Letter from the President

Dear ACS Parents,

As the weeks unfold into months, the year ahead will define itself. As a parent of children who attended esteemed international schools who are now adults making their way in the world, I share that sense of pride each of you reading this likely have for choosing ACS. We are a school that demands academic attention; this is true, but we are also an academic institution that invites a sense of wonder to explore and to take risks so that dreams have a chance of becoming reality.

If you are returning parents, you already know the outstanding quality of the ACS faculty and staff and the exceptional educational opportunities available for students at this school. You already know that this is a welcoming community that believes so strongly in the value of education and also in the values of this unique institution. I look forward to working with my colleagues at ACS and with all of you, our newest families and our returning, to ensure the continuing excellence of the ACS educational experience for your sons and daughters.

ACS will carry forward its commitment to cultivating a community known for its exceptional teachers and student body. It is important, however, to call attention to the caliber of our parent community. This community is impressive. Among your peers are parents and professionals who embody the values of this institution. The year ahead will be full and engaging for your child, let it also be this way for you.

This year is a special year. It is a year in which your child will grow. I encourage you to be an active participant in the life of the College. You will make a difference. Together, we will make an even bigger difference. Please consider what this contribution might be.

On behalf of this exceptional community, I welcome each of you to what will be an exceptional year.

With kind regards,

Emily Sargent Beasley

President, American College of Sofia

During the academic year 2022-2023, an effort was established to highlight the importance of a strong home/school partnership. This effort gave rise to the Parent Ambassadors Initiative. This group of parents, administration, and faculty - that all parents are welcome to join at any time - took on a responsibility to set meaningful goals and actively support our community. These goals and this support reflected the ambitions of our Strategic Plan:

• To build strong and supportive networks, strengthen communication and support the success of existing events, such as Arts Fest, Career Fair, FISSION International Science Fair, and students participating on prestigious forums.

• To engage lecturers and influencers, both within and outside the ACS community, to share inspiring career experiences and success stories and to foster support for student entrepreneurship projects and ideas, as well as promote extracurricular and curricular events.

• To celebrate faculty achievements and to foster a diverse and inclusive community by expanding scholarship opportunities, supporting service initiatives, and helping to create flexible and inspiring spаces on the ACS campus.

Through close collaboration and shared commitment, much has been accomplished thanks to the active engagement of our parent community. Regular meetings, both online and in person, along with social gatherings that celebrated achievements, strengthened connections among parents and the school. Parents volunteered their time to support student initiatives participating in mock internship interviews, serving as career representatives at the student-organized Career Fair, and contributing leadership to the success of Arts Fest. These efforts not only enhanced the student experience but also demonstrated the transformative impact of parent involvement, helping raise significant funds in support of the Tuition Reduction Program and campus improvements, including the restoration and enhancement of the ACS sports facilities.

ACS continues to host community events such as the Parent Ambassador Evening and the Annual General Meeting, inviting even broader participation. Parents are encouraged to look out for the email invitations and to check the school calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities to connect and get involved.