dissecting the university rankings with a forensic eye Hosting the largest student-led economic summit in Europe Studying in a university with open options Getting involved in undergraduate research Going above and beyond: it’s When you know that a student is a perfect candidate for the university Getting involved with student life, clubs, and sports The importance of taking the initiative to seek support as a freshman Offering 250 scholarships for EU students: the positive side effect of Brexit Dr. Soanes’ 2 pieces of advice to hopeful applicants Useful Links: https://warwick.ac.uk/ https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-universities/ https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/iatl/reinvention/ https://www.warwickeconomicssummit.com/

ACS Athens' languages, humanities, and theater curriculum regularly return to teaching and learning paradigms through which students are empowered and inspired to gain knowledge of the world and of themselves. One of those paradigms is the latest performance of Oedipus in our Theater, which was followed by numerous Socratic seminars in many classrooms. The entire school became a stage for conversation and debate, facilitating the ideal Project Based Learning through Inquiry, Research, and Performance. Today we’re talking with Ms. Sophia Thanopoulou, Drama Faculty of our Academy, and Dr. Evangelos Syropoulos, English Language Faculty in the Academy and Division Chair of Language and Literature of ACS Athens. With Dr. Syropoulos and Ms. Thanopoulou today, we discuss: Oedipus and AI: exploring the limits and dangers of knowledge; Theater and the civic experience in the context of the community of the time; Revisiting the Ancient Greek way of thinking as a shield against modern existential threats; The impact on the students of having to co-create an Ancient Greek theater production; Conscious Citizenship through theater; The difference between trans-humanism and post-humanism; The Socratic seminar way of creating knowledge through free and open discussion.

We have with us today Effie Karatopouzi, who began working at ACS Athens in 2016 as a Physical Education Teacher in the Elementary School and has undertaken different posts in the Athletic Department in all three schools and in ACS Athens Summer Camp. In 2017, she piloted a mindfulness program called Mind Body Soul (MBS) for students in Junior Kindergarten classes, which will continue to run this year. The MBS Program is also continuing in a very positive way in all classes in Elementary school. She presented her research findings about this pilot program at the International Mindfulness Convention, held in Slovenia. She has offered her services voluntarily to the Youth to Youth Program at ACS Athens. She has also presented a workshop on mindfulness strategies to use in the physical education classroom at the ECIS Physical Education Conference in Barcelona. With Efi Karatopouzi today we discuss: Spreading the seeds of Wellness in the children Physical education as a unifying force among international students Approaching students in the spectrum through Physical Education Controlling emotions as a goal of cognitive therapy based on mindfulness PE during the COVID years Using Wellness keys to unlock a better life The creativity needed to do meaningful PE online Playing the search and rescue game as a way to increase involvement in the school’s vision

Today's student edition, we host Adrianos Botsios, an Academy student of ACS Athens who interviewed Jan Kleijssen, Chair of the Information Society and Action against Crime • COMMITTEE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE of the COUNCIL OF EUROPE. Jan has been Chair of the Council of Europe’s Disciplinary Board since 2015 and acts as the Council of Europe Internet Governance Coordinator since 2018. Onalytica, a marketing software platform, in July 2019 included Jan among the Top 100 influencers on the regulation of new technologies. Let's listen to what Adrianos Botsios and Jan Kleijssen talk about: The need for AI regulation in the EU The impact of utilising AI in the judicial system When AI gets it wrong, lives can be lost : the Dutch welfare case The importance of competent human oversight Why the new Committee on Artificial Intelligence of the Council of Europe s so important The opportunities and dangers of life in the Metaverse The role of education as a key to the responsible use of AI

Welcome to another episode of the Owlcast - Alumni Edition. Today with us is Odysseas Digbassanis, Class of 2019. Odysseas with studies in History, Politics and Economics at Warwick University in the UK, was recently appointed as the Secretary for External Affairs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. He tends to downplay his role, but it’s not every day a 21-year-old person gets this post, even on a volunteer basis. With Odysseas Digbassanis today we discuss: The creativity and freedom to pursue your own interests as a tool to grow; Trying to escape the traditional stodgy way of entering college through project-based learning; IB extended essay as preparation for the college essay material; The importance of keeping an open itinerary for activities outside assignments during school; Keeping an open mind towards careers, even when already in college; Not just study hard - Study Smart and The importance of keeping a balance between study and social life; Reflecting on the War in Ukraine, seeking a glimpse of optimism and the need for young people to step up in their respective fields; Navigating the difficult landscape as the Secretary for External Affairs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

In the first season of the Owlcast, we talked with more than 40 individuals from the school community, teachers, alums, visitors, and of course students, discussing what makes life at ACS Athens exciting, rewarding, and most of all, memorable. Our “unofficial” motto is “never a dull day.” This was reflected in all our episodes, which are accessible through all the major podcast platforms and under the News and Productions section of our website. Last year, we discovered that everyone in our community has a lot to say, what inspires them and what they aspire to do in the year and years to come. In the new season of the Owlcast, we will bring to you more faculty and student stories from the Life @ ACS Athens, but also stories from Colleges visiting our campus every year, parent stories, and much more! We kick off this year’s Owlcast with the President of ACS Athens, Dr. Peggy Pelonis, who steers the school through the post-COVID era, that is full of the teachings of online learning, community building and meaningful engagement benefitting everyone With Dr. Pelonis, we discuss: this year’s vision for the school her Friday reflection note to the community how can a 2nd grader be inspired to be a Conscious Global Citizen and of course, who is the Hero in the story of ACS Athens

The one with Daphne and Yi-Rui The Graduating Class of 2022 is by now a part of the ACS Athens annals, an integral page of the school's 77 year-long proud history in American and international education. Each year, students and their teachers, parents and extended family, along with the entire community of ACS Athens celebrate not just the completion of a circle that for some is as long as 14 years, for others maybe one or two years, but also to signify the landmark in the life of so many adolescents breaking through to adulthood as they enter college life, and are able for the first time to provide advice to their younger peers, as until today they were on the receiving end of that advice. In a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, we are talking to 7 unique individuals, 7 graduates with remarkably different backgrounds, different school experiences and plans for the future. Unique personalities and approaches to life are evident through this candid, unscripted discussion. In part 1 of the series, here's Daphne and Yi-Rui, who joined the school at different ages and with different expectations.

The one with Emilynn and Ali The Graduating Class of 2022 is by now a part of the ACS Athens annals, an integral page of the school's 77 year-long proud history in American and international education. Each year, students and their teachers, parents and extended family, along with the entire community of ACS Athens celebrate not just the completion of a circle that for some is as long as 14 years, for others maybe one or two years, but also to signify the landmark in the life of so many adolescents breaking through to adulthood as they enter college life, and are able for the first time to provide advice to their younger peers, as until today they were on the receiving end of that advice. In a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, we are talking to 7 unique individuals, 7 graduates with remarkably different backgrounds, different school experiences and plans for the future. Unique personalities and approaches to life are evident through this candid, unscripted discussion. This is the 2nd part of a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, as we are talking to 7 recent graduates of ACS Athens, who through their different backgrounds, and experiences reveal their unique perspective to their life as they join the Alumni community of the school. In part 2 of the series, we welcome Emilynn and Ali.

The one with Ann-Marie, Tomasso and William The Graduating Class of 2022 is by now a part of the ACS Athens annals, an integral page of the school's 77 year-long proud history in American and international education. Each year, students and their teachers, parents and extended family, along with the entire community of ACS Athens celebrate not just the completion of a circle that for some is as long as 14 years, for others maybe one or two years, but also to signify the landmark in the life of so many adolescents breaking through to adulthood as they enter college life, and are able for the first time to provide advice to their younger peers, as until today they were on the receiving end of that advice. In a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, we are talking to 7 unique individuals, 7 graduates with remarkably different backgrounds, different school experiences and plans for the future. Unique personalities and approaches to life are evident through this candid, unscripted discussion. This is the 3rd and final part of our series on the Class of 2022, as we are talking to 7 recent graduates of ACS Athens. All graduates represent the power of ethnic and cultural diversity that is evident throughout the school, and how, through their different backgrounds, and experiences, these ACS Athens graduates have developed a a unique perspective and way of thinking as the move towards College life. In part 3 of the series, we have with us Ann-Marie, Tomasso and William

With the overabundance of information available at our fingertips, or through our Augmented Reality glasses or via the Metaverse, it's becoming more and more critical that we know what information is knowledge and what knowledge can be useful and for what purpose. Students of international schools, are being asked to make this distinction. How do we know that we know? What do we know? What is the extent of our knowledge? How are we to decide, in any particular case, whether we know? and, What are the criteria of knowing? These are some of the questions that are at the heart of the Theory of Knowledge course. TOK students of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program must consider them and attempt to answer through their work. These are questions that philosophers are pondering for centuries, with every era giving different answers. We are talking about higher level thinking. And what a better way to learn than to understand and create knowledge from thinking about what is knowledge. IB students of ACS Athens gathered this year to present their TOK question and their findings at their annual exhibition of Theory of Knowledge that was held at the Theatre lobby. We were there to see and hear from some of them.

It’s not every day that artists exhibit their art to the public. Sometimes artists go through their entire life before they get the inner strength to expose their work to the critique of others. The fact that a 16-year-old student artist gets this opportunity, is by itself remarkable. 11th grader James Lane is our guest today. With James today we discuss: What happens when Art runs in the family; Expressing the metamorphosis from destruction to resurrection; Making art while being a full-time student; From coolness to an existential need; Being bestowed or endowed with a talent for art; Getting opportunities to explore Art through the school art program.

The end of another Academic Year is very close, but this year it has a special meaning for everyone. After 2 years in the Covid pandemic, with its lockdowns, restrictions and virtual classes, the 2021-22 was the first academic year that resembled to a normal school experience. As the Class of 2022 is getting ready to bid farewell to the school, the Academy Principal is preparing to offer his own reflection. David Nelson has been the Principal of the Academy since 2019, but has been an educator at ACS Athens for 22 years. Today with Mr. Nelson we discuss: Academy Prom 2022 - Seeing students with their masks off for the first time in 2 years Creating engagement by Creating experiences for students Creating a community by connecting students to their own community More important than grades: finding a way to make a difference The need for teachers to constantly reinvent themselves and innovate within The case of the Combo Class as team taught course When the learning lingers What is The Truman Trial Collaborative Learning Communities and Professional Development AND The final advice of the Principal to the Class of 2022

An international school is defined mainly by the internationally minded curriculum, following the principles of international education but also by fostering a globally minded mentality in its student body and the entire community. Students by definition are international coming from different ethnicities, and nations, bringing a wealth of experiences and mindsets, looking to integrate but also to stand out. When the entire community is made of similarly international background, then you have the ultimate combination. 

Our guest today is as international as someone can get. A Greek Cypriot, Sophia Stella Soseilos was born in Germany, lived in Cyprus, studied in South Africa and moved to Greece in 1995. Sophia has a passion for teaching Art, inspiring creativity and using design thinking in her education space. 
 With Sophia Soseilos today we discuss: Confidence, imagination and patience - some of the life skills of Art education Navigating through this year’s mixed level K-12 arts exhibition The always incredible IB Art Exhibit Preparing the Portfolio in IB Art The importance of continuity in Art in K-12 education Making a life through art The wonder of immersive art Getting inspiration from everywhere Being analog in TV stage design

According to UNICEF, cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can often happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint – a record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse. Students of the ACS Athens Middle School are being actively engaged by educating themselves on these abusive behaviors, by embracing each other and are encouraged to trust their peers and community in order to express their fears and insecurities. Adolescents are particularly prone to be victims or perpetrators of bullying, as they start their teenage years, exploring their personalities and forming groups of peers that reinforce - or shutter - their view of the world drawn by their families. A remarkable group of middle schoolers participate every year in the Honor Code Club, taking initiatives to explore, support and facilitate the dialogue on the issues that matter to their peers. Issues that include cyberbullying. Today with us is a group of such students, who are willing to talk about this sensitive issue and how they affect us. Brave testimonies of bullying as they experience it, bring this issue closer to home. Ms. Venie Gaki, English language instructor to students of other languages, is the Advisor of the Middle School Honor Code Club.

Early Childhood is a particularly significant period in the development of a child, when it grows to become an emotionally and physically healthy individual. It's admittedly the gateway to the Elementary School and its more formalised educational programs. It benefits children in unique ways, as it provides development of skills, cognitive stimulation and social integration. ACS Athens has invested heavily during the past several years on developing robust and meaningful program for children 3-5 years old, with the latest being the re-design and re-construction of an ideal environment for unstructured play, the new Early Childhood playground. We have with us today the Principal of the Elementary School, Sophia Moros, who has been the driving force behind the transformation of the Elementary School of the past few years. In September her role changes, which she explains herself in our conversation. With Sophia Moros, today we discuss: The Sights and sounds of an Early Childhood classroom The critical elements for children 3-7 years of age Identifying the critical skills needed by the students at different grade levels Transitioning from a state-side public school district to an international school abroad. Teaching with the potential in mind, not aptitude for a test The value of Reading - on a graduate level degree Leading the growing development of the Early Childhood program as it opens the gate to the Elementary School Innovation, adaptability and agility, - the effects of COVID in the Elementary school Celebrating the opening of the Early Childhood Playground. Sparking the imagination in the unstructured play time

If you want to find out what the future holds, you have to visit a school. And if you want to understand this future, you have to talk to a student. Our podcast today tries to find the answers that explain the future with Artificial Intelligence. The kind of intelligence needed to explain artificial intelligence is not unique, but it definitely requires vision and an open mind, ready to perpetually ask questions that challenge common logic, questions that push the limit of knowledge and therefore attempt to sketch the future. To most of us, artificial intelligence is expressed through a robot-like object, that is programmed to perform certain tasks. To Adrianos Botsios, a 9th grader who in his spare time he designs humanoids and ponders on AI ethics, artificial intelligence is the future, but with a strict asterisk: it has to serve the common good and that can only happen if it is programmed ethically by us, humans. With Adrianos Botsios today we discuss: Exploring the water cycle and understanding sustainability at a young age The Green Team of 3rd Grade The fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence Recognizing the use of AI in daily lives The AI Lab at ACS Athens, applying the theory Reimagining learning through artificial intelligence Our new friend, Niki The question of reaching Super Intelligence, and Ethical Considerations about the use of AI

Music is the universal language that inspires and evokes emotions; it is spiritual and it is the ultimate spark for the imagination. Today's episode of the Owlcast is all about Music. Anna Mancl, Middle School and Academy Music Teacher, came to ACS Athens a year and a half ago, with her suitcases and her cello. A classically trained musician, she talks to us about her journey in life and through music. With Ms. Mancl, today we discuss: Being the pioneer of the family in pursuing a music career Improvising at a young age and regulating emotions through music Tough choices - piano, cello, or voice? Transferring skills as a musician to those of a music teacher Motivating music students that believe they’re not talented enough Students discovering they can make music

In the classrooms and corridors of K-12 schools, the voices of the children and the guiding presence of the teachers are the protagonists. Children belong to this environment as it is meant to be. The activity in a classroom, an auditorium, or the athletic facility seems most of the time that it’s meant to happen on its own. But there’s so much happening behind the scenes. There’s so much planning and discussion is taking place, in the offices of the faculty and the administration, so much debate about this teaching practice, that evaluation process, and the other methodology. Especially in international schools, where ideas and concepts come from all kinds of sources, from local intellectual discussions and from international academic conferences, there is so much to share and get inspiration from. Faculty and specialists arrive from around the world to share their best practices and move to the next level of their academic careers. The goal is quite common but also very unique for each school. It’s the advancement and continuous reform of teaching and learning, as young minds are shaped to hopefully make this world a better place. Today with us is Dr. Maria Avgerinou, e-Learning consultant and one of the Managing Editors of the International Schools Journal, a publication of ACS Athens. With an academic career in online teaching and learning and a passion for Visual Literacy, Dr. Avgerinou has been a keystone in the long path of the school towards e-learning innovation. With Dr. Avgerinou, today we discuss: Online Teaching and Learning as necessary skills for someone starting a career in academia The practical and pedagogical reasons of the shift to online learning in K-12 education Being prepared to face online learning in higher education - the challenges and skills needed The trailblazers, the movers, and the settlers of the path to online learning The false assumption that blended learning has to do mostly with technology than pedagogy Students reacting to online teaching Being an online native user vs. an online learner The importance of time management in onli

ACS Athens continuously invests time and resources to foster this development of its community of educators. Our guest today is Dr. Julie Crain, who under her present capacity as the Professional Development Coordinator is part of a team that develops the means for meaningful and effective professional development of staff, faculty, and administrators. She’s also a member of a team of internal coordinators for Accreditation and has held several positions over the years, including Principal of Middle School and, previously Principal of the Academy. With Dr. Crain, today we discuss: A strong background in communication as a tool to connect in academia How a song and dance skit can warm up the whole community to you as the new principal The multiple challenges of shifting age-groups in the middle of the pandemic Are adolescents everywhere pretty much the same? From covering the Beat in a media outlet to controlling the Beat in a school Media Literacy, Social Media and the youth in times of excessive yellow The fine line between guidance and restriction, when it comes to protecting children online Evaluation through empowering as a growth process, when it comes to the professional development of employees

The demanding journey of a student through primary and secondary education in the 21st century bears very few similarities with that of previous generations, where the major objectives involved little more than literacy and quantitative skills. Critical thinking, art and media literacy, integration of computing and Artificial Intelligence along with cultural and social engagement were topics far from the norm in most schools. International education by nature has evolved into a much more holistic provider of life skills that global citizens must attain to have a better than a good chance to make it in the 21st century. When the discussion also involves the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, then we know for sure that students go beyond the traditional school framework, and have started thinking of the big picture. In order for a school to provide such a non-traditional, outside-the-beaten path education experience, it needs to introduce new mentalities, especially at the Elementary school level. Teachers must be open to new mindsets and skill sets that are required to engage and inspire children that mature faster and faster. With us today is Pinelopi Dimitroula, a 5th-grade teacher, who engages in the discussion of what this experience is currently in the ACS Athens Elementary. With an MBA degree from Pace University and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from Touro University, New York, Ms. Dimitroula has a wide perspective on what Education should be about. With Ms. Dimitroula, today we discuss: The increasing level of Student's maturity in the Elementary School Supporting the mental and socio-emotional state of children during learning in difficult times The transition to Middle School and a new reality Meeting students where they are at.... the true meaning of differentiation Helping students get rid of the "stigma" of accommodations Exposing children to the UN Sustainable Development Goals Involving faculty in Artificial Intelligence and Conscious Citizenship initiatives The future of education and the consideration of human interaction

The International Baccalaureate has been a staple academic program of the international schools. ACS Athens introduced IB as an academic option in the mid-'70s, long before it became the international standard for admission in universities around the world. Throughout the years, in combination with the Advanced Placement courses, the IB courses enhanced the academic offerings of the school that students could choose from as they aspired to develop a more rounded approach to their academic portfolio. This year, Mark McGowan joined ACS Athens as its new IB/AP Programs director. This is not his first time in Athens - he has served at another Athenian school before, but as most international educators, he has traveled around the world in the international school circuit, building expertise and global academic perspectives. He has held various leadership positions, including ToK Coordinator and Head of English at the International School of Brussels, and BTEC Coordinator at the JESS school in Dubai. In 2019, he obtained a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Center in London. An avid reader, sports fan, and supporter of the arts, Mr. McGowan also enjoys traveling, swimming, cycling, and spending time with his family. With Mark McGowan, we discuss: Creative writing while living in Greece The International Baccalaureate as an academic option and not as the only choice The IB as the door to high-level thinking and better college placement Is the current system of preparing students for college optimal and what is the alternative What is the value of certain keystone courses, like the Theory of Knowledge Connecting the dots of knowledge by engaging in provocative topics of discussion Preparing students to enjoy life, to think and feel The IB as a bridge between school systems The global discussion about the future of education and the trend towards project-based learning

The community of ACS Athens has always been one with strong connections between the student and alumni communities. Every so often graduates of the school cross the gates of the campus to reminisce and go back in time. Frequently, however, distinguished and renowned alums come to witness the work and projects of the students, to inspire and mentor them and address the all too relevant concerns of adolescents as they explore their life's possibilities. Late last year, Dr. Photini Pazartzis, honored the community with her presence in order to speak to Middle School and Academy students about the United Nations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Pazartzis is a Professor of International Law at the University of Athens and the Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee. She spoke about the foundation treaty of the UN, the three pillars, and specifically the Human Rights Committee in which she has been unanimously elected as Chair. Students were able to understand how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are linked to the three pillars. “How long have you worked in the UN?” “What made you want to work in the UN?”, “How can one begin to work in the UN?” were some of the questions that middle school students had the opportunity to ask Dr. Pazartzis, who told students that "ACS Athens is a small United Nations.” “You are very lucky to be in this school," she said, "you have people from all over the world that are your friends and will remain your friends.” With Dr. Photini Pazartzis today we discuss: From International Law to Human Rights: how does someone with academic credentials transition to civic leadership Human Rights as part of the relations between states How the response to the COVID pandemic affected the human rights of individuals Getting inspiration from the school environment for a future career Being optimistic about meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and cultivating conscious children around the issue Teaching a lesson by being a lesson

How does communication for Congressional campaigns prepare someone to advise students to write more effectively How does the Capstone Project combine with the Sustainable Development Goals? Does Connecting with the students promote learning? Welcome to today's episode of the Owlcast. We have with us Helen Seretis and Michael Januzzi who are in charge of the Writing Studio in the Learning Commons of ACS Athens. The Writing Studio is just one of the services available for students, along with the Math, Research and Media Studios in the Learning Commons, which sole purpose is to enhance the learning experience of the students, by providing support, guidance and necessary resources as the school community takes learning to the next level. Today with Ms. Seretis and Mr. Januzzi we discuss: The therapy couch of the writing studio Meta-strategies around writing and creative approaches The bad thoughts bunny, and why it's full Reaching out to the students How to motivate higher learners Handling over 2000 projects and assignments per semester Supporting students while setting boundaries Using creative writing as a way to express personal frustrations Using personal interests in order to learn a foreign language How to gamify EFL Language support Writing college essays in a personal and unique way - the case of the celery crunch Using hardship to grow, and The Capstone project: bringing the classroom into the real world

What kind of epiphany does someone experience before becoming a teacher? How does an optician, from adjusting frames ends up adjusting brains? Why it's important to have a balanced literacy classroom? The answers to these profound questions we attempt to find today with Sophia Tsinakis, Literacy Coordinator at ACS Athens. A native of Houston, Texas, Ms. Tsinakis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology - with a minor in Art Therapy - from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. She has earned a Master's in Elementary Education and a K-12 English Language Learners endorsement at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. While teaching in Nashville, Tenessee, she was a finalist for the Teacher of the Year, recognized as a Literacy Leader by the District Director of Literacy, was interviewed and observed by the National Public Radio program, Mind/Shift, and one of her guided reading lessons was filmed by the district as an example of exemplary reading instruction. Sophia Tsinakis arrived at ACS Athens in 2018 and transitioned in her capacity as Literacy Coordinator in 2020, through which she facilitates the development of an ongoing collaborative literacy learning culture that aligns reading & writing curriculums. With Ms. Tsinakis, today we discuss: The vision of Literacy in the Elementary School of the late Steve Medeiros Growing into innovation through professional development Building a balanced literacy classroom Being a mentor, collaborator and coach at the same time Life in the digital realm and how it affects learning The emerging trends in literacy: Teaching Poetry and Use of Graphic Novels Reading critically and making sense of online content Sustainable development goals and Literacy Balance in a teacher's personal life and how that affects teaching

"THE PLANET DOES NOT NEED MORE SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE. THE PLANET DESPERATELY NEEDS MORE PEACEMAKERS, HEALERS, RESTORERS, STORYTELLERS, AND LOVERS OF ALL KINDS." The Dalai Lama has offered this call for peace and healing a few years ago, before the latest refugee crisis took hold of much of Europe but involves much of Asia, Africa, and Central America, the so-called developing world. In general, the Western developed world has been part of both the problem and the solution, in ways that are both frustrating but also hopeful. Hope is what the Home Project is investing in its effort to provide shelter, education, and integration opportunities to unaccompanied refugee minors, while at the same it is fighting intolerance, xenophobia, and racism. The HOME Project was founded in response to the call made by President Obama to the private sector to help in addressing the refugee crisis in 2016. Their mission is to help refugee children to safety and security, to overcome the trauma of violence and loss, to motivate reintegration and healing and empower new beginnings. ACS Athens, through its effort to assist in this cause, has started the Youth-to-Youth educational and integration program in 2017, in collaboration with the Home Project. The program fosters meaningful educational experiences and promotes social integration addressing the educational and social needs of unaccompanied minors in Athens through a student-to-student partnership learning model. Volunteer students and teachers of the school provide the necessary environment for the young refugees so that they re-engage in a social and educational way, in a setting that allows friendships to grow, knowledge to be cultivated and personalities to heal. With us today is Sofia Kouvelaki, Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project. A young and energetic leader in a highly humanitarian cause, Ms. Kouvelaki represents what every young person should be striving to achieve: empathy, specialized but ethical knowledge, global mindset and dedication to a noble cause. With Sofia Kouvelaki today we discuss: How university studies can steer someone towards humanitarian work The impact of working with refugees during the crisis in Greece Receiving a new unaccompanied child at the Home Project Why social integration is so important Providing shelter while preparing the next steps towards autonomy The asylum process labyrinth Showing, not telling, as a way to grow empathy to the local community The danger of talking about the weaponization of the refugee issue The Youth-To-Youth program, a collaboration between ACS Athens and the Home Project, as a model for breaking stereotypes and combat xenophobia

One of the staple characteristics of American schools is inclusion. Cultural inclusion, ethnic inclusion, and of course learning inclusion. It’s an attribute that defines the American educational philosophy, which is at the center of the ACS Athens mission. The values served by the school have been closely related to this inclusion for many many years. Since the early eighties, our guest today has offered her services to the cause of inclusion, the right to learn of every child, and assisting students with learning differences at a fundamental level. Christianna Perakis Evloyas or Ms. Perakis as everyone has called her all these years before she retired in 2019, has left her mark not only to her students, who left the school to become successful members of society, but also to the way of thinking of every teacher and the entire educational philosophy of ACS Athens. Chris Perakis continues to be involved through our Diagnostic Learning Center, advising those who assess and evaluate students, not whether they can learn, but how they can learn in a better, more meaningful, and impactful way for their lives. With Chris Perakis, we discuss: What is learning inclusion Learning Differences: What's in a term Developing lifetime friendships with your students The taboo of admitting a learning difference for your child How did 9 annual conferences change the way a community sees differentiation Can someone with learning differences be successful in life The role of the shadow teacher, and Teaching and life-long learning

International Schools attract families from their host country, but primarily and traditionally families that are on the move. Whether it is for business purposes or just repatriation, international traveling families are making their homes around the world. Their common denominator, most of the time, is the educational standard for their children. There’s of course the occasional student that has gone through changes in school systems and languages. Most of the time, however, International families choose a school system that meets their children’s needs, wherever they are located or re-located. Our guest today represents such a family, who arrived at ACS Athens through the diplomatic corps route and has also been part of our community of educators since. Ms. Valeria Laitinen is our Early Childhood Coordinator this year, while she’s served as the Elementary Vice-Principal and Elementary Teacher before that. With Ms. Laitinen we discuss: How does Following the diplomat's path through the countries develop a greater sense of empathy Making the world your home The portability of a career in education as a traveling family The Growth mindset, or learning through your mistakes Feeling uncomfortable is the feeling of learning Growing along with the students you're teaching Early Childhood Education as the foundation for learning The importance of Getting to know the school before applying as a way to develop the necessary trust The realization of becoming an international-minded student

Nicholas Karambelas is a graduate of ACS Athens in the 70's who left to become a successful law professional in the U.S., but has never really left the school. His current capacity as the Chairman of the US Board of Trustees of the school, along with his love for Greece and his Greek-American identity, put him in a unique position to serve the mission and vision of the school. A third-generation Greek American, he takes pride of his emotional attachment to Greece and the intellectual approach to the Greek national issues as a Greek American. With Nick Karambelas, today we discuss: The changing profile of ACS Athens from an almost exclusively American school to a totally international school Fond memories with dear friends The role of the houses as an American school tradition Intellectual curiosity as a key quality transitioning to colleges Having an analytical mindset as a law professional His passion for history and archeology The role of the Greek American Omogeneia in shaping the American nation The 1821 revolutionary war of independence through the eyes of Omogeneia His view of ACS Athens as a member of the Board of Trustees

Today with us is Ada Gianneskis, ACS Athens parent and elected member of the Board of Trustees of the school. Ms. Gianneskis is a marketing and communications executive with 20 years of experience and is currently the Communications Director of House Market SA (IKEA franchise for Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria). Ms. Gianneskis has an MBA degree from Southern New Hampshire University, with specialization in sports marketing. She is also a member of the Corporate Responsibility Committee of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce. With Ms. Gianneskis, we discuss: Having difficult conversations with your children while cultivating their empathy Trust as a family contract as children live through COVID Parents responsibility to Learn what their children already know Wearing two hats, when it comes to being involved in school governance Students not Hiding behind the musts, as they consider their future Following your true calling How to highlight your work ethic in an interview Taking a step back when deciding on graduate or post-grad studies; and What makes a good communicator

International Schools are known for the frequent rotation of their teaching and administrative personnel. ACS Athens recruits most of the times teachers and high-level administrators from the international school circuit, where the mentality of international education guides the expertise and training of the new hires. This year, a new Principal joined us from a pure American school, which gives her a unique perspective as a leader to a school that follows the American curriculum. Dr. Joleta Galozzi, our new Middle School Principal arrived this year from Aurora, Colorado, and shares with us some of the insight she has gained so far having joined the ACS Athens international community of educators. Today With Dr. Galozzi, we discuss: How can British literature inspire the desire to travel The learning curve of managing learning on a new school The job of a principal as a life calling Causing Shifts in culture and bringing positive impacts Teachable Moments Helping students help themselves

One of the staple academic subject areas of primary and secondary education is the inquiry, research, and experimentation of Science. Students are introduced and exposed to data literacy and computational thinking and are encouraged to develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and team working. We are living in the age of inescapable if not compulsory technological literacy, where skills and competencies are required material to students, where the future is now. The Technology and Science curriculum, the STEM or STEAM blend of courses, and the frame of mind based on Artificial Intelligence, are the fundamentals of 21st-century education. Dr. Antonis Karampelas is a member of the Science and Technology Faculty of the ACS Athens Academy. He is the Artificial Intelligence Framework Coordinator, working with faculty to holistically integrate AI into the school’s curriculum. Dr. Karampelas is a co-author of more than 60 published articles and research contributions in the fields of education and astrophysics. Today we discuss: Science Fiction and the vagueness of the future Enjoying looking at the stars without a telescope Preparing to conduct science experiments in space Robotics and appeal of STEM to young people Heisenberg and the principle of uncertainty The importance of AI and the 4th industrial revolution The emergence of Superintelligence Getting inspired to become a science teacher

Today we have with us Maria Laiou, Guidance Specialist for the ACS Athens Academy, for students grades 9-12. With more than 15 years of service in academia, she has held advising and leadership positions in Career Services, Student Affairs, and Retention in Higher Education through which she has gained a unique viewpoint as she advises students on their way towards high school graduation and their college of choice. With Ms. Laiou, we discuss: The star over the head of each student Destined for greatness What's the difference between a buddy and a friend Being uncommitted or undecided for college Parental concerns or doubts about their children's guidance Dreams that become expectations Living and operating within the golden triangle

A few weeks ago, ACS Athens launched the new website of the Institute of ACS Athens. New programs new approach, new visuals, new mentality. The Institute for Innovation and Creativity evolved to the Institute of ACS Athens. It started a few years ago, but now it knocks on our door as it attempts to enter our lives under a new vision. Carla Tanas, ACS Athens Alumna class of 1999, has returned to ACS Athens as the Dean of The Institute. A citizen of the world with deep intercultural understanding and international experience, she has lived in 3 continents, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. She declares her passion to be innovation and ecosystem building. Carla Tanas is part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, a TEDx advocate and organizer, as well as a member of the United Nations Committee on World Food Security - Private Sector Mechanism and Youth Council Advisory. And, now she's innovating through the Institute of ACS Athens.

With us today is Steve Sinunu the President and CEO of EnvironX Solutions; an expert on peat fires, Steve has traveled the world to research, train, and fight underground fires. Steve’s global travel has included keynote addresses in South America for the largest Forestry Companies and Asian Fire and Rescue schools. In 2011, when devastating fires ravaged central Texas, he donated thousands of dollars worth of products to the threatened areas, shuttling donated goods from EnvironX North Texas Headquarters and personally assisting in coating threatened homes with the proprietary fire suppressant. Steve is an ACS Athens Alum, who along with his brothers, came through ACS Athens in the late '70s and early '80s. His family's journey brought him to school until he finished 8th grade before he moved back to the US. He stopped by the campus a few days ago to reminisce and trace his path on the memory lane of those years, after leaving Athens in the early '80s.

Today we talk with two Academy teachers, members of the IB faculty, who during the pandemic lockdowns - among other projects - created a virtual club for students interested in the intersection of Biosciences and Psychology. A club that created a virtual escape room which .... well, I better let them explain. The club continues of course this year. Dr. Elina Prodromidis and Ms. Angela Chamosfakidis, one Biology Teacher and one Psychology Teacher, that attempt to create bridges and intersections between their two fields. Today, we discuss: Biopsychological Synapses beyond the classroom (and what that means) Focusing less on Assessment and more on creativity Learning and Research on what we Learn Gaining critical thinking skills to accept knowledge but not taking it as granted Helping students realize why they learn what they learn Being aware of each student's needs Offering the IB diploma as an option and not as a requirement to graduate IB holistic learning on the way to college Theory of Knowledge - Another course or shift to another mentality about learning The i²Flex teaching and learning hybrid model and its impact on the pandemic response The takeaways from two years hooked on technology Unsure about your calling? Biology or Psychology? Join the Club!

Every so often, but not often enough, there comes an individual in the life of an institution, that through personality, deeds or just aura, gets to be identified with the institution, its spirit and presence in the community. Annie Constantinides, the legendary basketball player and leader of Sporting Athens and the National Women Basketball team in the 80’s and 90’s, is such an individual. Her own teammates from school admit that “Annie was a force to be reckoned with”, and her teammates from her years as a professional athlete remember a natural leader. During her ACS Athens career, even through her occasional hiatus to participate in the organizing of the Olympic Games, she has served as the Athletics Director and de facto coach of the boys (or girls) varsity basketball teams. She can run a Marathon while speaking on the phone, she analyses strategy on the basketball court from every particular angle, or she can find solutions to issues while restlessly roaming the campus. To some she’s intimidating, to most she’s inspiring. Her story is the story of every student-athlete who follows his or her own dreams without compromises.

Dr. Marco Crivellaro joined ACS Athens a little before the COVID pandemic struck hard face-to-face learning in schools. Operating through two lockdowns could have been an inopportune time in his career, especially when as a librarian you depend on the physical presence of students in your library and the constant contact with books and volumes of manuscripts. But, following the school-wide schooling path from physical to virtual, he created the ACS Athens Virtual Library with a comprehensive list of books and periodicals accessible in electronic formats. Our discussion with Dr. Crivellaro starts with the library, but expands to topics such as Information vs. Knowledge, Critical Thinking skills of the reader and why it's important to know why you read what you read, we even invited his personal favorite authors for dinner. And yes, History is his favorite subject - who would have thought!

Venie Gaki, is an English as a Second/Foreign Language teacher at ACS Athens, who joined the school 15 years ago. We are discussing: Teaching English as a Second Language How to achieve English language immersion in less than 3 years The zoning out and the cultural shock that foreign language students go through Translanguaging as a method to connect with the student Content-based approach to English language acquisition What's the difference between communicative and academic English Helping students through the stress, frustration and depression of learning a new language The idea of feeling at home while learning and using English at school

A candid discussion with Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens. What ignites the passion for learning? Leading a dynamic organization during the pandemic years. Students and families coping with the challenges of COVID. The Resilience of an entire community And her WHY for what she does.