creatively and problem- solve, while meeting and exceeding all educational standards associated with those age groups. Besides
the outstanding programs they created for their classrooms, this
was also the beginning of AVS traditions such as student-created Rube Goldberg
demonstrations, exploratory morning meetings, interactive student admissions visits, and student engineering challenges.
The following year, as the school expanded and moved to its current Lower School location on Somerset, the founding faculty were joined by the talented Glenn Heuser and Sophie Koshland, and a cadre of other similarly minded and equally gifted faculty members. I remember the invigorating faculty “round-table discussions” to improve programs, generate enthusiasm for STEAM subjects, and incorporate the arts into every school day—as well as Casey Cushing, our first Lower School Director, going out to purchase cubbies from IKEA to use as lockers. When she returned, everyone—faculty and parents alike—helped in the building and placement process. I also remember those delicious Dominican meals prepared by Gessi’s mom for all of us to enjoy during in-service meetings.
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