emotions of joy, anger, sadness, and calm, became a weekly salve to the emotional rollercoaster we were all experiencing. Even in isolation, the spirit of community held strong. Since its inception, Community Meeting has also been a stage for bold ideas and joyful expression. When I joined AVS in 2017, the founding Head of School, Ed Walters, invited a teacher, student, and parent to collaborate with him for months on designing a machine powered by air that could actually play a tune. The room filled with laughter and awe as air pushed through instruments to make music, and they played together as a band on stage. Community Meetings have also become a way to celebrate and honor the diversity of our school. In 2017, we hosted the first Cultural Community Meetings— the Lunar New Year celebration introduced students to traditions, food, and stories from across Asian cultures. Since then, these cultural gatherings have become a regular feature, highlighting the many backgrounds, identities, and strengths that make our school vibrant. Today, Community Meeting continues to embody the heart of the Lower School. It is a place for inquiry, innovation, and connection; for lifting each other up; and for celebrating both the extraordinary and the everyday. Whether in person or online, the tradition reminds us that learning is richer—and joy feels deeper—when experienced together.
23
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker