It is pleasure to welcome back all of our students and families for what will be an exciting 2018-2019 Academic Year. Each year, we endeavor to continually improve our academic programs, extracurricular offerings and our campus facilities in order to provide an optimal educational and lifetime experience for all of our school community.
As I enter my sixth year as the Director of the American School of Valencia, I am in awe of the proud and vibrant school community we have become. This is a true testament to the commitment that parents make on behalf of their children; the incredible success that our students are experiencing; the hard work,dedicationand professionalism of our staff; and the ongoing vision of our Board of Governors. Collectively, you make ASV what it is . . . the finest school and community in the Valencian region.
We are also pleased to welcome the 120 new students and their families to the ASV community. Our school offers a truly international experience and the 42 countries that our students and their families represent is an asset to a globally-conscious and open-minded school community where we have an opportunity to learn from one another, as well as develop lifelong friendships.
We also have some new staff members to welcome to ASV, and we are truly privileged to be able to recruit such world-class educators. Like our student and parent community, the diversity of our staff is a continued asset, and one for which we are exceptionally proud. Please help them to know, experience and enjoy the beauty of Valencia and the family atmosphere that is a hallmark of our school.
Lastly, throughout the 2018-2019 Academic Year, you will be hearing about ASV’s re-accreditation process with the Middle States Association (MSA). ASV was re-accredited in May 2013 foraseven year cycle, and we are preparing for an exhaustive and comprehensive Self-Study that will be submitted to MSA by June 2019. The anticipated accreditation team visit will most likely take place in November 2019, and we will keep you apprised of the school’s progress.
In addition, ASV is also preparing its International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) re-authorization, which takes places every five years. The IB Diploma Program Evaluation, like the MSA Self-Study, is a comprehensive and exhaustive review that is required by the IBO in order that ASV can offer its IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12.
So, it will be an action-packed year for our entire school community to reflect on the progress of the past, while planning for a new vision of the future.
We look forward to collaborating and sharing the ‘ASV Way’ with you throughout the academic year, and we equally look forward to seeing all of you at ASV Day on Saturday, September 29,2018 for a full-day of fun, fellowship and memories.
Make it a great 2018-2019, and I look forward to seeing, speaking and celebrating with all of you throughout the year.
Michael L. Smith
Director
