April was an exciting month for Student Life at Academics West! Throughout the month, students had plenty of opportunities to connect with their peers, celebrate special events, and enjoy activities that brought our school community together. From meaningful mentorship experiences to a fun-filled Spirit Week, April was packed with moments that made school even more memorable.

Mentorship

Students continued to enjoy time together through our Mentorship program. As the year has gone on these relationships have continued to grow giving students the chance to connect across grade levels, support one another, and build lasting friendships. Whether they were participating in activities or just spending time together mentorship remains a meaningful part of student life at Academics West.

Hank Visits AW

One of the month’s highlights was a visit from our beloved therapy dog, Hank. Students were excited to spend time with Hank, whose friendly personality and calming presence brought plenty of smiles throughout the school day. Whether stopping by for a quick pat or enjoying a few quiet moments together, students always look forward to Hank’s visits. Therapy dog visits continue to be a favorite Student Life tradition, helping students relax, recharge, and brighten their day.

Celebrating Earth Day

Our students celebrated Earth Day with a week of hands-on activities that encouraged them to connect with nature and think about how they can help care for our planet. They explored the outdoors on nature walks, collected natural materials, and even spent time potting plants. Back in the classroom, students worked together to create a collaborative Earth Day poster, sharing simple ways we can all make a difference, from picking up litter to riding a bike. It was a fun and meaningful week that reminded us how small actions can have a big impact.

10th Grade Museum of Natural History Field Trip

Our 10th grade students enjoyed an exciting day at the Museum of Natural History where they explored exhibits and brought classroom learning to life. From towering dinosaur fossils to incredible displays of wildlife, space, and Earth science, students had the opportunity to discover something new around every corner. The trip was a fun and engaging way to spark curiosity, encourage questions, and learn beyond the classroom walls.

National Anime Day!

Our Anime Club celebrated National Anime Day with a fun afternoon of special Japanese snacks and the long-awaited finish of the anime movie they’d been watching together in small 15 minute segments over the past several weeks. It was the perfect way to celebrate the occasion while enjoying good food, great company, and a shared love of anime.

Spirit Week

We ended the month with one of our favorite Student Life traditions, Spirit Week! Organized by our Heroes Council, each day featured a different dress up theme that encouraged students and staff to show off their creativity and school spirit.

This year’s themes included:

• Pajama Day
• Early Summer Day
• Career Day
• Dress Like a Teacher Day
• Heroes and Villains Day

From cozy pajamas to creative costumes, students had a blast participating throughout the week. Spirit Week was a wonderful way to celebrate our community, have fun together, and create lasting memories before heading into the next month.

Student Life is about more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about building friendships, celebrating individuality, and creating experiences that students will remember for years to come. April was a perfect example of what makes life at Academics West so special.