Dear familia,

This month has been defined by hope and uncertainty in equal measure. We will all be vaccinated, but when? We will return to in-person learning, but when? Spring weather will inevitably come, but how soon?

And yet hope triumphs. We are early in the college acceptance season and yet nearly two-thirds of our seniors have been accepted to at least one school (see our growing list below). Remote-learning continues and yet our sense of community is strong, ensured in-part by our ever-energized High School Dean of Culture Deirdra Smith (this month's Spotlight). Even the pandemic is indirectly a source of hope, having inspired many organizations to go above and beyond their traditional roles--a topic I will discuss along with The New Yorker's Jonathan Blitzer and Tacombi restaurant group's Susana Camarena on a panel moderated by PIX11's Monica Morales next Wednesday (invitation below).

Yes, spring is just around the corner.

Melissa Melkonian
Founder and Head of School
Faculty Spotlight: Deirdra Smith, HS Dean of Culture
“I was in Teach for America - Jurassic Corps,” jokes Deirdra Smith, ADS’s High School Dean of School Cuture, now in the 28th year of her career in education. 

Smith grew up in Brooklyn, her father a chauffeur and her mother a 25-year employee with the Federal Reserve. She failed her first attempt at college, leaving after a year but, two community college semesters later, was back at a four-year college, the North Carolina A&T State University, an Historically Black University. She became the first in her family to graduate college, with a degree in Social Work, and has since earned a Master’s degree each in Social Work and School Leadership.

“I had two people who loved me but initially I struggled with what a lot of young people struggle with, especially as an only child: finding my way, making friends, being misunderstood,” recalls Smith. Initially an engineering major, she chose social work and ultimately education as a career because, "I wanted to do something working with young people, helping them to be better.”

As High School Dean of School Culture, Smith supports the elements of ADS that support teaching and learning: routines, policies, customs and traditions that determine how the school looks, sounds and feels. She also steps in when students are struggling. Her ultimate goal is to maintain “an environment where kids feel loved and supported but are held accountable, to do their best work and be their best selves” Smith notes.

At ADS, students who make the highest honor roll receive the Melkonian Award as well as a red-and-white sweater, a tradition Smith started last year. “It sends a subtle message that it’s okay to be smart,” says Smith. She also hosts “Family Meeting,” infusing the weekly 30-minute event with accolades and guest speakers, MCing with her signature high energy and enthusiasm. Even virtually, the event succeeds in building community and brightening participants’ weeks.

Smith’s newest tradition will be College Reveal Day, later this spring. She has asked every senior to keep their college choice a secret until that date. “I believe in punctuating important moments in our lives with ritual. I hope the things that I help to create for ADS will outlive me, and that kids will look back and say, ‘I remember that moment.’"
Join us for this Special Panel Event on March 3rd!
Our Mission: The American Dream School develops academic excellence in both Spanish and English for grades 6-12, preparing students to excel in college and become leaders in their communities.