ACS Athens Owlcast ACS Athens (American Community Schools)

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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