Enhancing Science Learning Through Hands-On Exploration: The inquiry-driven science learning environment in Group 2 has been enhanced with the addition of a classroom fishtank, an erosion simulation table, and maple syrup production to help students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and real-world applications.

Makerspace Upgrades: A new STEAM and Makerspace curriculum for PreK 4-Group 4 was developed after careful review of exemplary STEAM practices in other schools. The Makerspace was also reorganized to create a safer workflow, supplies were added to enhance students’ STEAM learning, and example pieces were created for the classroom to inspire STEAM learning.

Enhancing Social-Emotional Development Through Sensory, Social Thinking, and Gross Motor Tools: Sensory tools, gross motor equipment, and the We Thinkers social-emotional learning curriculum from Social Thinking (Vol. 1 & 2) were added to Kindergarten classrooms to promote and support emotional regulation, social awareness, and positive physical outlets for energy.

Visiting Artist Workshops: Professional musicians specializing in string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments were invited to ACS to work with students in the Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, providing coaching and hands-on learning experiences.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert Excursion: Intermediate and Advanced Orchestra students attended the CSO for Kids: School Concerts program presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Author Visit with Neal Shusterman: A visit from this award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature provided our middle school students with a unique opportunity to connect with the creative mind behind his acclaimed works. The experience fostered a deeper understanding of the writing process and inspired and encouraged our young writers.

Gross Motor Enhancement Equipment: Railyard Fitness equipment was purchased to enhance students’ movement competence through experiences grounded in the fundamentals of Parkour. This equipment promotes the development of strength and mobility while emphasizing the important relationship between the two. Partially funded by the ACS Summer Program, the equipment will support student growth and physical development year-round.

Sensory Materials: Lower School teacher Abby Spiwak integrated sensory materials into the classroom to support social-emotional growth and meet the overall learning needs of her students. These resources help students develop fine motor skills, focus, and sensory integration, making them especially valuable for children with sensory processing challenges. Using these tools fosters a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that addresses diverse student needs.

Indiana Dunes National Park Field Trip: This new Group 3 field trip to the Indiana Dunes National Park serves as the culmination of a cross-curricular project in which students studied the climate and geographic features of different U.S. regions through the lens of National Parks.

Visit to Ron Clark Academy: Lower School teachers, Abby Spiwak and Katie Baldwin visited the Ron Clark Academy, a nationally recognized middle school in Atlanta known for creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters academic excellence and leadership. They participated in workshops focused on strategies the Academy uses for engaging students and building a climate and culture that promotes success for all, then shared their learning and key takeaways with fellow teachers at ACS.

Józef Broda Collaboration: Orchestra & Music Teacher, Konrad Pawelek took part in an immersive two-week residency featuring daily collaboration with Józef Broda, a renowned folklorist, multi-instrumentalist, instrument maker, educator, cultural activist, and social worker. The experience focused on developing hands-on skills in crafting folk instruments from everyday materials while exploring Broda’s distinctive teaching philosophy, particularly his approach to early childhood development and the powerful role of music in a child’s growth.

Arts Integration Certification: Creative Movement and Drama Teacher, Amy Arbizzani, is pursuing Arts Integration certification through the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM. This program equips her with the knowledge and leadership skills to implement and guide schoolwide arts and STEAM initiatives successfully.

Aboriginal and Torres Islander Music Exploration: Music Teacher, Jaime Surdynski, engaged in an authentic learning experience studying the music, instruments, and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She immersed herself in the culture and history and connected with Aboriginal musicians. This experience enriches students’ learning by fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity in music education.

Glass Fusion: To allow students to explore how scientific processes and art intersect, Art Teacher Chris Makowski pursued glass fusion courses and acquired the necessary materials to add the media to the ACS art curriculum. 

Inquiry-Based Social Studies Units: An innovative, inquiry-based social studies unit was developed for Group 2. It explored supply chain and community economics and featured exclusive field trips to Flavorchem and O’Hare. 

Creative Arts Therapy: To provide an SEL experience to MS students and faculty, Creative Arts Therapy provided and on-campus workshop. This experience directly supported the values aligned with SEL goals of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Reggio Emilia U.S. Study Group for Educators: Kindergarten Teacher Nelly Musso participated in the Reggio Emilia U.S. Study Group for Educators to engage in a first-hand exploration of this child-centered approach to early childhood education.

Phillips Exeter Humanities Institute: MS literacy teachers attended this five-day working conference to gain understanding of how to use Harkness-style (student-centered, collaborative) discussion in their classrooms. 

Physical Education Global Enrichment: Through a series of school visits, PE teacher Adam Metcalf explored how educators around the world use different teaching styles, technology, and inquiry-based approaches in their curriculum. By observing and connecting with these teachers, he gained insights that inspired new strategies to help students take ownership of their learning, track their progress, and engage more deeply in physical education.

Project Zero Classroom: Started at the Harvard Graduate School of Education as a research initiative to study how people learn in and through the arts, Project Zero Classroom has expanded to explore more broadly how students learn and how educators can nurture their potential. Former Group 2 Teacher, Sarah Batzel, attended an intensive, week-long session to learn about the research and to understand how to use new protocols and processes in the classroom. 

CAVILAM: French teachers, Denise Clivaz and Elizabeth Roberts, were able to attend CAVILAM (Centre d’Approches Vivantes des Langues et des Médias), now part of the Alliance Française. This immersive professional development experience allowed them to deepen their language skills, learn the latest teaching methods, and bring French culture more fully into their classrooms, directly enriching our students’ learning experiences.

Developing Mathematical Ideas Institute: This intensive professional development explores innovative teaching strategies, analyzes student thinking, and helps teachers deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Former Math teacher and department chair, Karen Hyma, attended and brought back valuable insights to share with the department, directly benefiting our students’ learning.