FROM THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL KATE GIBBONS
The Living Tradition of Community Meetings For fifteen years, Community Meeting at the Lower School has been a cherished tradition at AVS—a place where curiosity, creativity, and connection come to life. When the school first opened, a Community Meeting was held every morning. In those early days, a large chair—far too big for the children who sat in it—became the stage for students to share current events. The gatherings quickly grew into lively spaces filled with wonder. Science demonstrations were a staple, designed not only to entertain but also to spark inquiry. One memorable experiment involved a container of water slowly spilling from a large basin while children worked together to stop it. The lesson was more than gravity or volume; it was about collaboration, persistence, and curiosity. “The questions raised in the Community Meeting didn’t stop when the gathering ended. Students carried their wonder back into classrooms, onto the playground, and into their homes. A single experiment often ignited days of exploration, investigation, and discovery.” When COVID-19 forced schools to close in 2020, Community Meeting never stopped. Instead, it transformed into a virtual hub. At first, pre-recorded videos circulated to keep the tradition alive. Soon after, families, students, and teachers gathered live on Zoom—over 300 participants at times— coming together through storytelling, music, and shared questions. At this time, social and emotional learning was crucial. The “Moodish Players,” who personified the four core
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