Students’ Views on Seldom Seen, Rarely Reported News of our World

An ACS Athens / Newscoop Collaboration

About the project

Students today are faced with a barrage of information on the Internet. While most students are comfortable using the web as a primary resource, there is great concern for the reliability and validity of information found in its pages. Furthermore, the perspective of high school students is often lost or missing in media broadcasts. At ACS Athens, students are tackling today’s contemporary problems and current events through the creation of short documentaries and news pieces.

Through a partnership with Newscoop, founded at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, ACS Athens students are creating unbiased, engaging news pieces to be shared with young web users around the world. The intention of this partnership is to revolutionize the way students access and share news-related information. Students create short documentaries or 3-5 minute 'explainer' videos that highlight seldom seen and rarely reported issues and events in the news.  These videos are created 100% from the ground up, with the students' researching, writing scripts and filming/editing video.

The students receive support and advice from Newscoop via the extensive network of professionals that support this endeavor. It is the goal of ACS Athens and Newscoop to encourage other schools to join this creative project.

The students at ACS have already created a short documentary film about the Israeli-Palestinian struggle, which debuted at the NESA Administrators' Conference in Athens in October 2009. (NESA: Near East South Asia Conference of International Schools). Through this presentation, and through contacts in the United States and abroad, we have seen the addition of many quality schools to the project. 

About the April 19, 2010 Event

The April 19^th, 2010 event is designed to showcase the students’ work on a project that offered them a great opportunity to explore and learn about a highly contested issue by researching, writing and producing a video documentary piece aimed at portraying a fair and unbiased view of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle. The event will include a screening of the 30-minute documentary to the ACS Athens' and wider communities. The screening will take place in the 500-seat theater at the Arts Center at ACS Athens. SKAI Anchor Sia Kossioni has been invited to moderate the discussion between the students and audience members (via an open mic arrangement) that will follow the screening.

The purpose of the event is not to judge the objectivity/fairness of the piece, but to stress the value of the dedicated and professional volunteer work the students did on a subject that most media have failed to portray without bias. Also, as this particular documentary is the first in a series, a strong point of discussion will certainly be issues surrounding the relationship between Media and Democracy, and the students' commitment to fostering democratic ideals through journalism.

The ACS Athens / SKAI Collaboration

SKAI media organization has been a steady and loyal supporter of education-related issues and initiatives throughout the years. ACS Athens, as the premier international school in Greece and a growing force in K-12 academia, has frequently been featured in SKAI Radio and TV programming, presenting its innovative programs and unique student-centered and holistic educational philosophy, designed to produce global citizens with ethos. SKAI-sponsored academic scholarships have given numerous Greek students the opportunity to benefit from the quality international education, rooted in American values and principles that ACS Athens provides, opening the doors for them at premier universities in the United States and Europe.

The ACS Athens / Newscoop Collaboration

Over the last year, Newscoop has partnered with ACS Athens to establish and refine a strong model of news research and production. ACS-Athens organized a Newscoop Club, and its students chose the very challenging issue of the Israeli-Palestinian Struggle for their first news report. They presented the documentary at a presentation at the October 2009 NESA Leadership Conference in Athens; afterwards, members of the audience commented that the film they had made was perhaps the most informative and balanced piece on the conflict they had ever seen.  This was powerful confirmation of the students' commitment to the practice of unbiased and objective journalism. The ACS Athens students who collaborated with Newscoop on this project were thoughtful, serious, and creative beyond measure, with knowledge of the issues and deep concern for just outcomes. This extraordinary group of young people helped us all to see quickly that the Newscoop model of news production was indeed worthy of emulation.

About ACS Athens

The American Community Schools of Athens is a private, non-profit, Pre K-12 institution governed by a 15-member Board of trustees, which has served the children of the American, international and local communities in Athens for 64 years. Guided by a strong vision of high expectations rooted in solid values, the school’s policies and practices governing curriculum design, teaching methodologies, operating procedures and human interactions are shaped by the values implicit in its mission statement:

ACS Athens is a student-centered international school, embracing American educational philosophy, principles and values. Through excellence in teaching and diverse educational experiences, ACS Athens challenges all students to realize their unique potential: academically, intellectually, socially and ethically -- to thrive as responsible global citizens.

At the heart of the ACS Athens enterprise are our students. Admitted on the basis of a selective admission process, the school’s 810 students represent more than 60 countries from six continents. They form a rich multi-cultural mosaic, which positively informs the American values and principles upon which the school is founded, and which will serve them well for their role as global citizens of the 21st century.

About Newscoop

Founded at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Newscoop is creating an educational online news laboratory that empowers young people around the world as responsible consumers and producers of news in this age of the Internet. Partnering with a network of international schools and colleges, Newscoop offers users quick, succinct and clear video explanations of news events and public issues.  As students create brief “explainer” pieces, mini-documentaries, and exciting interviews with relevant public figures, they explore the world’s events and issues. Finally, they inform each other. The result will be a trusted news source for young people around the globe. 

The Project Advisory Team:

For ACS Athens

•  Brian Kelly, Academy Principal
•  John Papadakis, Director of Communications & Technology
•  Eli Pupovac, Academy Social Studies Teacher

For Newscoop

•  Camilla Warrender, Founder, Executive Editor

  

For more information please contact John Papadakis at: acs@acs.gr, 210-6393200  x263

The American Association of University Administrators Awards ACS Athens for its Program of Innovative School–University Partnerships

The ACS Athens Institute for Critical and Creative Thinking has been awarded the prestigious Nikolai N. Khaladjan International Award by the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). ACS Athens is recognized for its pioneering programs promoting innovative teaching and learning through the creation of authentic collaborations with premier colleges and universities. The AAUA recognized this year’s ACS Athens Summer Leadership Institute as a model of educational best practices.

At his congratulatory letter to ACS Athens, Dr. Dan L. King, AAUA’s Executive Director says: “I am pleased to inform you that your institution has been selected as one of this year's recipients of the AAUA Khaladjan International Award. As you know. this competitive award recognizes outstanding educational achievements/programs of an international nature. It will be formally presented this coming November at the annual assembly of the AAUA in Arlington, Virginia (metropolitan Washington, DC). Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!” ACS Athens President, Dr. Stefanos Gialamas expressed his excitement that “a higher education organization such as AAUA awards for the first time a K-12 institution, for its innovative programs that bridge secondary with higher education, benefitting, most of all, the students themselves.”

The program is offered in collaboration with the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond. The Khaladjan Award is bestowed to higher educational institutions that foster international understanding, promote innovative teaching methods, widen access to education, extend the use of teaching resources, by widely using and developing learning technology, and accelerating or deepening student learning.

ACS Athens is the first ever JK-12 school to be so recognized by the AAUA in its nearly forty-year history. Past recipients of the Nikolai N. Khaladjan International Award include: University of Kansas, Regensburg University (Denmark), University of South Carolina, University of London, Western Illinois University, California State University, Ohio State University.

Thirteen selected students participated in the 2009 Summer Leadership Institute from June 25 – July 10, 2009. Drawing on the talents and skills of ACS Athens and University of Richmond faculty, the Institute provided students with a wide variety of pragmatic, hands-on and academic learning experiences in which they explored the concept of leadership and its relationship to democracy, ethics and service to one’s community -- as they discovered and cultivated the leadership potential within themselves.

The Leadership Institute began with three days of team-building activities and a series of workshops in Athens. The second week of the program took participants to the campus of the University of Richmond for a week-long college learning (and living) experience, focusing on study of the foundations of leadership, the Jeffersonian ideal of democracy and leadership in the field of science and environmental affairs. Following their academic experience, participants observed leadership in action and up-close, as they travelled to Washington, DC, to meet and learn from leaders in politics, business, law, government service, the military, medicine, journalism and public interest lobbying, some them being graduates of ACS Athens. Students assessed their experiences as they reflected upon their observations on leadership in action through a holistic, harmonious and meaningful approach.

American Association of University Administrators (AAUA) was founded in 1970 in Buffalo, New York. The Association is chartered as a non-profit, educational organization in compliance with the laws of the State of New York. AAUA was established as - and remains - a professional organization. Membership in AAUA is open to career administrators in any accredited college, university, or other post-secondary organization. The AAUA membership includes presidents, deans, directors, department chairpersons, and individuals working in a variety of other administrative positions. Approximately 500 college and university administrators in the United States and several foreign countries currently hold membership in AAUA.

2009 Gala Dinner and Auction Event raises over €21,000

benefitting the ACS Athens Science Initiative

On January 30, 2009 at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, ACS Athens was indeed “Celebrating a New Era!” Well over 200 parents, friends, alumni, staff, and faculty spent a fun evening of dining, dancing, bidding and winning! But the most enjoyable aspect of the night was the wonderful warmth of being amongst friends and supporting the school that is special to all of us.

Fundraising was the main goal of the evening, and over €21,000 was raised for the ACS Athens “Science Initiative.” This initiative includes plans to design and build three new safe and environmentally friendly science labs that will invite all ACS Athens Academy students to learn and enjoy science. We are off to a great start on this project!

This was the first big Gala Event and Auction since the “60th Anniversary Celebration of ACS Athens” was held in February of 2006. Many individuals, families and companies made this year's event possible through their kind support: hours of hard work, creativity, and donations – both in-kind and monetarily. ACS Athens thanks everyone for making it happen!

Photo Gallery

Click on the image below to view some of the most memorable images from that event. Every photo is available in high resolution electronic file for purchase at €3 each or €10 for every 5 by contacting 

View Gallery »

 

Gala Committee:
Jennifer Ananiadis, Chairperson
Kristal Alley
Georgia Alvertos
Lilly Dimas
Patty Dimitriadis
Belina Korovessis
Helen Maravegias
Kelly Mitropoulos
Vivien Robotis

Sponsors:
Abbot Laboratories Hellas
Coca-Cola Hellas
HSBC
Hotel Grande Bretagne

Supporters:
Décor Hellas
DJ El. P.
Essential Music
Stacy Fillipou
Andrea & Pat Kaloulis
Pantelis Koutsouradis Photos
John Papadakis
Pfizer
Mr. and Mrs. George Stassis

Student Volunteers:
Ioannis Anastopoulos
Valerie Blettenberg
Natalie Botonakis
Anastasia Driva
Sofia Economopoulos
Christina Eliopoulos
Mayuko Gilmore
Christos-Marios Kampouridis
Jason Mantzouranis
Pavlos Nikolaidis
Eleni Papanikolaou
Katarina Richter-Lunn
Anastasi Sharp
Maria Stamati
Alexander Thomopulos
Emma Winstead
Alexandra Kaloulis, pianist

Silent Auction Donors:
ACS Athens
Aegean Airlines
Anastopoulos Family
Badminton Theater
Belvedere Hotel Mykonos
Blue Palace Resort & Spa Crete
Dionysia Athens Wine Festival
Eve Fine Jewelry
Grace Hotels Mykonos & Santorini
Hadjidakis Jewelry
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Imperial Hotel Vienna
Katerina Kaloudi
Konstantino Treasures
Le Meridian Etoile Paris
Le Meridian Vienna
MedCongress & Tours
My Playce
Nathan’s House
Park Lane Hotel London
Santa Marina Resort Mykonos
Sheraton Park Tower London
W Istanbul

Test Tube Prize Donors:
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Alley
Mr. and Mrs. Yianni Alvertos
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Ananiadis
Badminton Theater
Col. and Mrs. Steve Boukedes
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Browne
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chadason
Che Buenos Aires Restaurant
Clinique
Mr. and Mrs. Simos Dimas
Dr. and Mrs. George Dimitriadis
J. Haidis
Hard Rock Café
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Insider Magazine
Vasiliki Kaselouri Pilates
Mr. and Mrs. Nasos Papadopoulos
Royal Thai Restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Seremetis
T.G.I.Fridays Café and Bar
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Tzouros

 

Renewing America's Promise

More than 1300 people came to ACS Athens to celebrate in a non-partisan, non-political community celebration of the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, which was organized by ACS ATHENS and DEMOCRATS ABROAD GREECE on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at the ACS campus in Halandri.

Members of the international diplomatic community, high ranking representatives of the Hellenic State and parliament members, community and political leaders, members of the American community in Athens and many ACS Athens families came to celebrate "RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE" -- a theme chosen by President Barack Obama indicative of his commitment to restoring opportunity and possibility for all, as well as re-establishing America's standing as a beacon of hope around the world. Among them, the U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic Daniel Speckhard, the Greek Minister of Touristic Development Dr. Markopoulos, the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kassimis and the Prefect of Athens Mr. Sgouros.

The celebration event included live streaming in multiple locations of the Inaugural Ceremony, Address and Parade, which ended well after 11 p.m. The enthusiastic crowd watched several musical performances in the school's theater by Venus D-Minor acapella group and by ACS Athens own student Artemis Kakaris, before switching to the live coverage around 6:45 p.m.

The participants were greeted by the host Steve Medeiros, while welcoming remarks were given by ACS Athens President Dr. Stefanos Gialamas and Democrats Abroad Greece Chair Beth Hondros. Dr. Gialamas in both English and Greek, welcomed the participants: We are all participating today in an inspiring historic event. Let us commit ourselves to active participation in a common effort to create a better world for our children and grand children. So, join us in congratulating the new President and in wishing him courage, strength and wisdom for the benefit of the United States of America and the whole world." Ms. Elizabeth Hondros remarked: "President Barack Obama has a story that is uniquely American. His story reminds us of all that is great in our country; and all that is great in ourselves."

U.S. Ambassador Daniel Speckhard in his speech, remarked: "This is a historic moment for the United States, but also one that we share globally. Never in the history of U.S. politics has one presidential election been followed so closely, by so many millions around the world. And this is a measure of how interconnected we are today, how close the world has become, and the enormity of the challenges that we are facing." The whole text of the Ambassador's remarks can be found by clicking here.

The event included also DJ and live music/dancing following the inauguration at the ACS Athens Gym; food and drinks served at the cafeteria; authentic American treats and sweets; various Greek and American art exhibits; a photography exhibit depicting the Greek immigrant experience in America; exhibits and tables by American and charitable organizations in Greece.

Scores of volunteers from both ACS Athens and Democrats Abroad Greece dedicated countless hours in preparing the event that proved to have great impact to the American, Greek and international community of Athens.