Welcome to a special episode of Owlcast, where we embark on a journey through the rich and transformative history of the American Community Schools of Athens, or as we all know it for the past 20 years, ACS Athens. Over the past 80 years, ACS Athens has evolved from a modest education institution serving the children of British military personnel into a leading international school that embodies educational excellence and cultural diversity. In this year-long series, we'll explore some pivotal moments that have shaped the school, guided by the personal narratives of teachers, alumni, parents, and community members who have witnessed and participated in its development.

Today, we are excited to talk to Paul Cabaniss, from his home in Dallas, Texas, a beloved elementary school teacher who devoted more than two decades to ACS Athens starting in the mid-1960s. He shares vivid memories of the close-knit community and vibrant traditions that defined the school during his tenure. So, let’s open the pages of the ACS Athens History Book with Paul Cabaniss.

In this episode of Owlcast, we explore the inspiring journey of the Intersection Club, a dynamic group of IB DP students and their teacher-advisors who brought their groundbreaking project to the IB Global Conference in Budapest, Hungary. Under the conference theme “Inspiring Learners, Realizing Potential,” their presentation, “Empowering Minds: How to Bridge DP Biology and DP Psychology through Dynamic Student-Led Learning,” captivated a global audience of educators, administrators, and leaders. Join us as we uncover the creative projects, insightful reflections, and interdisciplinary innovations that earned them a spotlight on this prestigious international stage and discover how they are shaping the future of education.

In this episode of Owlcast, we welcome Anna Sugarman and Chris Perakis, two distinguished experts in inclusive learning and differentiated instruction. Their visit to ACS Athens this past week has been transformative, featuring workshops, classroom observations, and meaningful conversations with educators. Anna, an authority in gifted and talented education, and Chris, a specialist in special educational needs, bring decades of experience in fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Together, they have developed innovative strategies to ensure that all students can thrive, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and students to support individual growth.

Anna and Chris discuss the vital role of student voice, mental wellness, and empathetic teaching in shaping a responsive learning community. They also talk about the future of education, exploring how tools like AI can enhance learning for neurodiverse students. This insightful episode underscores their shared belief in the transformative power of inclusive education and their commitment to advancing it globally.