The Start of the 2021-2022 School Year at the American College of Sofia
“We are so pleased to be here with you, in person, on this beautiful and historic campus. My colleagues join me in offering you a warm welcome today and wishing you a great career ahead at the American College of Sofia”.
With these words ACS President Dr. Richard T. Ewing Jr. opened his welcoming speech on the occasion of the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. This year, too, the College welcomed the new eighth-graders and their families on September 14, when they all met with the faculty and staff, received introductory information packages, and learned details about the first days of eighth grade at ACS.
On September 14, we welcomed to ACS the new international students, as well as those who joined in 9th and 10th Grade. In addition to sorting out practicalities, the new students had the opportunity to get to know each other, learn more about the campus and, last but not least, to have fun with interesting challenges for body and mind.
As the custom dictates, the start of the academic 2021-2022 year at ACS was given on September 15. In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on campus, all classes celebrated the beginning separately. Appearing at the school in a staggered fashion, students from each class participated in a ceremony for the first day of school, received valuable advice from the President and the Dean of Students, as well as practical guidance and congratulations from their Block Leaders and the school administration. The ceremony, traditionally, began with live performances of the anthems of Bulgaria, USA, and the College. Each class also enjoyed a popular song, dedicated to them as a salute. The Student Council Presidents handed the Black Eagles Block flag to two bold representatives of the Class of 2026, which marked the official admittance of the eight-graders into the school community.
Once again, in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, students received reminders on the current measures and expectations towards them. They include wearing masks indoors, following traffic directions, keeping distance and frequent hand washing and disinfecting. Persistence in the efforts of the ACS community to adhere to these measures and prevent the spread of the virus could lead to the much-anticipated greater number of in-person days during this academic year.
As part of the College's September 15 traditions, each class took a group photo at the Ostrander Hall steps. We are wishing ACSers and all students everywhere success in an academic year full of joyful challenges and in-person days at school.
