The community we live in and the people that work to keep it safe are an important part of preschool life. Last month, firefighters from Engine 226 came to A. Fantis, and our Prek classes greeted them with a special "Thank You" to acknowledge all they do to protect people, pets, and property from fire in our community. The students were so excited to meet firefighters and go inside a real firetruck! Thank you, firefighters! We appreciate your difficult and dangerous work!

ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΑ ΗΜΕΡΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΑΣ! On February 9th, A. Fantis celebrated Greek Language with our 2023 Greek Spelling Bee and, for the first time, welcomed The Cathedral School to the contest. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our students invested in the Spelling Bee! Not only did we celebrate Greek language, but also team spirit and a community that encourages students to rise above the bar.

Spelling is in the air! In January, Fantis is sending our two finalists to compete in the final competition of the National Scripps Spelling Bee with our sister schools, which will be presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Then our students will continue to study for the inaugural A. Fantis School Greek Spelling Bee in early March.

Our new elementary science curriculum has ignited curiosity and passion in our classroom. A students-first approach is based on a firsthand exploration of phenomena, where students develop their ability to think scientifically with active investigations and multisensory learning.

Back in October, we relaunched our Buddy Days program, a favorite amongst our students pre-pandemic! K-8 classrooms are paired together and meet once a month to get to know each other better with guided activities. Last month our seniors read a story to their younger buddies. Through a series of activities built into our SEL curriculum, our students learn from each other, create strong bonds with peers across grades, and develop leadership skills.

Clubs are a middle school favorite for good reason: student choice with a variety of options. From murals to chess, musical theater to basketball, there is something to entice all middle schoolers—where they can explore a hidden talent or nurture a passionate interest.

After two long years, we are thrilled to have after-school clubs return to A. Fantis School! We have partnered with premier vendors to provide our students with an amazing after-school experience. From soccer and tennis to ceramics and comics, there is something for everyone and of every age! The full menu is available under the Parents Tab.

Fantis students have been applying what they have learned in civics class to this year’s student council. After successfully initiating the popular Pizza Friday fundraiser, the student council turned its focus on reopening the school store. They have finished revising their business plan, which included marketing, inventory, and bookkeeping for a February opening. Proceeds will help fund their initiatives this year, which they will solicit from their ‘consitutents’.

Ms. Hana, our 2nd-grade teacher, taught her students how to build a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge out of recycled materials. Bringing NYC into the classroom, the students learned about one of our city's most iconic landmarks and applied scientific concepts to complete the project. Everyone enjoyed the lesson, and the result was stunning!

New Fantis Families can join the PTO at A. Fantis School this month for an informal meet-and-greet. There will be a light breakfast, free play, and a school tour!