Table of Contents INTRODUCTION I.
Welcome to the The Learning Commons
II.
Accreditation
III.
Sabbagh Library & Literacy Center
IV.
Writing & Research Studio
V.
Math & Science Studio
VI.
Media Studio - Mr. John Papadakis
VII.
The Incubator
VIII.
Learning Enhancement Program (LEP)
IX.
Innovation Lab
X.
MAP Testing
XI.
Summer Scholars Program
XII.
Internships
XIII.
Literacy Festival
XIV.
Meet our Team
THE LEARNING COMMONS
I.
WELCOME
The Learning Commons is the center of research, knowledge construction and student/faculty collaboration. This learning space provides our students and faculty/staff with state-of-the-art facilities. We have a wealth of services in place whose aim is to support students academically to reach their unique potential and enhance their learning experience. The spaces are staffed with professionals who have expertise in their respective fields including Mathematics, Science, Writing, Research, Literacy, STEAM education, and Media. We are here to support our students, faculty and staff!
II. ACCREDITATION ACS Athens was amongst the first international schools to follow the Sustaining Excellence protocol for accreditation in 2015 and the first international school to have achieved this level of accreditation.
To achieve its mission and vision of sustaining excellence, ACS Athens adheres to the MSA (Middle School Association) protocol and focuses on school-wide Action and Evaluation Research creating its own unique research design. ACS Athens is commended by the MSA to possess prototype learning structures throughout the institution, modeling high quality education for the international community. ACS Athens has received its seal of approval until 2029. The Learning Commons provides guidance and support to all faculty and staff in our collective research study. To schedule an appointment, please contact: Ms. Pappas pappass@acs.gr
Ms. MaryAnn Augoustatos
Internal Accreditation Coordinator Chair
Dr. Julie Crain
Internal Accreditation Coordinator
Mr. Mark McGowan
Internal Accreditation Coordinator
Ms. Stavi Dimas
Internal Accreditation Coordinator
III. SABBAGH LIBRARY & LITERACY CENTER Housed in the Learning Commons, the Sabbagh Library & Literacy Center holds an extensive collection of books and online databases students can discover on their own, or with the help of the librarian. Computers are also available for students to use and access information that is not available on the internet which has been reviewed by experts in their respective fields. With these resources, students can become architects of their own learning.
“Wisdom outweighs any wealth” Sophocles
Goals Our goal is to provide a welcoming space for students to explore, learn, and grow. We consistently update our database and resources thus enabling students to find materials to support their interests and academic needs. Support is offered to all Middle School and Academy students, as well as Upper Elementary School students. The Elementary School has its own library.
Accessing & Reserving the Sabbagh Library WHEN Weekdays
TIME 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Location: Learning Commons 2nd level
Services Assistance in finding books - Our library has more than 45,000 printed books, and over 3,000 ebooks to choose from. Our fiction collection consists of Classic Fiction books and Young Adult Fiction books in a plurality of genres: ❖ Fantasy ❖ Realistic ❖ Historical ❖ Mystery ❖ Dystopian ❖ Science Fiction In addition, there are many Non-Fiction books on different topics for reading and for research. Assistance using ACS Athens available Databases - ACS subscribes to a number of research databases which are a good place to start one’s research. The databases available are: Britannica, Digital Public Library of America, Europeana Collections, JStor, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionaries, Scholarpedia, the CIA World Factbook and World Leaders, the United Nations Data and Statistics, World Bank Open Data, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Ancient History Encyclopedia, History World, Science Daily, Encyclopedia of Life, Science Direct. These databases are accessible on Moodle in the same drop down menu mentioned above. All faculty and students are automatically enrolled in the Sabbagh Library, Research Databases, and Literacy Studio Moodle Shell, which contains further access to the library catalog and our databases. Moodle - The ACS Athens Library Catalog can be accessed in Moodle as well as by clicking on ACS Athens Libraries at the top of the Home page and finding it in the drop down menu. Teachers may send students to the Sabbagh Library in the Learning Commons during teaching hours only after prior communication by email or Softros with Dr. Marco Crivellaro to ensure the availability of the space and the presence of a faculty member; a teacher may reserve through Q-Ware. Contact Information: ➢ Dr. Marco Crivellaro, Librarian and Literacy Studio Coordinator crivellarom@acs.gr
IV. WRITING/RESEARCH STUDIO
The studio where you can bring out the true writer in you! The Learning Commons is proud to house the Writing/Research Studio. It’s in this specially designed, welcoming space where we bring out the writer in each student! Students are encouraged to reach their full potential as young writers and researchers.
Goals Through open communication, students benefit by exploring writing strategies and approaches and ultimately strengthening their writing skills. We firmly believe that writing is a form of self-exploration, self-expression and self-definition, further empowering students to become architects of their own learning.
Accessing the Writing/Research Studio WHEN
TIME
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Location: Learning Commons 2nd level
Appointments : Students can schedule appointments for assistance in any of the following ways:
● Students and/or Faculty can schedule an appointment through the Writing/Research Studio Moodle Shell which also contains a variety of resources. ● Students and/or Faculty can contact the studio personnel to book an appointment via email ● The Writing Studio staff also welcome walks-in through out the school day
Please do not send students to the studios if they are disturbing the class: do however send them to reinforce a concept when other students in your classroom have already shown their understanding.
Services The writing studio offers assistance to Middle and High School students in the following areas which include but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Academic essays Research papers Reflections UCAS personal statements Common App college essays Motivation letters CVs Creative writing (poetry, drama, fiction, film scripts)
Our Writing/Research Studio actively involves students in special projects, some of which include: ● Heritage and Awareness Months ● 10th grade Capstone Writing Research Project & Exhibition ● Workshops on various topic such as SAT/ACT, research skills, citations, design thinking, Sustainable Development Goals ● Writing Competitions/Scholarships ● Student Mentor Program ● BookFlix Trailers
Contact Information: Daytime & after school availability ➢ Ms. Athena Stavropoulos, Writing & Research Studio Coordinator, stavropoulosa@acs.gr ➢ Ms. Helen Seretis, Writing/Research Studio Specialist, seretish@acs.gr
After school availability ➢ Ms. Helena Bellou, Permanent Middle School/Academy Substitute teacher in English Language & Literature, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, LEP Instructor, belloue@acs.gr ➢ Mr. Teo Ananiadis, Social Studies Faculty, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, ananiadist@acs.gr ➢ Mr. Panagiotis Hatzis, Permanent Middle School/Academy Substitute teacher in Social Studies, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, hatzisp@acs.gr ➢ Ms. Angela Koufopoulos, Elementary School Faculty in ESL, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, koufopoulosa@acs.gr
V. MATH/SCIENCE STUDIO
Mathematics reveals its secrets only to those who approach it with pure love, for its own beauty! Archimedes Our Math/Science Studio is a specially designed welcoming space housed in the Learning Commons where all students from Middle School and the Academy can receive support in: ➢ Mathematics ➢ Physics ➢ Biology ➢ Chemistry Students work individually or in groups at their own pace, guided by a teacher of the Math/Science Studio team.
Goals It’s often challenging for students to conceive the beauty of mathematics and see the whole picture of how this exciting discipline connects with almost every other discipline in life. Thus, our main goal is to make students love mathematics and guide them to learn how to think in a mathematical way. To this end, we insist on the conceptual understanding of the material taught. Additionally, students are given mathematical riddles and puzzles to work on as well as interesting problems to enhance their skills and cultivate mathematical reasoning. We often conduct interdisciplinary workshops to showcase the interrelation of mathematics with other sciences, music and art while inspiring students to broaden their horizons.
Accessing the Math/Science Studio WHEN
TIME
SUBJECT
Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Math
Wednesday
9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Math
Weekdays
9:00 am - 3:45 pm
Chemistry, Physics & Biology (upon availability)
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Chemistry, Physics & Biology
Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, Friday
Location: Learning Commons 3rd level Appointment: To best serve you, book an appointment through Calendly and include specific instructions especially if you need personalized assistance. Faculty and Staff is kindly reminded of the following:
● Prior to sending a student, use Calendly to reserve a spot for your student & to ensure availability ● Send us instructions regarding the student’s specific needs in the comments section ● Send us material you feel we should use via email ● Feel free to include links to online resources you would like us to use ● During lunch break & after school: we cannot offer personalized assistance by appointment as the Studio is available to all students ● Regarding the MS flex block interventions: we can accommodate a maximum of 15 students concurrently from two different levels. Please update the MS Flex Schedule-Interventions 23-24 sheet prior to sending students (ideally 3 days in advance) to allow us to prepare and use the time constructively
● Check that another colleague hasn’t already booked us & email us once you’ve updated the file
Services ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Independent study with support in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry Workshops on a variety of interdisciplinary topics Seminars specializing in math skills enhancement Assistance with math science research projects Support with standardized testing (SAT, ACT) Preparation for tests/exams/retakes Various resources (textbooks/notes/online reinforcement activities) Fun activities: Mathematical games, puzzles and riddles In-class intervention In-house intervention
Please do not send students to the studios if they are disturbing class: do however send them to reinforce a concept when other students in your classroom have already shown their understanding.
Contact Information: Daytime and after school availability ➢ Ms. Marina Maria Zilotis, Math/Science Studio Coordinator, Mathematician, zilotism@acs.gr ➢ Ms. Rodia Constantinidou, Math/Science Studio Specialist, Engineer & Mathematics Teacher, constantinidour@acs.gr After school availability (daytime availability upon request) ➢ Ms. Evangelia Theofilou, Middle School faculty for Chemistry, Math/Science Studio Assistant, LEP Math Instructor, theofiloue@acs.gr ➢ Mr. Dimitris Kostantopoulos, Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute Teacher for Physics, Math/Science Studio Assistant, konstantopoulosd@acs.gr
➢ Mr. George Mehrabian, Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute Teacher for Biology, Math/Science Studio Assistant, mehrabiang@acs.gr
VI. MEDIA STUDIO
The studio where magic happens! The Media Studio provides our students with multiple opportunities to be creative, to understand and be actively involved in the world of communication and technology in an environment that has state of the art equipment.
Goals Our aim is to help students connect with technology and media resources.
Accessing the Media Studio WHEN
TIME
Monday & Wednesday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Location: Learning Commons 2nd level
Appointment: Students or faculty need to make an appointment
Services Don’t miss out the opportunity to experience: ➢ Film/ TV/New Media Pre-Production ➢ Media pre-production, production, post-production, ➢ Workshops on a variety of topics ➢ Exploration of new media technologies ➢ Group projects ➢ Independent study with personalized support in AV projects In addition, students are exposed to AV language with a twelve level experience method: Screenwriting, Photostory, Animation, Short film, Video CV, Documentary production, Documentary trailer production, Film analysis, film trailers, Television production,Video campaign, Audiovisual language in the classroom, Accessibility in Theater, Cinema and TV
Contact Information:
➢ Mr. John Papadakis, Dir. of Enrollment Management, cDPO, Tech & Communications papadakisj@acs.gr ➢ Mr. Thanassis Palos, Media Studio Coordinator, mediastudio@acs.gr ➢ Ms. Vana Alexopoulou, Media Production Specialist, alexopoulouv@acs.gr
VII. THE INCUBATOR The Incubator is a student-run, student-led initiative designed to facilitate and organize learning projects. This space allows project-based learning initiative using the design process to support and guide students’ creative ideas in all disciplines.
Goals Encouraging students to take control of their own learning by giving them the chance to choose what they would like to learn and turn their passion into reality. Ultimately, students will research and create something meaningful they will feel good about. Students function as architects of their own learning as they pursue, fund and support their intellectual curiosities.
Accessing The Incubator
WHEN Weekdays
Location: Learning Commons 1rst level
TIME 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Appointment: Students do not need to make an appointment to visit. Teachers may reserve The Incubator after communicating with its council members via email. It cannot be done automatically through the Calendar. There is No Moodle Shell.
Services The Incubator offers support to all Middle School and Academy students, including:
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
The opportunity to explore intellectual curiosities Project Based Learning After School Assistance Program (ASSAP)- Students helping students Workshops on a variety of topics (Arduino, 3D printing, start-ups, Entrepreneurship, etc.) Summits at ACS Athens and other schools Assistance with research or other school projects Possible funding for endeavors Organizing an annual Innovation Summit for all Academy & Middle School students grades 6-10
The space where magic happens! Contact Information: incubator@stu.acs.gr
Director: Ms. MaryAnn Augoustatos, Mentor to the Incubator & Director of the Learning Commons, contact at augoustatosm@acs.gr
VIII. AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK SUPPORT PROGRAM (LEP)
The program that supports students in working towards their potential
Learning Enhancement Program (LEP) is a homework and math support service. This program aims to help students achieve success and enhance their classroom experience.
Goals Instructors assist students with homework completion all the while motivating and encouraging them to focus on task as they grow to become independent learners. Students receive constructive feedback from instructors.
Accessing LEP WHEN
TIME
SUBJECT
Monday - Thursday
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Homework Support
Tuesday, Thursday
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Math Support
Location: Throughout the Learning Commons Appointment: No appointment. Students enroll online through Skyward and choose their activity. If no seats are available, please contact the coordinator so that we may place you on a waiting list. Contact Information:
➢ Ms. MaryAnn Augoustatos, Director of the Learning Commons at augoustatosm@acs.gr or 210 6070274. ➢ Ms. Sophia Pappas, LEP Coordinator at pappass@acs.gr or 210 6070219
IX. INNOVATION LAB The Innovation Lab The Innovation Lab is a place where students use their imagination, create and innovate. Project-based learning is at the heart of this experience where creativity, consciousness and technology intersect, and where students are empowered to transform curiosity into action, and action into solutions! From insightful research to solution-oriented products, from innovative services to engineered prototypes, the Innovation Lab serves as the practical playground where students can bring their imagination to life in a safe, supportive environment, guided by experts – both in the field of Education and Entrepreneurship, as well as experts we partner with to bring today’s cutting edge to tomorrow’s leaders.
Goals Inspiring students to grasp the bigger picture and actively contribute to being part of a brighter future. In essence, enabling students to not only uncover their passions but also transform those passions into practical solutions that address genuine challenges. Students are guided in the journey from conceiving innovative ideas to bringing them to life, all while delving into uncharted territories of technology and exploring boundless possibilities.
Accessing the Innovation Lab WHEN
TIME
Weekdays
9.00 am - 5.00pm
Location: Learning Commons Appointment: All students and faculty members need to make an appointment
Programs We Offer ACS Athens Open AWS Club
Services We Offer We support to faculty and staff and students with the stations below:
Moon Camp Challenge Sewing for Purpose Biomimicry Design Earth Prize Formula 1 CanSat
Virtual Reality ●
Collaboration with faculty to develop VR activities as an additional tool for classroom engagement and learning
Makerspace (including 3D Printing, sewing, arduinos, etc.)
Curious Chemists Coding & Development (AI Support)
Contact Information: ➢ For Appointment: Ms. Katerina Apostolaki, Admin. Assistant to the Dean of the Institute apostolakik@acs.gr, theinstitute@acs.gr ➢ Ms. Carla Tanas, Dean of the Institute, contact at tanasc@acs.gr
X. MAP TESTING
The Learning Commons oversees MAP Testing schoolwide. MAP testing is an online assessment measure which helps identify the instructional level of students and functions as a measure of academic growth from year to year.
At ACS Athens students benefit from the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing which is administered during designated hours online to students throughout the Elementary School, Middle School and the Academy.
The areas assessed include:
Grades 3-10
Grades 5, 8, 10
Reading
Reading
Language Usage
Language Usage
Mathematics
Mathematics Science
This testing is unique in that it’s adaptive. This means that the test questions become more difficult as the student answers correctly. Inversely, with each wrong answer the test becomes easier. As the test is specifically adaptable to different learning levels, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and exit the testing with a positive attitude.
MAP, or the Measure of Academic Progress, is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth. Map testing is a standardized, norm-referenced test, conducted two times a year.
Contact Information:
➢
Mr. Stelios Kalogridakis, kalogridakiss@acs.gr
XI. SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
A summer program full of opportunities
Another exciting component of the Learning Commons is the Summer Scholars Program!
This exceptional program allows Middle School and Academy school students to expand their intellectual curiosity and earn extra high school credits at the same time! The program runs after school closes, for a period of 10 days in the mornings.
Topics: Topics can vary from year to year. Some of these include: Writer’s Guide to Life Robotics Chemical Curiosities
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy
Forensics & Public Speaking
Song Writing
Rocket Science
French Civilization & Culture
Our faculty and staff teach their topic of interest and share their intellectual passions with ACS Athens students in a focused and interactive environment. Students will have the opportunity to explore, research and investigate various disciplines and interests themselves as they then continue into their summer thereby sparking new ideas and in their ever-developing minds.
What a wonderful way to exercise one’s mind, expand one’s knowledge and have fun all at the same time in the Summer Scholars Program!
Contact Information on Enrollment: Ms. Pappas, pappass@acs.gr Contact Information on Academics: Ms. Augoustatos, augoustatosm@acs.gr
XII. INTERNSHIPS At ACS Athens, we welcome interns from our partner universities. The Internship Program is a wonderful opportunity for interns to enhance their skills and learn strategies used by professionals in a distinguished environment that embodies U.S. principles and academia. Our interns engage in weekly meetings with their supervisor and discuss relevant issues, themes and procedures related to their area of study/work. These meetings are also an opportunity to share with our interns our professional code of ethics and conduct.
We offer diverse internship placement opportunities: ● Elementary/Middle/Academy School Counseling ● Elementary/Middle/Academy Teaching or Aide ● Elementary/Middle/Academy School Optimal Learning ● Occupational & Speech Therapy ● Educational & Diagnostic Center ● Health Office ● Advisories Our partner universities include, but are not limited to University of Delaware USA, Stenden University Holland, Minnesota State University.
XIII. LITERACY FESTIVAL
Turning books turn to life through a series of activities The Literacy Festival Program involves Elementary School Students as well Middle School & Academy students. The Middle School and Academy Literacy Festival Committee is overseen by a committee led by Dr. Crivellaro. This committee organizes an event aiming to explore how literacy impacts on the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute contents using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.
XIV. MEET OUR TEAM
Administrative Team Director of Enrollment Management & Technology
Dean of The Institute
Ms. MaryAnn Augoustatos
Mr. John Papadakis
Ms. Carla Tanas
Admin. Assistant
Admin. Assistant
Admin. Assistant
Ms. Sophia Pappas
Ms. Katerina Apostolaki
Ms. Katerina Apostolaki
Director of The Learning Commons
Literacy / Sabbagh Library Dr. Marco Crivellaro - Librarian and Literacy Studio Coordinator crivellarom@acs.gr Ms. Liakou, Dimitra - Monitoring Aide liakoud@acs.gr
Media Studio Mr. John Papadakis, Dir. of Enrollment Management, cDPO, Tech & Communications papadakisj@acs.gr
Mr. Palos, Thanassis Media Studio Coordinator mediastudio@acs.gr Ms. Alexopoulou, Vana Media Production Specialist alexopoulouv@acs.gr
Writing/Research Studio Ms. Stavropoulos, Athena Writing/Research Studio Coordinator, stavropoulosa@acs.gr Ms. Seretis, Helen Writing/Research Studio Specialist seretish@acs.gr Mr. Ananiadis, Teo Middle School Social Studies Faculty & LC Assistant ananiadist@acs.gr Mr. Hatzis, Panayiotis MS/Academy Permanent Substitute Teacher for Social Studies & Writing/Research Studio Assistant hatzisp@acs.gr Ms. Bellou, Helena Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute for English Language & Literature, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, LEP Instructor belloue@acs.gr Ms. Koufopoulos, Angela ESL/EFL faculty koufopoulosa@acs.gr Math/Science Studio Ms. Ziloti, Marina Math/Science Studio Coordinator, Mathematician zilotism@acs.gr Ms. Constantinidou, Rodia Math/Science Studio Specialist, Mathematician constantinidour@acs.gr Ms. Theofilou, Evangelia, Middle School faculty for Chemistry, Math/Science Studio Assistant, LEP Math Instructor, theofiloue@acs.gr Mr. Mehrabian, George Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute Teacher for Biology, Math/Science Studio Assistant mehrabiang@acs.gr Mr. Konstantopoulos, Dimitrios Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute Teacher for Physics, Math/Science Studio Assistant konstantopoulosd@acs.gr
Innovation Lab Ms. Carla Tana, Dean of the Institute, tanasc@theinstitute.gr Ms. Katerina Apostolaki Administrative Assistant to the Director of Enrollment Management & Technology and to Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Institute apostolakik@acs.gr
Permanent Substitute Teachers / Monitoring & Instructional Aide Ms. Alexopoulos, Alexia Elementary School Permanent Substitute Teacher alexopoulosa@acs.gr Ms. Sitarenios, Marina Elementary School Permanent Substitute Teacher sitareniosm@acs.gr Ms. Salourou, Annie Elementary School Monitoring Aide salourouk@acs.gr
Learning Enhancement Program (LEP) Ms. Bellou, Helena Middle School/Academy Permanent Substitute for English Language & Literature, Writing/Research Studio Assistant, LEP Instructor belloue@acs.gr Mr. Kalaitzis, Stefanos MS/AC Substitute, LEP Math/Science Instructor Ms. Manoli, Androniki OLP Specialist & LEP Instructor manolia@acs.gr Ms. Mohamedali, Jasmine Shadow Teacher, LEP Instructor mohamedalij@acs.gr Ms. Herzig, Stefanie Elementary School Teacher, LEP Instructor herzigs@acs.gr Ms. Theofilou, Evangelia, Middle School faculty for Chemistry, Math/Science Studio Assistant, LEP Math Instructor, theofiloue@acs.gr