ACS Athens Owlcast

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The last Owlcast of the season proudly hosts Dr. Nancy Snow, a Fulbright Professor of Public Diplomacy at Panteion University, a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of International Relations (IDIS), and the Lead Author of "Propaganda and Persuasion," now in its 8th edition with Sage. Her expertise in intercultural communications, peace and conflict resolution, and US foreign policy, particularly public diplomacy, makes her a fitting guest for this season's finale.

Dr. Snow's discussion with ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, among many other topics, includes the evolving landscape of storytelling, particularly within academia. Professor Snow sheds light on the growing shift towards digital media platforms, driven by the need for speed and the diverse range of mediums and audiences now accessible.

Professor Snow also discusses her role as a communication catalyst at both state and local levels. Her work promotes mutual understanding and encourages curiosity as a vehicle for promoting diversity. She argues that diversity acts as a change agent, benefiting both professional growth and personal development. Her insights into how curiosity can drive engagement and learning are particularly timely in today's rapidly changing world.

Listen as we explore these themes and more with Professor Nancy Snow, celebrating a season of insightful discussions and looking forward to future explorations in public diplomacy and global communication.

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The Class of 2024 Academy Commencement Speaker was none other than the distinguished Tom Mustin, a veteran in the world of broadcast journalism and proud ACS Athens Alum. With a celebrated career spanning over two decades in television news, Tom has navigated the rigorous demands of the industry, emerging as a highly respected storyteller and communicator. His journey is marked by resilience and excellence, qualities that have earned him three Emmy Awards as both an anchor and reporter. In addition to his on-screen accomplishments, Tom brings a wealth of experience in media communications, coupled with a commitment to education as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

In today’s episode of Owlcast, Tom emphasizes the significance of serving a school community with a global perspective and the unparalleled benefits of a robust alumni network. We discuss the qualities essential for graduates to succeed, emphasizing the power of storytelling in the media industry. Tom's insights into the human element of communication highlight how genuine connection and empathy are key to impactful storytelling. Additionally, he shares his personal reflections on what it means to be recognized with multiple Emmy Awards, offering a glimpse into the personal fulfillment that comes with such achievements.

Furthermore, Tom talks about the crucial need for media literacy in today's information-rich society, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining fairness and balance as a journalist. He urges our community and its graduates to "check their excuses at the door" if they wish to excel and addresses the significant role of parents in guiding their children's interactions with artificial intelligence. Through his words, Tom aims to inspire a new generation of graduates to embrace their potential, uphold integrity, and commit to lifelong learning.

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Alex Stelea, a distinguished alum from the Class of 2012 is with us today. Alex's journey is a fascinating exploration of technology, education, and the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

In our conversation, Alex shares how being introduced to new technologies with fresh, inquisitive eyes during his high school years sparked a lifelong passion for innovation. He recounts his fond memories at ACS Athens, where his curiosity was nurtured from a young age, and how these formative years were instrumental in shaping his academic and professional trajectory.

Alex reflects on the profound impact of group and project-based learning at ACS Athens, a learning style that proved invaluable as he transitioned to college. He shares his insights on embedding AI and digital literacies into K-12 education to prepare students for a future where technology plays a pivotal role. However, he also cautions against the dangers of biases in AI, as these systems often learn from historical data.

Together, we explore the dual-edged sword of retooling the workforce with AI-enabled practices—the opportunities it presents and the potential pitfalls if not handled thoughtfully. Alex firmly believes the future belongs to those who understand and harness new technologies. He emphasizes the importance of approaching college with an open mind, ready to embrace new cultures and experiences, and explains how early internships can provide crucial real-world experience and set the stage for a successful career.

Finally, Alex reflects on his time at ACS Athens and shares the three words that encapsulate his experience at the school. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion with Alex Stelea, a true testament to the power of curiosity, education, and technological foresight.

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The Honor Code Club of ACS Athens is more than just a student-led group; it's an inspiring initiative that encourages children to make a difference in their communities. The club's mission revolves around doing the right thing even when no one is watching, a principle that these students have taken to heart. Throughout the episode, they share stories of their efforts to support children and families in need, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

We are talking with the 5th grade students members of the Club. They talk about how their volunteering efforts could extend beyond their local community. They share their experiences as they initiate and got involved in school projects related to homelessness, basic human needs like safety, access to food and healthcare.

Co-hosting with us are Penelope Dimitroula and Katherine Bibidaki, 5th grade and 3rd Grade teachers respectively and Honor Code facilitators.

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Today we are excited to have an incredibly inspiring guest joining us, Dr. Lisa Petrides. Lisa is the founder of the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME), and she brings a wealth of experience and insight into how knowledge management can revolutionize teaching and learning.

We discuss fascinating topics, including the continuous learning model and the ethos of education. We explore how information sense-making, knowledge sharing, and collaboration can create a dynamic and engaging educational environment. We also talk about the DIKA model (Data, Information, Knowledge, Action) and how organizing data and metadata can help bring sense to educational systems and drive meaningful action. Lisa sheds light on managing and transferring knowledge within K12 school environments and how analyzing failure can be a key to learning and growth.

Furthermore, we explore the human right of open access to education, the significance of UNESCO’s Recommendation for Open Educational Resources, and the impact of open education as a movement.

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Today’s Owlcast is all about TED-Ed, the program that provides free, customizable activities for educators to support their students in identifying, developing, and sharing their ideas with each other and the world.

ACS Athens has been collaborating with other schools in these events, as they broaden students' perspectives and expose them to diverse viewpoints and ideas. This interaction encourages a sense of community and cooperation among students from different backgrounds, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Additionally, it creates opportunities for networking and building relationships that can be beneficial for future academic and career endeavors. Such collaborations also add an element of healthy competition, motivating students to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of their knowledge and presentation skills. Overall, a TED-Ed club that participates in inter-school events is a powerful platform for student growth and development.

One such school that ACS Athens has partnered with is the De Ring School in the city of Leuven, located close to Brussels in Belgium. The students of the TED club of this school visited us a few weeks ago, and came to the studio, where we found them eager to talk about their individual presentations. Their interaction with our own TED club was truly inspiring.

Introducing the us today is one of the ACS Athens TED advisors, Stavi Dimas.

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Today we are joined by ACS Athens counselors from the Center for Student Success and students who earlier this spring attended an inspiring career day, featuring alumni mentors and also visited a vibrant college fair showcasing universities from the UK.

Through advisory classes and a supportive school environment, students are encouraged to express their uncertainties and develop self-awareness. We’ll hear stories of how involvement in diverse activities has helped students build confidence and realize that their career paths are not set in stone.

In today's episode, we have with us Anna Makris, Danai Papaioannou and Christelle Mattar, from the ACS Athens Center for Student Success. They talk with a dynamic group of students who attended both the 2024 Career Day and the UK University Fair and share their experience, their expectations and plans for the future.

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In this episode of the Owlcast, we are joined by an inspired and motivated group of educators who operate in the heart of emerging dynamics and shifting paradigms, guided by the Institute's North Star: preparing students today for the needs of the world tomorrow.

In a world increasingly affected by robots and AI, it's easy to lose sight of the real question: it's not the tool, but the user, that matters most. Dive into the ethical questions surrounding AI and robots, as we strive to raise awareness through informed education. And let's not forget the power of peer-to-peer teaching, whether it's through the Sewing for a Purpose club or the groundbreaking Can-Sat project.

So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of immersive learning, where traditional education tools meet cutting-edge VR technology.

Our guests today: Carla Tanas, Dr. Natalie Mitchell, Katerina Apostolaki, Aristotelis Thymianos & Andreas Nikolopoulos

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On this second episode of the Owlcast President’s edition with ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, we have a very special guest: A distinguished American diplomat who has lived in Greece for many years, serving the U.S. diplomatic corps but also education from top leadership positions.

Today, we dive into the intricacies of diplomatic relations between the United States and Greece, spanning from the tumultuous years of the 1940s to the dynamic landscape of the 2020s.

Our guest today is Richard L. Jackson, who offers a unique perspective on this topic, challenging conventional narratives and shedding light on lesser-known angles.

Join us as we attempt to unravel the threads of history, diplomacy, and humanitarianism with our esteemed guest, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring ties between the United States and Greece.

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It’s one thing to visit and enjoy an art exhibition, seeing the artwork and the installations, and it’s quite another to listen to it. The artists sometimes are apprehensive about describing their art to an audience rather than a viewer, but when they start, a whole different world comes alive. The inner artist craves to speak out, on top of the visual representation of the art, explaining and exploring their own creative process.

Today, we’re visiting the 2024 IB Art Exhibit, which took place in the lobby of the ACS Athens Theater as it does every year. This year, there were so many themes, so much observation of our world, and so much reflection on modern life and its challenges.

Welcome to the captivating world of art, where the canvases are imbued with a plethora of emotions, themes, and experiences. The exhibition featuring works by International Baccalaureate students serves as a kaleidoscope of human existence, diving into the depths of the psyche and the intricacies of modern society.

View the image gallery of the exhibit here

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This week is the ACS Athens Open edition, where student entrepreneurs and dreamers of new ideas come together to think out of the box and shape the future!

Joining us are the brilliant minds behind some truly innovative concepts that emerged from last year's ACS Athens Open. From the hydroponic green wall to gamified learning platforms, these students are redefining what it means to think creatively and boldly.

Their journey in the Owlcast today navigates them through the challenge of finding connections between seemingly dissimilar projects and trading places. They're also gearing up to deliver the ultimate elevator pitch to investors.

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Today’s episode is about belonging to the NHS, the National Honor Society and the merits of being inducted into this prestigious organization. We are joined by two faculty advisors who have dedicated their energy and time to guiding students in joining and being active in NHS, as well as a remarkable high school senior who not only exemplifies the pillars of quality of an NHS member but also serves on the council for the second consecutive year. Together, we will explore the significance of NHS induction, its impact on students’ lives, and the invaluable experiences gained through active participation in this esteemed organization.

We will explore the multifaceted benefits of NHS membership, from the academic recognition it bestows to the opportunities for service and leadership that it provides. We will also talk about the ways in which NHS induction shapes students’ character, fostering a commitment to excellence, integrity, and community involvement that extends through their high school years into college and beyond.

Joining us today are NHS Advisors, Dr. Elina Prodromidi, Science Division Chair, and Ms. Matina Katsiyianni, Mathematics Academy Faculty.

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Welcome to the first episode of the Owlcast, President’s Edition, with Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens. In this episode, we unbundle and explore the vital role of K-12 counselors and advisors in our education system. We are exploring the multifaceted importance of these professionals in ensuring our children's safety, well-being, and holistic development.

Joining Dr. Pelonis, are Cheryl Brown, Founder and Executive Director of the International School Counselor Association, and Brooke Fezler, Founder and Associate Executive Director of ISCA. This podcast was recorded as The Annual Conference of the International School Counselor Association was being held in Athens, March 7-9, where the focus was "Keeping Our Students Safe" through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB). This theme shaped the in-person 2 1/2 day event, offering workshops, keynote talks, panel discussions and workshops from counselors and leaders in the field centered around DEIJB principles.

Listen as we unpack the importance surrounding the function of K-12 counselors and advisors and envision a future where every student thrives.

Announcer: Tom Alexopoulos

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Today's Owlcast is an audio journey through the celebration of Black History Month in ACS Athens. A group of students and their club advisors talk about the essence of humanity, as they explore the rich tapestry of perspectives, experiences, and cultures that make up our world over a series of activities and creating artifacts through the Month of February.

Students read poems expressing the anxiety and the pride, the misgivings and the hope, the trauma and the promise. They talk about the swag, the cultural spice that distinguishes the African American experience, while they try to tackle the danger of portraying the single-story racial monoliths in some media depictions.

Today we explore the many dimensions of the Black History Month celebration, one of the monthly cultural heritage and awareness celebrations at ACS Athens. Through our discussion, it becomes evident that true learning only happens when we embrace our differences and strive for deeper and more meaningful understanding of each other.

Our co-host today is Helen Seretis, Writing Studio Specialist at the Learning Commons of ACS Athens!

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This is the last part of our two-episode series on Model United Nations, and specifically the THIMUN team 2024. The second group of this year's team, discuss and reflect on their experience and the global issues as young international students. In our conversation, we explore the diverse benefits that students derive from participating in THIMUN. Our guests highlight the invaluable experiences gained through engaging in intensive research, passionate debates, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the dynamic environment of international diplomacy.

Through their stories, we aim to inspire and empower listeners to embrace the enriching opportunities MUN offers, fostering a generation of global citizens equipped to tackle the challenges of our interconnected world. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration with these remarkable students who have dared to make a difference on the global stage.

This episode is Co-hosted by: Angela Chamosfakidis, THIMUN Team Advisor, and Academy Faculty

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There is no such thing as white background.

Today the Owlcast is all about Art, the most interesting and creative and original art there is! The artists are 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students, who are now exploring the elements of Art and their imagination is as pure as the primary colors and their creativity is still boundless. Sir Ken Robinson, a world renowned visionary on children’s education, was fond of saying creativity is as important in education as literacy. Art classes, especially in Elementary School have consistently proven that students need art as much as they need literacy, as they need friends and as they need attention. The lack of Art is detrimental to their learning process - and this has been documented by many scholars through the years.

Today, we attempt to capture this creativity, artistic insight and spirit of the the recent Elementary Arts Exhibition held in the lobby area of our Theater that served as the gallery for our community. Students with their classes visited the exhibit and we engaged in discussions as to what they see, and how this creative process affects them on a personal level.

Talking about Art on a podcast is not the most efficient, but through the children’s eyes, hopefully you will get the idea. Listen to some of the most original and surprising points of view, as well as those of their art teachers, Farida El Gazzar, Kleoni Manousaki, and Arts Division chair Sophia Soseilos. A few parents and alums also offer their “critique.”

Let's get colorful!

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The road to the world of international education passes through the school’s admissions office, whose primary mission is to inspire and guide families in making the right choice for their children. It’s not an easy decision, as there are so many options, depending on the family's educational goal.

Since 1945, ACS Athens has served tens of thousands of families seeking the American education experience, and since 1975, the International Diploma option. It’s not just its location in Athens, Greece, the epicenter of Western culture and humanism. The school’s community and global appeal have formed a unique personality sought after by international and domestic families drawn to it because of this community feeling and variety of options. The Admissions office of ACS Athens is the face of the school for the new families crossing its gates, and today we are happy to host them in the Owlcast. With us today is Frances Tottas, Assistant Director of Enrolment Management for over a decade, and Dr. Jenny Grigoropoulou, the Admissions & Outreach Counselor and newest colleague who joined the Admissions team in 2023.

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As ACS Athens fosters the UN Sustainable Development Goals mindset, it’s always exciting and refreshing to see global issues through the eyes of young international students. In our conversation, we explore the diverse benefits that students derive from participating in THIMUN. Our guests will highlight the invaluable experiences gained through engaging in intensive research, passionate debates, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the dynamic environment of international diplomacy.

Co-hosting: Evelyn Pittas, THIMUN Team Advisor, Vice Principal of the Academy

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In today's episode, we have invited two remarkable colleagues who have dedicated their careers to education, supporting the school's operation, character, and spirit, and are now spearheading the improvement and development efforts of ACS Athens. Joining us are Chris Perakis, a retired educator with decades of experience within the school community as a teacher, special education specialist, and program leader, and Lydia Skampavia, an alumna and member of the executive team of our ACS Athens Global Alumni organization.

Throughout their tenure, both guests have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of institutional development, from its crucial role in enhancing educational resources to its profound impact on student experiences. Their combined expertise offers unique perspectives on navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities inherent in fundraising for educational institutions. From cultivating donor relationships to leveraging alumni networks, our guests exemplify the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication required to take ACS Athens forward.

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Today's Owlcast is an account of the dedication ceremony on January 19, when the ACS Athens community came together to commemorate the posthumous contribution of the late Steve Medeiros, an esteemed educator and administrator whose literary fervor shaped the academic tapestry of our institution.

The ceremony marked the formal dedication of the Steve Medeiros Book Collection, a valuable literary repository generously donated by the family of Steve Medeiros. Attendees, including retiree teachers, alumni, and current staff, convened to honor the enduring influence of Medeiros' commitment to education.

Steve Medeiros, who passed away in 2019, donated his book collection to his beloved ACS Athens, and it is now hosted at the Sabbagh Library of the Learning Commons.

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Our guest is Dr. Konstantinos Kanellopoulos, Class of 2010, who visited our studio recently to share with us his story before, during and after ACS Athens. An educator himself, Konstantinos has traveled extensively following his passion for education and declares his dedication to continue working with the Youth. With studies in Political Science, Economics and Philosophy, he just finished his PhD dissertation titled “Why does Greece Fail” a perennial question which he tries to answer by doing a comparative analysis of the economic crises of the 1930’s and 2010’s.

Dr. Kanellopoulos reflects on his preparation to join ACS Athens at a time when students from Greek schools were able to join the ACS Athens Academy, when enrolment had begun to rebound after a period of decline. He shares memories, describes the transition to his College studies while earning scholarships, and talks about the preparation for his current career as an academic in Higher Education. His advice to the future graduates will resonate with many of them, at a time of uncertainty and need for hope, focus and perseverance.

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Every year, we look forward to the graduating class college placement, as if to peer through our community achievements that validate the very existence of the high school, academic, athletic, extracurricular and other programs.

Every year, we try to define and evaluate the community's level of effort, and one metric, of course, is the success of our students being admitted to their college of choice.

In today’s Students and College edition of the Owlcast, we are happy to have a talented group of students, each one from a diverse background and with different goals. Their common thread is that they have all secured admission to their college of choice with distinctions and scholarships.

Two of their counselors also join us to discuss this process and shed some light on the sometimes obscure college application process that they had to guide the students through.

Maria Laiou, Academy Counselor, and Stelios Kalogridakis, Middle school and Academy Counselor, are with us today along with Aggeliki Ziaka, who’s admitted at the University of San Francisco, Lydia Chatira, who’s admitted at Harvard University, Danielle Rohan, who is admitted at Emerson University in King’s College, and Eva Karagkou, who is admitted among other schools at Northeastern University, London, University of Arts in London and Illinois Institute of Technology.

With our guests today we discuss:

It’s all a matter of decisions, even if you can’t make one yet
How do you combine the passion for baking with that of artificial intelligence
Being the sounding board for students expressing their intentions for their future
The challenge of balancing athletics and extracurriculars with academic excellence
The risk of pursuing college scholarships while being an academy scholarship recipient
Managing expectations and advising future graduates,
…and in the end, it’s all about finding and following your passion

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This episode contains accounts of violence against minors and women, trafficking and human suffering. Parental discretion is advised.

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Our guest today is a parent of our school, an attorney who handles cases of domestic violence against minors, persons with special needs, victims of trafficking, refugees, and abused and neglected women and children. Elena Glegle is working with children sheltered in several governmental and non-governmental organizations, representing them in court, working with psychologists and social service teams, as well as with the children themselves. She’s been involved in drafting new legislation about the status of refugees and the new legislation about foreign citizens in Greece. Elena Glegle was nominated in 2005 for the Transparency International Integrity Awards and the Yale Worlds Fellows Program in 2006.

Today, we are also joined by Lydia Skampavia, our Alumni Engagement and Development Officer, who introduced us to Elena Glegle, saying that what she has to say is mind-changing and eye-opening.

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The Inclusivity in Education project, as it was recently initiated by Deree - The American College of Greece, ACS Athens and George Mason University, will be calling on experts to be actively involved as practitioners and researchers, as they attempt to address the challenges of inclusion, highlighting the importance of a mindset shift.

Our guests in the Owlcast today, will be involved directly with this project and stopped by our studio to discuss more details under their individual perspectives: Professor Ioannis Kalaitzidis, PhD., Associate Professor of Cognition and Education, Deree - The American College of Greece; Sarah Kaldelli, Coordinator of ACS Athens Optimal Learning program; Evi Evloyias, Educator and Project Manager for ACS Athens; and Professor Joan Kang Shin, Ph.D., from the College of Education and Human Development of George Mason University.

Later, we are joined by Kristin Roberts, Counselor for Public Affairs of the U.S. Embassy Athens, who is a passionate and relentless advocate for inclusivity and diversity in education and has been spearheading the efforts of the U.S. Embassy supporting the Inclusivity in Education project. Ms. Roberts is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fulbright Foundation in Greece and sits on the Board of the Foreign Service Families with Disabilities Alliance.

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In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Kentrell Martin, an advocate for accessible education and communication, join us. Kentrell recently profoundly impacted the learning community at ACS Athens through his engaging sessions with Early Childhood students and teachers, focusing on the transformative power of sign language. As an expert in the field, Kentrell shared his expertise on learning differences and emphasized the importance of embracing diverse communication channels to foster a more inclusive learning environment. His visit to the school sparked a wave of enthusiasm among educators and students alike as they explored new ways to connect and understand each other. Our co-host today is Early Childhood Coordinator Sophia Moros.

With Kentrell and Sophia today we discuss:

All about being different
Bridging the gap between the deaf and the hearing
Teaching Sign language to the Early Childhood students
Misconceptions about communicating with the hearing impaired
Pivoting in the classroom to meet the needs of students with differences
The crucial importance of early intervention

.... and much more!

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Today’s guest in the Owlcast is metaverse expert and futurist Costantino Roselli, who pokes us with quite provocative topics as what is reality and what is imagined. He combines elements nobody sees, and raises brand identities you had never thought were there. He is the founder & CEO of the Branding & Digital Agency, Weird Authentic People, co-founder and CVO of NTZNS, Digital Fashion Studio & Multi-brand eCommerce, and a member of “The Infinite Club”, a club that studies the future in the world. Costantino challenges himself to read 100 books a year, he loves snow, red wine, fast cars, and Art as he believes that the future of humanity belongs to artists of any form.

Stay with us as we attempt to break into the virtual realm of the Metaverse. With Costantino Roselli today we discuss:

Experiencing the reality of metaverse
Defining the new reality and how much of our reality is real
What would make Leonardo Da Vinci furious
The “source” of the metaverse
Did the Beatles invent teenagers?
The importance of asking What if vs. How to

... and much more!

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Today’s guest was one of the keynote speakers at the recent EduTech Europe conference in Amsterdam. Her speech was titled “The limits of knowing: uncertain futures for education,” and those of us who expected one more presentation with slides were pleasantly surprised, as she did not need a slide deck to pass her message through.

Our guest today is Kathleen Naglee, an award-winning global leader in education for innovative and inclusive practices. She’s the Head of the International School of Helsinki and a Commissioner for NEASC. She’s also a fellow podcaster with a show named Unhinged Collaboration.

With Kathleen, today we discuss:

Why are we still going to school
How relevant are the foundations of education if they are still based on highly traditional centuries-old thoughts and practices
Exploring the new spaces that are being created in education
The education paradigm of Finland, where students of all ages have a voice and choice
Inclusivity and learning differences
The emergence of AI in education - the case of chatGPT as a tool and not as a crutch
Cheating through the internet as it’s morphing into cheating through AI
Meet the challenges with curiosity
The correct way to prompt AI

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Welcome to the 2023 Gala Edition of the Owlcast!

If you missed the 2023 Gala and Alumni Awards event last Saturday, this is your chance to listen to what transpired. Hosted at the iconic Grande Bretagne Hotel located at the center of Athens, this year’s Gala marked the 78th anniversary of the founding of ACS Athens. A celebration of the spirit of the school, the coming together of its entire body, students, parents, teachers and administrators, joined by ACS Alumni, reminded everyone what a colorful, diverse and strong this community has been forged to be through the years.

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Celebrating different cultures in an international school setting, especially during dedicated Heritage Months, is a powerful way to foster inclusivity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of backgrounds that make up the student body. During Hispanic Heritage Month, which typically spans from September 15th to October 15th, students have the opportunity to delve into the diverse and vibrant cultures of the Hispanic world. From the colorful traditions of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos to the passionate rhythms of salsa dancing in the Caribbean, there is a wealth of fascinating aspects to explore. Students can learn about the importance of family in Hispanic culture, the impact of influential figures like Frida Kahlo and Gabriel García Márquez, and savor the delicious cuisine. Embracing Hispanic heritage not only allows students to appreciate the contributions of Spanish-speaking communities but also encourages cross-cultural connections and fosters a sense of unity and respect for one another.

Today’s Owlcast hosts Writing Studio coordinator Helen Seretis and Maria Marcella Orego Tamayo, along with a group of the Hispanic Heritage month students. They all discuss their experience of the cultural journey they went through, talking about cultural understanding and empathy, finding common grounds through their differences and expecting the unexpected.

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Today's episode is a student edition Owlcast on AI and Machine Learning. Academy student Adrianos Botsios discusses artificial intelligence and machine learning with a world expert and pioneer of the field, Michalis Bletsas of the MIT media lab. A truly remarkable conversation that attempts to unbundle some common and not so common perceptions about AI and its role in our lives.

Here's what they discuss:

Machine Learning and the limitations of Transferability of Knowledge
How far are we from Artificial General Intelligence
The challenge of setting intelligent goals about artificial intelligence
Will Homo sapiens be followed by higher intelligence beings?
The role of the MIT media lab in developing new technologies
Democratising access to technology

...And much more

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The new Middle School Principal this year, Mike Embrock, talks to us about his transition from a rural U.S. middle school to an American International school in Europe.

With Mr. Embrock, today we discuss:

All about bad dad jokes, liquorice, and Starburst…;
Preparing for the trip overseas - opportunities and challenges for a Middle School principal;
The value of authenticity in the leadership style;
The process of empowering student learning through authentic teaching material;
Differentiation in regards to the faculty;
Where can you find Mr. Embrock?;
Fostering a greater sense of community in a Community School;
The combination lock symbolism;
and... Making music with a 5-gallon bucket and two spoons.

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"Dignity builds strength and character. Dignity builds self-worth... Our Collective well-being depends on grounding our thoughts and actions in the power of dignity to transform our lives". These the words of Rosalind Wiseman, author, speaker, and guest of ACS Athens who visited our campus a few days ago. Her book Queen Bees and Wannabes inspired the movie Mean Girls.

Rosalind Wiseman is an internationally renowned author and educator on children, teens, parenting, bullying, social justice, and ethical leadership. She was invited to talk to the ACS Athens' students and faculty, on issues that touch upon the growing pains facing families, the tough discussions when emotional trauma is evident and the dynamics of family and friends, especially in the era of social media and self awareness and empowerment.

Rosalind Wiseman was joined at the studio by Elliott, Lincoln and Marios, three Academy students. Together we discussed:

Connecting with young people in their language and communication modes
The benefit of not sugarcoating a different opinion
How does a community come together by creating a co-agreement
The efforts of schools to strengthen students’ emotional intelligence
Realizing the diverse ways young people develop resilience through learning
The right ways for parents to engage in an argument with their children
and, all about Mean Girls - the movie that was inspired by Rosalind Wiseman book Queen bees and wannabes. Mean Girl tropes and world politics

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We are always happy to welcome our alums whenever they visit our campus, but we are particularly excited when we have visitors who know how the school was in the 80s and 70s or even earlier.

Chris Snyder, class of '77, visited us recently and had the opportunity to see the campus, and the classrooms and talk to students, some of whom are here with us today. The wisdom from his years in school and his exciting life are good starting points for a discussion that spans his school life, his travels, his career choices, and the challenges he faced as he built his livelihood. How timely this discussion is as we prepare for the upcoming grand Celebration of ACS Athens in November, the 2023 Gala in Athens, where two notable graduates will receive the ACS Athens Alumni Award for their achievements in their life and career and their continuous support to the school. Stay with us as Chris Snyder lays out his path in life, and listen to how many common points this path has with the path of this generation of high schoolers, as they listen to his story and try to outline their own goals after high school.

Our co-host today is Lydia Skampavia, from the office of Alumni Relations and the ACS Athens Global team, and an ACS Athens Alumna herself.

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Today's show is about being resilient to.... a no-show. Usually, there's a carefully prepared discussion, with a pre-arranged guest, over a topic that has been carefully selected for an intentional result. Today's show is the exact opposite. Sometimes an ad-lib dialogue proves to be more interesting and the result more entertaining. Michael Januzzi assumes the role of co-host and the discussion goes to another level.

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Welcome to the new season of the Owlcast, the official podcast of ACS Athens. The new 2023-24 academic year is under way, and everyone in the international community of the school returned, or came for the first time, to experience a unique model of education, which, as our guest fittingly says, is designed to lead our student to grow and develop as they enter the world.

As every year, the inaugural episode of the season hosts the president of the school, who sets the tone for the year and outlines her vision. This will be the 5th year that Dr. Peggy Pelonis leads ACS Athens.

With Dr Pelonis, today we discuss:

Moments from the past year that had an impact on the life of the students
Students developing their personal leadership philosophy and observing leadership in action - The Summer Leadership Course
The 2023 Gala: Developing the ACS Athens Global Alumni network and the celebration of the achievements of our community
How do you draw out, develop from within - the meaning of the word Education
Why academic excellence is not enough for success - the need for students to develop psychological muscle and resiliency
Developing a purpose and internal locus of control through social engagement and community service
A fundamental question to new students and their family: do you know who we are - The importance of the mission of the school
Going to the next level and the significance of an evolving vision
Leading an educational institution - the successes, the challenges and the personal growth

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Dr. Stacey M Robertson, the newly ascended President of Widener University of Chester, Pennsylvania, is our guest on the last episode of the season. ACS Athens and Widener University's collaboration was established in 2019 under different leadership in both schools. Still, its value continues to be paramount to the scope and goals of both institutions. In November 2022, ACS Athens and Widener University renewed the partnership to include Engineering and AI.

An accomplished leader with impressive experience in strategic planning, workplace practices that support and promote people from under-represented groups, and developing curriculum that prepares students for success in the global workspace, Robertson came to Widener in 2022 from SUNY Geneseo, where she was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and a professor of history.

With Dr. Robertson today, we discuss:

Facing the key challenges of higher education as a new University President
The documented loss of learning due to COVID
Capitalizing on the skills gained from online learning to help students go forward in higher education
The student Growth-mindset as a prerequisite for success at Widener University but also the willingness to take risks and fail
Understanding and leveraging AI in higher education for the benefit of the students and faculty
AND, Continuing the legacy of collaboration between ACS Athens and Widener University

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Welcome to the second part of the Owlcast episode on the Class of 2023!

Class of 2023 is the first group of students that began their high school journey during the first COVID lockdown in the 2019-2020 academic year. All of them must still remember their first online classes in 9th grade, and I am sure that the experience will also be with them throughout their lives. However, all of the students of the Class of 2023 we are talking with today, feel that this experience was another life lesson: resiliency, understanding, self-reflection, and supporting each other. The graduates of 2023 are becoming the latest addition to the long and diverse body of the ACS Athens Global alumni, who prepare for their academic career in higher education, their business and entrepreneurial ventures, their trip to the world, and wherever this road leads them. The Owlcast welcomes two groups of graduates who talk about the realisation that high school is over and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

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Class of 2023 is the first group of students that began their high school journey during the first COVID lockdown in the 2019-2020 academic year. All of them must still remember their first online classes in 9th grade, and I am sure that the experience will also be with them throughout their lives. However, all of the students of the Class of 2023 we are talking with today, feel that this experience was another life lesson: resiliency, understanding, self-reflection, and supporting each other. The graduates of 2023 are becoming the latest addition to the long and diverse body of the ACS Athens Global alumni, who prepare for their academic career in higher education, their business and entrepreneurial ventures, their trip to the world, wherever this road leads them. The Owlcast welcomes two groups of graduates who talk about the realisation that high school is over and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

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When founded in 1984, TED (“Technology, Entertainment, and Design”) brought together a few hundred people in a single annual conference in California. Today, TED is not just an organizer of private conferences; it’s a global phenomenon with multi-million dollars in revenues.

From Ideas Worth Sharing, the motto of TED, came TED-Ed, a global network of over 650,000 teachers. TED-Ed has grown from an idea worth spreading into an award-winning education platform that serves millions of teachers and students worldwide every week.

Many schools worldwide, including ACS Athens, organise and inspire student participation in TED-Ed activities and competitions. ACS Athens has for many years encouraged innovation through personal inspiration and achievement. Students have chosen subjects that excite and inspire them, and this year was no different.

Today we have two of the students of this year’s TED-Ed club, who participated in presentations in Perugia, Italy, along with their advisors, Christina Rocha and Stavi Dimas. Today's discussion brings up the topics of their diverse talks, which explored AI in one presentation and Folk Music in the other, along with why they chose the topic that speaks to their passion.

With our TED-Ed'ers today, we discuss:

The TED-ed Clubs of ACS Athens
The value of presenting in front of an audience
Choosing a topic to present that speaks to your passion
The interactive process of providing feedback to the ideas that will evolve into a presentation
Conditioning the use of AI tools in the classroom as an optimal constructive and creative way to learn
Understanding the purpose of AI, starting with the early ages, and
Folk music and its role in expressing social and political issues

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2023 will probably be the year when the impact of AI in everyday life really hit a milestone. The Large Language or Language Predictive Models such as ChatGPT took everyone by storm, with progress and updates happening at a breakneck speed. In the future, the effect of AI will definitely mark 2023 as a keystone year.

Last year, we had our first opportunity to discuss with our guest today the impact of AI and science on education. Today, Dr Antonis Karampelas, Science and Technology faculty at ACS Athens, talks more in-depth about this topic, and we attempt to answer more profound questions. And the timeliness of this discussion is very telling of the speed at which things change. We had this talk earlier in 2023, and it became inevitable that we realise today how things have changed since that discussion.

Today, with Dr Karampelas, we discuss:

AI and large language models, such as ChatGPT
Predicting rather than constructing content
The Importance of AI in Science and Technology Curriculum
How to use AI without giving up our thinking skills
The possible faulty effect of AI due to cultural and social biases and the human factor
and much more...

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Inclusion in Education Through InnovationMuch of today's school practices originate in the Victorian era classroom, and many of the mentalities are deeply ingrained in many schools of the Western world. Mentalities include memorization and recitation, rigid curriculum, standardization, and limited access to accommodations for learning or other differences. These mentalities can make innovation very hard to foster and implement, while switching to new models is particularly cumbersome.

On March 2023, ACS Athens hosted the International Conference on Inclusion organized by the Educational Collaborative for International Schools. One of the keynotes at the conference was Daniel Sobel, the founder and lead consultant for Inclusion Expert - a training and support company working in education. With a background in educational psychology, psychotherapy and as an assistant headteacher, he has experience across the whole spectrum of inclusion. His presentation at the Theater of ACS Athens touched many sensitive chords as he talked to peer educators as much about the topic of his expertise as also about his own experience through the education system.

With Daniel Sobel today, we discuss:

The inherent problems of the summative assessment mentality in education, which evaluates student learning, knowledge, proficiency, or success at the conclusion of an instructional period;
The sense of failure teachers and students experience by the lack of training on inclusion;
Creating a culture that values diversity;
The evolving idea of inclusion;
The difference between being trustworthy but conservative vs. being wacky and innovative;
The best way to reach inclusive practices in the classroom that encourages engagement and participation;
And much more...

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On March 9, 2023, an expert panel discussion was hosted by ACS Athens, co-organized by AmCham Greece and moderated by Apostolos Magkiriadis, Journalist/Anchor of Greek National TV ERT. The title of the event was AI is Here; Where are We? More than 300 participants registered to attend this unique event at the Theater of ACS Athens. The keynote speakers and expert members of 2 panels addressed pivotal questions like: How education can respond by aligning human and artificial intelligence; How important it is to explore the unquestionably positive impact of AI on our lives in an ethical and regulated manner; and What are the skills required for success in the future

The first-panel discussion delved into the skills needed in an AI-driven professional environment from various perspectives. Today in the Owlcast, we are talking to Alkistis Kyriakopoulou, a panelist representing the shipping industry. A young and driven engineer with a degree from the University of Cambridge, Alkistis is the Chief of Staff at Deep Sea Technologies, a leading AI company in Shipping. Her unique perspective at the panel discussion last March, along with her expertise in AI tools, brought many interesting points to the forefront. With Alkistis Kyriakopoulou today we discuss:

The problem-solving skills and mindset needed to be successful in the shipping industry
the need for role models to encourage women to get into engineering
The challenge of reskilling and adaptability as AI emerges in the business world
The transparency and accessibility to the core of operations that can be provided by AI
Using case study-type interviews and exercises when hiring to determine the ability of new employees to learn
The right questions to ask when deciding on a career path, and the role of internships - and
The need for learning to unlearn vs the cumulative process of learning

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Part of the ACS Athens experience is to draw from the life story of our community members, who offer their mentorship, advice and knowledge to our students as they imagine, plan and begin their academic and professional future and ultimately career.

Parents have always been a tremendous pool of talent and knowledge, as they come from all walks of life, nationalities and career paths. Today's Parent edition of the Owlcast hosts one of our parents, Constantin Tzembelicos, an engaged and creative entrepreneur in several industry sectors, including the aviation industry, finance, retail fashion, beverage, and real estate. He is running several start-up companies of his own but continues to be in executive positions within his decades-long career in the aviation industry. Mr Tzembelicos graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in Toronto, Canada, and applied his technical engineering skills as an aerodynamicist, stress engineer, and structural repair engineer before moving into the airline industry. Constantin is now the founder of several new startup companies in fashion accessories and jewellery designing, and beverage manufacturing, and most recently he heads a startup incubator. He also maintains organic roles in firms related to investment advisory, aerospace representation and business aviation consultancy.

With Constantin Tzembelicos, today we discuss:

All about opportunities - a point of view coming from an entrepreneur
Managing the project by seeking the talent instead of being the talent
The art of empowering the members of your team and the dangers of micromanaging
The boring and the exciting things that make you find your passion
Learning how to learn at the university
Seeking knowledge by doing the hard staff
Education as an experience that offers a toolkit for life
The inflection point of the AI emergence
Appetite to learn, an important asset in the job marketplace
The need for talented people willing to unlearn and be trained -- and,
The Elysian project - A business incubator with a flair to innovate inspire and create

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Welcome to the 2nd part of our discussion with the student delegates of the MUN teams of ACS Athens.

Multiple participations to MUN competitions offer unique experiences to the students, some of which are exposed to the issues of discussion and debate for the first time. As they all agree, participation in the MUN teams is a valuable experience as it provides an opportunity to develop essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, research, and negotiation. By researching and debating complex global issues, students can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and become more informed and engaged global citizens.

The group's advisor in this episode is Angela Chamosfakidi, Social Studies Faculty in the Academy. So let's see what the second group of students have to say about:

Joining MUN to travel, to learn the country of your ancestry, or just for the fun of the dress code
Understanding the true nature of the United Nations and the difficulty of reaching a consensus
The political and diplomatic workings needed to pass a resolution
The bias factor of every side
Lessons learned from being an advocate of an issue
Getting over the fear of growing up and becoming confident from making mistakes - And,
The value of being open-minded and a good listener

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The Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation that allows students to learn about international relations, diplomacy, and the United Nations (UN) by role-playing as delegates to the UN. In a MUN, students research and debate current global issues and attempt to find solutions acceptable to the countries they represent.

ACS Athens encourages students to participate in MUN teams who participate in competitions around the country and the world. Admittedly by students and faculty advisors, it is a valuable experience as it provides an opportunity to develop important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, research, and negotiation. By researching and debating complex global issues, students can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and become more informed and engaged global citizens. Confidence, leadership skills, and new friendships are the main benefits. Of course, it's a great addition to a college application, as it demonstrates a student's interest in global issues and their ability to engage in meaningful debate and discussion.

So what is the common link between Kazakhstan, Angola, Amnesty International, Sudan and Mauritius? In this first episode of a 2-part series on MUN, we are talking to 4 academy students and their advisor, Academy Vice Principal Evelyn Pittas, about their participation in MUN.

Let's see what the students had to say about:

baseline knowledge of a country, and going in-depth on the issues of concern
Doing research on issues and non-issues for a country
Preparing for the experience of debate, presenting, and researching through regular school material
Getting to know a country through being an advocate for its issues of concern
The value of supporting views that go against one's own
How being a good listener makes someone a good advocate
Reflecting on why someone would join the MUN

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The topic of inclusivity is essential for all to understand, as it creates a fair, just, and equitable society that values diversity and promotes the full participation and inclusion of all individuals.

At ACS Athens, one of the ways we promote inclusivity is through the Optimal Learning Program. The philosophy of a learning support program is not unique among American schools but the OLP has evolved into a hotbed of innovation in learning methodologies, collaborations, and research, that ultimately prepare students to become independent of the services and maximize learning outcomes by capitalizing on their individual needs, interests, and abilities.

Today's guest has been an ACS Athens educator and special education specialist for 18 years and heads the program that offers the teaching and learning tools and methodologies that enable all students to learn.
Sarah Kaldelli is the Optimal Learning Program Coordinator, an advocate of inclusivity and child safety, continuing a long tradition of supporting students at their own pace, and in their own way.

With Sarah Kaldelli, today we discuss:

Educational Tourism and empathy for international students
Early Childhood and Elementary Education: blurring the borders
What is Optimal Learning
The use of AI tech tools in special ed
Psychoeducational testing, IEP's, and other customizations in student learning
The inclusion model in Education - expanding the frontiers and the intentional deviation from the norms
and
From under-diagnosing to compensating for learning differences

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Just after the recent Greek national tragedy in Greece with the train accident in Tempi, Central Greece, and in the middle of the 3-day national mourning, the community of ACS Athens welcomed Dr. Eric Zillmer in the campus. A renowned academic and psychologist, accomplished musician and author, Dr. Zillmer is a Professor of Neuropsychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Drexel University and expert in Forensic Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Sports Psychology among other fields. He served as Drexel University Director of Athletics until 2021, and has come to know our school through his connection with our Athletics Director who regularly visits Drexel, and of course through the students who have attended Drexel as student-athletes through the years.

Happiness is the topic he has been exploring for many years, through books, TED talks, presentations, webinars, seminars and classes. His visit this year to our campus included a talk about Happiness with our students and faculty in the Theater.

Today's extraordinary - in content and length - Owlcast is co-hosted by President Pelonis, who as a psychologist and psychotherapist herself provides interesting perspectives in our discussion.

With Dr. Pelonis and Dr. Zillmer, today we discuss:

Compassion and gratitude - the appropriate and fitting sentiments everyone should feel grappling with disasters
Studying happiness through the moments of grief and mourning
When global is fashionable - The Advantage of disadvantage of being foreign
The Value of international diversity
Giving is getting - Building the resilience
The role of the conscientious leader - how personal happiness plays a role in leading an organization
Plan B's, understanding the why's, the Roman God Janus and other new year resolutions

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Today's episode of the Owlcast is about inclusion in Languages. Learning English as a Foreign or Second Language can be a daunting premise for many students coming to the English language curriculum. As our guest today suggests, the key to integrating foreign language learners in the international school system is to create a supportive and inclusive environment that embraces and respects everyone by recognizing and valuing the unique skills and perspectives these students bring to the classroom. Dr. Jenny Grigoropoulou, is the ESL/EFL K-12 Coordinator of ACS Athens. She has been part of the ACS Athens team of educators since 2011 and has taught ESL in Middle School and Elementary School to non-native English speakers. Overall, she has been an ESL educator for 35 years.

With Dr. Grigoropoulou, today we discuss:

Why someone with love of the language choose to teach it as a second one
Teaching language to someone who faces much bigger challenges than learning English
Trust, as the key to learning
Approaching and convincing parents who are apprehensive about the idea of learning in a different language
Thinking or dreaming in English as a sign of language proficiency
The role of the environment in helping students open up to learning
Lesson planning on the spot: The effective spontaneity of learning
AND Utilising AI in the classroom: The benefits for the language learners

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We usually talk with members of the community but today, we will make a detour as we host a fellow educator who happened to be in the neighborhood, conducting research away from her own school. Jori Krulder is spending the semester in Greece doing her work in her area of research, Social Emotional Learning. Her interest in Greek theater prompted her to reach out to ACS Athens for ideas and resources, as she is planning to teach Oedipus to her classes for the first time in September. Jori is an English Teacher, and she's traveled to Greece as a Fulbright scholar. Some of our teachers, who have hosted her in their classrooms, found her approach fascinating because she applies Social Emotional Learning to teaching literature.

With Jori Krulder today, we discuss:

The idea of safety and the need for students to feel emotionally and physically safe to learn;
The effect of COVID on the learning process of children;
How can teacher's understanding of social-emotional learning help students overcome the effects of a crisis;
The role of teachers as they connect with students even outside their subject matter;
Motivating students by tapping into their emotions;
Being intentional and explicit when teaching in a socially emotional way;
Teaching Poetry - outside your interpretation;
and, When students take the lead in learning, every day is an experiment where there’s no failure.

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Today's guest has almost 40 years of international experience in the hospitality industry. His personal guiding principle is “be kind and treat your associates the way you expect them to treat your guests and they will definitely reward you”.

Tim Ananiadis was born and raised in Greece and studied Business Administration at Ryerson University in Toronto. He moved to the US, where he started his career in the hospitality industry. As General Manager, he held positions in the USA at the Hyatt Regency in Pittsburgh, Coral Gables and Miami. In 1999 he joined Hyatt International as the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki in Greece and the Grand Hyatt Mumbai. In 2003 he joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts, returning to Greece as General Manager/ Managing Director of the Hotel Grande Bretagne until 2020. From 2006 until 2017, he was Area Manager for Greece, Turkey, Cyprus & the Balkans, overseeing the Starwood-affiliated hotels. Currently, he divides his activities between the U.S. and Greece.

Tim Ananiadis has been a member of the Board of Trustees of ACS Athens since almost his arrival to the school, and last year he was elected as the Chairman of the Board.

Mr Ananiadis talked to us from his home in Florida. Here's some of the things we discuss with him:

The process of transitioning between international schools
The evolution of ACS Athens in the last 20 years
The role of in-school support in the learning process of students as they develop academically and socially
The role of parents in the school life
How a school community is shaped by the more or less transient nature of its families
Evolving by looking more towards the future than in the past
The inspiration and significance of the position of the Chairman of the Board
AI and the future of education, from the governance perspective

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Our guest today is Bobby Zervas, a Chicago native who moved from a different continent and a different career to become an English Language Arts teacher in our Middle School in Athens. Mr. Zervas talks with us about the challenges and rewards of the classroom, especially when you have to face the insecurities and unique abilities of students of multiple languages.

Another interesting topic we attempt to tackle is the merit and importance of Language Arts, especially when students cultivate conscious citizenship through learning the language. Bobby Zervas is also very involved with the student council and discusses the politics and leadership issues facing students that attempt to become leaders, all at the same time when the entire school focuses on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Today we have a candid, outspoken and refreshingly frank discussion with Mark Wolper, who boasts friendships with Hollywood celebrities that also attended ACS Athens. Since his years as a student in the 70's, he has followed the long legacy of restless and talented graduates of the school who pursued their passion. Mark has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the school for a few years now, and he's not shy about proclaiming his desire to do everything in his capacity to preserve the true spirit of the school - the feeling of community and togetherness.

With Mark Wolper, today we discuss:

Returning to the school where your favorite memories are when you got in trouble;
The difference between American and international schools;
Embracing, not fearing, the new trends in media production;
Getting students excited about AI in creative sciences;
The importance of integration of general education with Media literacy;
The competitive nature of show business.

...and much more!

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Since 2018, ACS ATHENS has been exploring and adopting the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, setting collective and individual goals that can never be achieved without a sense of citizenship.

Panos Mologoussis, is the Citizenship Coordinator and Program Manager of the ACS ATHENS Middle school. His goal is to promote the Citizenship Model towards cultivating a responsible and respectful mindset and behavior of middle school adolescents. He received the Arete Award (2020 – 2021) for the foundation of the Environmental Club in the ACS Athens Academy, an award recognizing initiative to promote civic responsibility and serve others, inspiring them to become more involved.

With Panos Mologoussis, and his student leaders, today we discuss:
* Offering opportunities to work on student behavior - a big incentive for someone to join a school * The tutoring school mentality and how it can be avoided * The learning opportunities of consequences for mistakes students make towards character education * Receiving the Areté Award for environmental activities * The recycling program of ACS ATHENS - its mission and vision and how it affects the life on campus * ...and much more!

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UN Day is celebrated every year, and offers the opportunity to amplify a common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the global community for the past 77 years.

Each year, ACS Athens Middle School celebrates UN DAY, giving more significance to its multinational identity and global character. With students from more than 60 countries, the school is a hotbed of continuous dialogue and thoughtful debate on all issues of academic, cultural and historical significance that are presented through its programs. This year is another opportunity for students, faculty and administration to reflect on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are adopted schoolwide by encouraging everyone to actively support one or more of these goals, individually and collectively.

Today with us is a group of Middle School student leaders who reflect on this year’s UN DAY that was marked this past November. They discuss the UN Day’s activities, the lessons from this day and their individual and collective conclusions. With their Advisor, Vicky Akrivou, students discuss:

Nourishing Peace - this year’s UN DAY theme, as observed through the eyes of Middle Schoolers;
From small-level actions to the larger scale - Identifying the needs of the world and actions to meet them;
Student Challenging advisors on UN Sustainable Development Goals;
The digital escape room challenge - learning serious concepts in a fun Way;
Finding solutions by looking at the negative side of things;
Focusing on solutions within social studies topics;
What’s an SDG elevator speech; students choose their favorite Goal;
The lifeline or Milestone of 2030;
Thinking Globally but Acting Locally.

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Welcome to another episode of the ACS Athens Owlcast. Today with us is Hercules Lianos, a graduate of our school and a member of the ACS Athens faculty whose students are continuously challenged to reflect and analyse the information flow they receive and produce. It’s all about Media Literacy.

Today we talk with Hercules Lianos, Academy Teacher of Media Literacy. Stay with us as we discuss:

Reflecting on today’s complicated media landscape
The lack of trust in the news of young people and their resulting cynicism
Discussion and debate in the classroom about the news
What does it mean to be media literate today?
Objectivity and purpose of reporting the news
Targetting a specific news audience - the Fox News example
The effect of opinion leaders in the impact of information flow

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If you browse through the News of the ACS Athens website, one of the busiest sections is that of Athletics and Activities. As an American school, ACS Athens invests consciously in co-curricular athletics and participation of students in sports, as a way to build character, cultivate the nobility of fair play and set goals for the life ahead. Students appear to celebrate their successes in tournaments as part of team or individual sports, but also announce academic scholarships and other distinctions. Athletics is also at the heart of fostering school spirit, by involving the entire community, students, faculty, administrators but also alums and parents. Therefore, more than an academic requirement, more than providing outlets for chanelling the endless energy of students, physical and mental, Athletics play a crucial role in the development of children and adolescents.

Sports have always been Babis Mamas' passion, and alongside working and studying, he competed at the U18 and U21 Greek Track & Field team for Long and Triple Jump, and at a later age, he was introduced to Volleyball. Volleyball also became a career as he coached professionally at teams in Athens (Panathinaikos, Panionios) and later in the UK. This year, Mr. Mamas is the Assistant Director of Athletics of ACS Athens, with additional responsibilities in student life.

Today with Babis Mamas, we discuss:

Experiencing athletics through different school systems
The value of competition in character building and in someone’s learning journey
Growing by getting out of the comfort zone
The business management side of sports management
Sports management as a career choice
...and much more!

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This is the 2nd part of the podcast on the 2022 Areté Awards, hosted by Amalia Zavacopoulou, member of the Areté Awards Committee and Division chair for social Studies at ACS Athens.

12 years ago, the community of ACS Athens initiated the annual Areté Awards in order to recognize students, faculty and parents who promote Civic Responsibility through Conscious Citizenship, aiming to improve life and living on the planet. As a community that comes together to address the needs of others, we strive to promote civic responsibility and to model it for our students. And since Areté in English means virtue, our community members are always challenged to uphold a particular moral excellence, showing high ethical standards in their own life, the life of their family and their entire community.

In the second part, today, Amalia Zavacopoulou speaks with the parent recipient of the 2022 Areté Award for Civic Responsibility, Debbie Richards Perakis, also a member of the ACS Athens PTO, and with the Faculty Recipient of the Award, Antigoni Karnesioti Simantira.

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Every year individuals are nominated for their “activities or deeds” that meet the Areté Award Criteria, which include evidences for embodying the spirit of areté and civic responsibility, demonstrating extraordinary initiative to serve others, modeling service at ACS Athens and/or in the local community, inspiring others to become involved and striving socially and ethically as healthy, responsible members of the community.

Amalia Zavacopoulou, member of the Areté Awards Committee and Division chair for social Studies at ACS Athens, spoke to the 2022 Arete Award Recipients for civic responsibility.

In this week's first part of the Areté Awards Owlcast, Ms. Zavacopoulou talks with the three student recipients.

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On October 7, 2022, The ACS Athens Dean of Academics, Julia Tokatlidou, together with the IB and AP programs Director, Mark McGowan, gave a presentation at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global conference on the ACS Athens Youth-to-Youth Educational and Social Integration program. Their presentation title was, “A Student-to-Student Teaching Approach to Inclusivity and Differentiation” as they highlighted the innovation of the Youth-to-Youth program, especially the student-to-student approach where our students assist in the teaching of English and Greek languages, computers and other subjects to unaccompanied refugee minors.

Over 100 educators from schools around the world learned how the ACS Athens model of a student-to-student approach to learning could be applied to a variety of contexts and classes, and the response was one of overwhelming enthusiasm, leaving many with ideas of how to start similar programs or practices at their schools. Both Ms. Tokatlidou and Mr. McGowan have talked about the excitement of their discussions, the new relationships that were created, and the new ideas acquired that can enhance the education of our students.

In today's Owlcast, we discuss

The obvious and necessary need for differentiation used at the Youth-to-Youth program
How can one school’s initiative serve as a springboard for others to develop experiential learning
The transformation of students when they act as teachers
The youth-to-youth program as a model of supporting underprivileged youth
And much more!

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More than 30 colleges every year, from the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, but also from around the world enter our classrooms, talk to our students and go much beyond a marketing pitch to prospective students. They see how ACS Athens students get prepared, not only academically but also socially and psychologically, for College life. It’s one thing to write a college essay, it’s quite another talking to the recruitment officer who at the end might be part of the admission decision of your application. And students really enjoy that, especially since they get to ask the questions.

Today, our guest is Dr. Stephen Soanes, Student Recruitment Officer of Warwick University. Representing one of the top 10 ranked UK schools, Dr. Soanes talks about why students choose to study at Warwick U. in field like Business Management, Economics, and Media, Film and Creative Writing. He holds a BA, a Master and a Ph.D. in History from Warwick University, and he has represented the school since 2014. With Dr. Soanes today we discuss:

Representing a university that is not set in stone… quite literally - making it easier to create new spaces
Dissecting the university rankings with a forensic eye
Hosting the largest student-led economic summit in Europe
Studying in a university with open options
Getting involved in undergraduate research
Going above and beyond: it’s When you know that a student is a perfect candidate for the university
Getting involved with student life, clubs, and sports
The importance of taking the initiative to seek support as a freshman
Offering 250 scholarships for EU students: the positive side effect of Brexit
Dr. Soanes’ 2 pieces of advice to hopeful applicants

Useful Links: https://warwick.ac.uk/

https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-universities/

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/iatl/reinvention/

https://www.warwickeconomicssummit.com/

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ACS Athens' languages, humanities, and theater curriculum regularly return to teaching and learning paradigms through which students are empowered and inspired to gain knowledge of the world and of themselves. One of those paradigms is the latest performance of Oedipus in our Theater, which was followed by numerous Socratic seminars in many classrooms. The entire school became a stage for conversation and debate, facilitating the ideal Project Based Learning through Inquiry, Research, and Performance.

Today we’re talking with Ms. Sophia Thanopoulou, Drama Faculty of our Academy, and Dr. Evangelos Syropoulos, English Language Faculty in the Academy and Division Chair of Language and Literature of ACS Athens.

With Dr. Syropoulos and Ms. Thanopoulou today, we discuss:

Oedipus and AI: exploring the limits and dangers of knowledge;
Theater and the civic experience in the context of the community of the time;
Revisiting the Ancient Greek way of thinking as a shield against modern existential threats;
The impact on the students of having to co-create an Ancient Greek theater production;
Conscious Citizenship through theater;
The difference between trans-humanism and post-humanism;
The Socratic seminar way of creating knowledge through free and open discussion.

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We have with us today Effie Karatopouzi, who began working at ACS Athens in 2016 as a Physical Education Teacher in the Elementary School and has undertaken different posts in the Athletic Department in all three schools and in ACS Athens Summer Camp. In 2017, she piloted a mindfulness program called Mind Body Soul (MBS) for students in Junior Kindergarten classes, which will continue to run this year. The MBS Program is also continuing in a very positive way in all classes in Elementary school. She presented her research findings about this pilot program at the International Mindfulness Convention, held in Slovenia.

She has offered her services voluntarily to the Youth to Youth Program at ACS Athens. She has also presented a workshop on mindfulness strategies to use in the physical education classroom at the ECIS Physical Education Conference in Barcelona.

With Efi Karatopouzi today we discuss:

Spreading the seeds of Wellness in the children
Physical education as a unifying force among international students
Approaching students in the spectrum through Physical Education
Controlling emotions as a goal of cognitive therapy based on mindfulness
PE during the COVID years
Using Wellness keys to unlock a better life
The creativity needed to do meaningful PE online
Playing the search and rescue game as a way to increase involvement in the school’s vision

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Today's student edition, we host Adrianos Botsios, an Academy student of ACS Athens who interviewed Jan Kleijssen, Chair of the Information Society and Action against Crime • COMMITTEE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE of the COUNCIL OF EUROPE.

Jan has been Chair of the Council of Europe’s Disciplinary Board since 2015 and acts as the Council of Europe Internet Governance Coordinator since 2018.

Onalytica, a marketing software platform, in July 2019 included Jan among the Top 100 influencers on the regulation of new technologies.

Let's listen to what Adrianos Botsios and Jan Kleijssen talk about:

The need for AI regulation in the EU
The impact of utilising AI in the judicial system
When AI gets it wrong, lives can be lost : the Dutch welfare case
The importance of competent human oversight
Why the new Committee on Artificial Intelligence of the Council of Europe s so important
The opportunities and dangers of life in the Metaverse
The role of education as a key to the responsible use of AI

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Welcome to another episode of the Owlcast - Alumni Edition. Today with us is Odysseas Digbassanis, Class of 2019. Odysseas with studies in History, Politics and Economics at Warwick University in the UK, was recently appointed as the Secretary for External Affairs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. He tends to downplay his role, but it’s not every day a 21-year-old person gets this post, even on a volunteer basis. With Odysseas Digbassanis today we discuss:

The creativity and freedom to pursue your own interests as a tool to grow;
Trying to escape the traditional stodgy way of entering college through project-based learning;
IB extended essay as preparation for the college essay material;
The importance of keeping an open itinerary for activities outside assignments during school;
Keeping an open mind towards careers, even when already in college;
Not just study hard - Study Smart and The importance of keeping a balance between study and social life;
Reflecting on the War in Ukraine, seeking a glimpse of optimism and the need for young people to step up in their respective fields;
Navigating the difficult landscape as the Secretary for External Affairs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

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In the first season of the Owlcast, we talked with more than 40 individuals from the school community, teachers, alums, visitors, and of course students, discussing what makes life at ACS Athens exciting, rewarding, and most of all, memorable. Our “unofficial” motto is “never a dull day.” This was reflected in all our episodes, which are accessible through all the major podcast platforms and under the News and Productions section of our website. Last year, we discovered that everyone in our community has a lot to say, what inspires them and what they aspire to do in the year and years to come.

In the new season of the Owlcast, we will bring to you more faculty and student stories from the Life @ ACS Athens, but also stories from Colleges visiting our campus every year, parent stories, and much more!

We kick off this year’s Owlcast with the President of ACS Athens, Dr. Peggy Pelonis, who steers the school through the post-COVID era, that is full of the teachings of online learning, community building and meaningful engagement benefitting everyone

With Dr. Pelonis, we discuss:

this year’s vision for the school
her Friday reflection note to the community
how can a 2nd grader be inspired to be a Conscious Global Citizen
and of course, who is the Hero in the story of ACS Athens

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The one with Ann-Marie, Tomasso and William

The Graduating Class of 2022 is by now a part of the ACS Athens annals, an integral page of the school's 77 year-long proud history in American and international education. Each year, students and their teachers, parents and extended family, along with the entire community of ACS Athens celebrate not just the completion of a circle that for some is as long as 14 years, for others maybe one or two years, but also to signify the landmark in the life of so many adolescents breaking through to adulthood as they enter college life, and are able for the first time to provide advice to their younger peers, as until today they were on the receiving end of that advice.

In a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, we are talking to 7 unique individuals, 7 graduates with remarkably different backgrounds, different school experiences and plans for the future. Unique personalities and approaches to life are evident through this candid, unscripted discussion.

This is the 3rd and final part of our series on the Class of 2022, as we are talking to 7 recent graduates of ACS Athens. All graduates represent the power of ethnic and cultural diversity that is evident throughout the school, and how, through their different backgrounds, and experiences, these ACS Athens graduates have developed a a unique perspective and way of thinking as the move towards College life.

In part 3 of the series, we have with us Ann-Marie, Tomasso and William

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The one with Daphne and Yi-Rui

In part 1 of the series, here's Daphne and Yi-Rui, who joined the school at different ages and with different expectations.

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The one with Emilynn and Ali

This is the 2nd part of a 3-part series about the Class of 2022, as we are talking to 7 recent graduates of ACS Athens, who through their different backgrounds, and experiences reveal their unique perspective to their life as they join the Alumni community of the school.

In part 2 of the series, we welcome Emilynn and Ali.

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With the overabundance of information available at our fingertips, or through our Augmented Reality glasses or via the Metaverse, it's becoming more and more critical that we know what information is knowledge and what knowledge can be useful and for what purpose. Students of international schools, are being asked to make this distinction. How do we know that we know? What do we know? What is the extent of our knowledge? How are we to decide, in any particular case, whether we know? and, What are the criteria of knowing? These are some of the questions that are at the heart of the Theory of Knowledge course.

TOK students of the International Baccalaureate Diploma program must consider them and attempt to answer through their work. These are questions that philosophers are pondering for centuries, with every era giving different answers. We are talking about higher level thinking. And what a better way to learn than to understand and create knowledge from thinking about what is knowledge.

IB students of ACS Athens gathered this year to present their TOK question and their findings at their annual exhibition of Theory of Knowledge that was held at the Theatre lobby. We were there to see and hear from some of them.

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It’s not every day that artists exhibit their art to the public. Sometimes artists go through their entire life before they get the inner strength to expose their work to the critique of others. The fact that a 16-year-old student artist gets this opportunity, is by itself remarkable.

11th grader James Lane is our guest today.

With James today we discuss:

What happens when Art runs in the family;
Expressing the metamorphosis from destruction to resurrection;
Making art while being a full-time student;
From coolness to an existential need;
Being bestowed or endowed with a talent for art;
Getting opportunities to explore Art through the school art program.

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The end of another Academic Year is very close, but this year it has a special meaning for everyone. After 2 years in the Covid pandemic, with its lockdowns, restrictions and virtual classes, the 2021-22 was the first academic year that resembled to a normal school experience. As the Class of 2022 is getting ready to bid farewell to the school, the Academy Principal is preparing to offer his own reflection. David Nelson has been the Principal of the Academy since 2019, but has been an educator at ACS Athens for 22 years.

Today with Mr. Nelson we discuss:

Academy Prom 2022 - Seeing students with their masks off for the first time in 2 years
Creating engagement by Creating experiences for students
Creating a community by connecting students to their own community
More important than grades: finding a way to make a difference
The need for teachers to constantly reinvent themselves and innovate within
The case of the Combo Class as team taught course
When the learning lingers
What is The Truman Trial
Collaborative Learning Communities and Professional Development

AND

The final advice of the Principal to the Class of 2022

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An international school is defined mainly by the internationally minded curriculum, following the principles of international education but also by fostering a globally minded mentality in its student body and the entire community. Students by definition are international coming from different ethnicities, and nations, bringing a wealth of experiences and mindsets, looking to integrate but also to stand out. When the entire community is made of similarly international background, then you have the ultimate combination.   Our guest today is as international as someone can get. A Greek Cypriot, Sophia Stella Soseilos was born in Germany, lived in Cyprus, studied in South Africa and moved to Greece in 1995. Sophia has a passion for teaching Art, inspiring creativity and using design thinking in her education space.  

With Sophia Soseilos today we discuss:

Confidence, imagination and patience - some of the life skills of Art education
Navigating through this year’s mixed level K-12 arts exhibition
The always incredible IB Art Exhibit
Preparing the Portfolio in IB Art
The importance of continuity in Art in K-12 education
Making a life through art
The wonder of immersive art
Getting inspiration from everywhere
Being analog in TV stage design

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According to UNICEF, cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is repeated behaviour, aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying can often happen alongside each other. But cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint – a record that can prove useful and provide evidence to help stop the abuse.

Students of the ACS Athens Middle School are being actively engaged by educating themselves on these abusive behaviors, by embracing each other and are encouraged to trust their peers and community in order to express their fears and insecurities. Adolescents are particularly prone to be victims or perpetrators of bullying, as they start their teenage years, exploring their personalities and forming groups of peers that reinforce - or shutter - their view of the world drawn by their families.

A remarkable group of middle schoolers participate every year in the Honor Code Club, taking initiatives to explore, support and facilitate the dialogue on the issues that matter to their peers. Issues that include cyberbullying.

Today with us is a group of such students, who are willing to talk about this sensitive issue and how they affect us. Brave testimonies of bullying as they experience it, bring this issue closer to home. Ms. Venie Gaki, English language instructor to students of other languages, is the Advisor of the Middle School Honor Code Club.

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Early Childhood is a particularly significant period in the development of a child, when it grows to become an emotionally and physically healthy individual. It's admittedly the gateway to the Elementary School and its more formalised educational programs. It benefits children in unique ways, as it provides development of skills, cognitive stimulation and social integration. ACS Athens has invested heavily during the past several years on developing robust and meaningful program for children 3-5 years old, with the latest being the re-design and re-construction of an ideal environment for unstructured play, the new Early Childhood playground.

We have with us today the Principal of the Elementary School, Sophia Moros, who has been the driving force behind the transformation of the Elementary School of the past few years. In September her role changes, which she explains herself in our conversation.

With Sophia Moros, today we discuss:

The Sights and sounds of an Early Childhood classroom
The critical elements for children 3-7 years of age
Identifying the critical skills needed by the students at different grade levels
Transitioning from a state-side public school district to an international school abroad.
Teaching with the potential in mind, not aptitude for a test
The value of Reading - on a graduate level degree
Leading the growing development of the Early Childhood program as it opens the gate to the Elementary School
Innovation, adaptability and agility, - the effects of COVID in the Elementary school
Celebrating the opening of the Early Childhood Playground. Sparking the imagination in the unstructured play time

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If you want to find out what the future holds, you have to visit a school. And if you want to understand this future, you have to talk to a student. Our podcast today tries to find the answers that explain the future with Artificial Intelligence. The kind of intelligence needed to explain artificial intelligence is not unique, but it definitely requires vision and an open mind, ready to perpetually ask questions that challenge common logic, questions that push the limit of knowledge and therefore attempt to sketch the future.

To most of us, artificial intelligence is expressed through a robot-like object, that is programmed to perform certain tasks. To Adrianos Botsios, a 9th grader who in his spare time he designs humanoids and ponders on AI ethics, artificial intelligence is the future, but with a strict asterisk: it has to serve the common good and that can only happen if it is programmed ethically by us, humans.

With Adrianos Botsios today we discuss:

Exploring the water cycle and understanding sustainability at a young age
The Green Team of 3rd Grade
The fourth Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence
Recognizing the use of AI in daily lives
The AI Lab at ACS Athens, applying the theory
Reimagining learning through artificial intelligence
Our new friend, Niki
The question of reaching Super Intelligence, and
Ethical Considerations about the use of AI

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Music is the universal language that inspires and evokes emotions; it is spiritual and it is the ultimate spark for the imagination.

Today's episode of the Owlcast is all about Music. Anna Mancl, Middle School and Academy Music Teacher, came to ACS Athens a year and a half ago, with her suitcases and her cello. A classically trained musician, she talks to us about her journey in life and through music.

With Ms. Mancl, today we discuss:

Being the pioneer of the family in pursuing a music career
Improvising at a young age and regulating emotions through music
Tough choices - piano, cello, or voice?
Transferring skills as a musician to those of a music teacher
Motivating music students that believe they’re not talented enough
Students discovering they can make music

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In the classrooms and corridors of K-12 schools, the voices of the children and the guiding presence of the teachers are the protagonists. Children belong to this environment as it is meant to be. The activity in a classroom, an auditorium, or the athletic facility seems most of the time that it’s meant to happen on its own. But there’s so much happening behind the scenes. There’s so much planning and discussion is taking place, in the offices of the faculty and the administration, so much debate about this teaching practice, that evaluation process, and the other methodology. Especially in international schools, where ideas and concepts come from all kinds of sources, from local intellectual discussions and from international academic conferences, there is so much to share and get inspiration from. Faculty and specialists arrive from around the world to share their best practices and move to the next level of their academic careers. The goal is quite common but also very unique for each school. It’s the advancement and continuous reform of teaching and learning, as young minds are shaped to hopefully make this world a better place.

Today with us is Dr. Maria Avgerinou, e-Learning consultant and one of the Managing Editors of the International Schools Journal, a publication of ACS Athens. With an academic career in online teaching and learning and a passion for Visual Literacy, Dr. Avgerinou has been a keystone in the long path of the school towards e-learning innovation.

With Dr. Avgerinou, today we discuss:

Online Teaching and Learning as necessary skills for someone starting a career in academia
The practical and pedagogical reasons of the shift to online learning in K-12 education
Being prepared to face online learning in higher education - the challenges and skills needed
The trailblazers, the movers, and the settlers of the path to online learning
The false assumption that blended learning has to do mostly with technology than pedagogy
Students reacting to online teaching
Being an online native user vs. an online learner
The importance of time management in onli

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ACS Athens continuously invests time and resources to foster this development of its community of educators. Our guest today is Dr. Julie Crain, who under her present capacity as the Professional Development Coordinator is part of a team that develops the means for meaningful and effective professional development of staff, faculty, and administrators. She’s also a member of a team of internal coordinators for Accreditation and has held several positions over the years, including Principal of Middle School and, previously Principal of the Academy.

With Dr. Crain, today we discuss:

A strong background in communication as a tool to connect in academia
How a song and dance skit can warm up the whole community to you as the new principal
The multiple challenges of shifting age-groups in the middle of the pandemic
Are adolescents everywhere pretty much the same?
From covering the Beat in a media outlet to controlling the Beat in a school
Media Literacy, Social Media and the youth in times of excessive yellow
The fine line between guidance and restriction, when it comes to protecting children online
Evaluation through empowering as a growth process, when it comes to the professional development of employees

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The demanding journey of a student through primary and secondary education in the 21st century bears very few similarities with that of previous generations, where the major objectives involved little more than literacy and quantitative skills. Critical thinking, art and media literacy, integration of computing and Artificial Intelligence along with cultural and social engagement were topics far from the norm in most schools. International education by nature has evolved into a much more holistic provider of life skills that global citizens must attain to have a better than a good chance to make it in the 21st century. When the discussion also involves the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, then we know for sure that students go beyond the traditional school framework, and have started thinking of the big picture.

In order for a school to provide such a non-traditional, outside-the-beaten path education experience, it needs to introduce new mentalities, especially at the Elementary school level. Teachers must be open to new mindsets and skill sets that are required to engage and inspire children that mature faster and faster.

With us today is Pinelopi Dimitroula, a 5th-grade teacher, who engages in the discussion of what this experience is currently in the ACS Athens Elementary. With an MBA degree from Pace University and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from Touro University, New York, Ms. Dimitroula has a wide perspective on what Education should be about.

With Ms. Dimitroula, today we discuss:

The increasing level of Student's maturity in the Elementary School
Supporting the mental and socio-emotional state of children during learning in difficult times
The transition to Middle School and a new reality
Meeting students where they are at.... the true meaning of differentiation
Helping students get rid of the "stigma" of accommodations
Exposing children to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Involving faculty in Artificial Intelligence and Conscious Citizenship initiatives
The future of education and the consideration of human interaction

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The International Baccalaureate has been a staple academic program of the international schools. ACS Athens introduced IB as an academic option in the mid-'70s, long before it became the international standard for admission in universities around the world. Throughout the years, in combination with the Advanced Placement courses, the IB courses enhanced the academic offerings of the school that students could choose from as they aspired to develop a more rounded approach to their academic portfolio.

This year, Mark McGowan joined ACS Athens as its new IB/AP Programs director. This is not his first time in Athens - he has served at another Athenian school before, but as most international educators, he has traveled around the world in the international school circuit, building expertise and global academic perspectives. He has held various leadership positions, including ToK Coordinator and Head of English at the International School of Brussels, and BTEC Coordinator at the JESS school in Dubai. In 2019, he obtained a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Center in London. An avid reader, sports fan, and supporter of the arts, Mr. McGowan also enjoys traveling, swimming, cycling, and spending time with his family.

With Mark McGowan, we discuss:

Creative writing while living in Greece
The International Baccalaureate as an academic option and not as the only choice
The IB as the door to high-level thinking and better college placement
Is the current system of preparing students for college optimal and what is the alternative
What is the value of certain keystone courses, like the Theory of Knowledge
Connecting the dots of knowledge by engaging in provocative topics of discussion
Preparing students to enjoy life, to think and feel
The IB as a bridge between school systems
The global discussion about the future of education and the trend towards project-based learning

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The community of ACS Athens has always been one with strong connections between the student and alumni communities. Every so often graduates of the school cross the gates of the campus to reminisce and go back in time. Frequently, however, distinguished and renowned alums come to witness the work and projects of the students, to inspire and mentor them and address the all too relevant concerns of adolescents as they explore their life's possibilities.

Late last year, Dr. Photini Pazartzis, honored the community with her presence in order to speak to Middle School and Academy students about the United Nations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Pazartzis is a Professor of International Law at the University of Athens and the Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee. She spoke about the foundation treaty of the UN, the three pillars, and specifically the Human Rights Committee in which she has been unanimously elected as Chair. Students were able to understand how the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are linked to the three pillars.

“How long have you worked in the UN?” “What made you want to work in the UN?”, “How can one begin to work in the UN?” were some of the questions that middle school students had the opportunity to ask Dr. Pazartzis, who told students that "ACS Athens is a small United Nations.”

“You are very lucky to be in this school," she said, "you have people from all over the world that are your friends and will remain your friends.”

With Dr. Photini Pazartzis today we discuss:

From International Law to Human Rights: how does someone with academic credentials transition to civic leadership
Human Rights as part of the relations between states
How the response to the COVID pandemic affected the human rights of individuals
Getting inspiration from the school environment for a future career
Being optimistic about meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and cultivating conscious children around the issue
Teaching a lesson by being a lesson

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How does communication for Congressional campaigns prepare someone to advise students to write more effectively
How does the Capstone Project combine with the Sustainable Development Goals?
Does Connecting with the students promote learning?

Welcome to today's episode of the Owlcast. We have with us Helen Seretis and Michael Januzzi who are in charge of the Writing Studio in the Learning Commons of ACS Athens. The Writing Studio is just one of the services available for students, along with the Math, Research and Media Studios in the Learning Commons, which sole purpose is to enhance the learning experience of the students, by providing support, guidance and necessary resources as the school community takes learning to the next level. Today with Ms. Seretis and Mr. Januzzi we discuss:

The therapy couch of the writing studio
Meta-strategies around writing and creative approaches
The bad thoughts bunny, and why it's full
Reaching out to the students
How to motivate higher learners
Handling over 2000 projects and assignments per semester
Supporting students while setting boundaries
Using creative writing as a way to express personal frustrations
Using personal interests in order to learn a foreign language
How to gamify EFL Language support
Writing college essays in a personal and unique way - the case of the celery crunch
Using hardship to grow, and
The Capstone project: bringing the classroom into the real world

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What kind of epiphany does someone experience before becoming a teacher?

How does an optician, from adjusting frames ends up adjusting brains?

Why it's important to have a balanced literacy classroom?

The answers to these profound questions we attempt to find today with Sophia Tsinakis, Literacy Coordinator at ACS Athens. A native of Houston, Texas, Ms. Tsinakis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology - with a minor in Art Therapy - from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. She has earned a Master's in Elementary Education and a K-12 English Language Learners endorsement at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.

While teaching in Nashville, Tenessee, she was a finalist for the Teacher of the Year, recognized as a Literacy Leader by the District Director of Literacy, was interviewed and observed by the National Public Radio program, Mind/Shift, and one of her guided reading lessons was filmed by the district as an example of exemplary reading instruction.

Sophia Tsinakis arrived at ACS Athens in 2018 and transitioned in her capacity as Literacy Coordinator in 2020, through which she facilitates the development of an ongoing collaborative literacy learning culture that aligns reading & writing curriculums.

With Ms. Tsinakis, today we discuss:

The vision of Literacy in the Elementary School of the late Steve Medeiros
Growing into innovation through professional development
Building a balanced literacy classroom
Being a mentor, collaborator and coach at the same time
Life in the digital realm and how it affects learning
The emerging trends in literacy: Teaching Poetry and Use of Graphic Novels
Reading critically and making sense of online content
Sustainable development goals and Literacy
Balance in a teacher's personal life and how that affects teaching

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"THE PLANET DOES NOT NEED MORE SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE. THE PLANET DESPERATELY NEEDS MORE PEACEMAKERS, HEALERS, RESTORERS, STORYTELLERS, AND LOVERS OF ALL KINDS."

The Dalai Lama has offered this call for peace and healing a few years ago, before the latest refugee crisis took hold of much of Europe but involves much of Asia, Africa, and Central America, the so-called developing world. In general, the Western developed world has been part of both the problem and the solution, in ways that are both frustrating but also hopeful. Hope is what the Home Project is investing in its effort to provide shelter, education, and integration opportunities to unaccompanied refugee minors, while at the same it is fighting intolerance, xenophobia, and racism. The HOME Project was founded in response to the call made by President Obama to the private sector to help in addressing the refugee crisis in 2016. Their mission is to help refugee children to safety and security, to overcome the trauma of violence and loss, to motivate reintegration and healing and empower new beginnings.

ACS Athens, through its effort to assist in this cause, has started the Youth-to-Youth educational and integration program in 2017, in collaboration with the Home Project. The program fosters meaningful educational experiences and promotes social integration addressing the educational and social needs of unaccompanied minors in Athens through a student-to-student partnership learning model. Volunteer students and teachers of the school provide the necessary environment for the young refugees so that they re-engage in a social and educational way, in a setting that allows friendships to grow, knowledge to be cultivated and personalities to heal.

With us today is Sofia Kouvelaki, Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project. A young and energetic leader in a highly humanitarian cause, Ms. Kouvelaki represents what every young person should be striving to achieve: empathy, specialized but ethical knowledge, global mindset and dedication to a noble cause.

With Sofia Kouvelaki today we discuss:

How university studies can steer someone towards humanitarian work
The impact of working with refugees during the crisis in Greece
Receiving a new unaccompanied child at the Home Project
Why social integration is so important
Providing shelter while preparing the next steps towards autonomy
The asylum process labyrinth
Showing, not telling, as a way to grow empathy to the local community
The danger of talking about the weaponization of the refugee issue
The Youth-To-Youth program, a collaboration between ACS Athens and the Home Project, as a model for breaking stereotypes and combat xenophobia

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One of the staple characteristics of American schools is inclusion. Cultural inclusion, ethnic inclusion, and of course learning inclusion. It’s an attribute that defines the American educational philosophy, which is at the center of the ACS Athens mission.

The values served by the school have been closely related to this inclusion for many many years. Since the early eighties, our guest today has offered her services to the cause of inclusion, the right to learn of every child, and assisting students with learning differences at a fundamental level.

Christianna Perakis Evloyas or Ms. Perakis as everyone has called her all these years before she retired in 2019, has left her mark not only to her students, who left the school to become successful members of society, but also to the way of thinking of every teacher and the entire educational philosophy of ACS Athens. Chris Perakis continues to be involved through our Diagnostic Learning Center, advising those who assess and evaluate students, not whether they can learn, but how they can learn in a better, more meaningful, and impactful way for their lives.

With Chris Perakis, we discuss:

What is learning inclusion
Learning Differences: What's in a term
Developing lifetime friendships with your students
The taboo of admitting a learning difference for your child
How did 9 annual conferences change the way a community sees differentiation
Can someone with learning differences be successful in life
The role of the shadow teacher, and
Teaching and life-long learning

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International Schools attract families from their host country, but primarily and traditionally families that are on the move. Whether it is for business purposes or just repatriation, international traveling families are making their homes around the world. Their common denominator, most of the time, is the educational standard for their children. There’s of course the occasional student that has gone through changes in school systems and languages. Most of the time, however, International families choose a school system that meets their children’s needs, wherever they are located or re-located. Our guest today represents such a family, who arrived at ACS Athens through the diplomatic corps route and has also been part of our community of educators since. Ms. Valeria Laitinen is our Early Childhood Coordinator this year, while she’s served as the Elementary Vice-Principal and Elementary Teacher before that.

With Ms. Laitinen we discuss:

How does Following the diplomat's path through the countries develop a greater sense of empathy
Making the world your home
The portability of a career in education as a traveling family
The Growth mindset, or learning through your mistakes
Feeling uncomfortable is the feeling of learning
Growing along with the students you're teaching
Early Childhood Education as the foundation for learning
The importance of Getting to know the school before applying as a way to develop the necessary trust
The realization of becoming an international-minded student

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Nicholas Karambelas is a graduate of ACS Athens in the 70's who left to become a successful law professional in the U.S., but has never really left the school. His current capacity as the Chairman of the US Board of Trustees of the school, along with his love for Greece and his Greek-American identity, put him in a unique position to serve the mission and vision of the school. A third-generation Greek American, he takes pride of his emotional attachment to Greece and the intellectual approach to the Greek national issues as a Greek American.

With Nick Karambelas, today we discuss:

The changing profile of ACS Athens from an almost exclusively American school to a totally international school
Fond memories with dear friends
The role of the houses as an American school tradition
Intellectual curiosity as a key quality transitioning to colleges
Having an analytical mindset as a law professional
His passion for history and archeology
The role of the Greek American Omogeneia in shaping the American nation
The 1821 revolutionary war of independence through the eyes of Omogeneia
His view of ACS Athens as a member of the Board of Trustees

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Today with us is Ada Gianneskis, ACS Athens parent and elected member of the Board of Trustees of the school. Ms. Gianneskis is a marketing and communications executive with 20 years of experience and is currently the Communications Director of House Market SA (IKEA franchise for Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria).

Ms. Gianneskis has an MBA degree from Southern New Hampshire University, with specialization in sports marketing. She is also a member of the Corporate Responsibility Committee of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.

With Ms. Gianneskis, we discuss:

Having difficult conversations with your children while cultivating their empathy
Trust as a family contract as children live through COVID
Parents responsibility to Learn what their children already know
Wearing two hats, when it comes to being involved in school governance
Students not Hiding behind the musts, as they consider their future
Following your true calling
How to highlight your work ethic in an interview
Taking a step back when deciding on graduate or post-grad studies; and
What makes a good communicator

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International Schools are known for the frequent rotation of their teaching and administrative personnel. ACS Athens recruits most of the times teachers and high-level administrators from the international school circuit, where the mentality of international education guides the expertise and training of the new hires. This year, a new Principal joined us from a pure American school, which gives her a unique perspective as a leader to a school that follows the American curriculum.

Dr. Joleta Galozzi, our new Middle School Principal arrived this year from Aurora, Colorado, and shares with us some of the insight she has gained so far having joined the ACS Athens international community of educators.

Today With Dr. Galozzi, we discuss:

How can British literature inspire the desire to travel
The learning curve of managing learning on a new school
The job of a principal as a life calling
Causing Shifts in culture and bringing positive impacts
Teachable Moments
Helping students help themselves

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One of the staple academic subject areas of primary and secondary education is the inquiry, research, and experimentation of Science. Students are introduced and exposed to data literacy and computational thinking and are encouraged to develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and team working.

We are living in the age of inescapable if not compulsory technological literacy, where skills and competencies are required material to students, where the future is now. The Technology and Science curriculum, the STEM or STEAM blend of courses, and the frame of mind based on Artificial Intelligence, are the fundamentals of 21st-century education.

Dr. Antonis Karampelas is a member of the Science and Technology Faculty of the ACS Athens Academy. He is the Artificial Intelligence Framework Coordinator, working with faculty to holistically integrate AI into the school’s curriculum. Dr. Karampelas is a co-author of more than 60 published articles and research contributions in the fields of education and astrophysics.

Today we discuss:

Science Fiction and the vagueness of the future
Enjoying looking at the stars without a telescope
Preparing to conduct science experiments in space
Robotics and appeal of STEM to young people
Heisenberg and the principle of uncertainty
The importance of AI and the 4th industrial revolution
The emergence of Superintelligence
Getting inspired to become a science teacher

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