Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming back special visitors to our ASW campus — Francesca and Andrew Gutowski, former ASW parents, school board members, and PTO leaders. Their heartfelt reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into our school’s enduring spirit and growth over the past two decades.

Having left Warsaw in 1999, the Gutowski family shared that the school had been a true refuge during their time in Poland in the mid-1990s. As a non-State Department or Military family, they had no immediate support network at the time. With limited English spoken outside the school community in 1990s Poland, the welcoming and supportive environment provided by faculty, staff, and fellow parents was invaluable. The school staff went above and beyond, offering assistance not only in academics but also in various aspects of daily life.

Mr. and Mrs. Gutowski’s commitment to community involvement was deep. Drawing from prior volunteering experience in Massachusetts, Francesca eagerly embraced opportunities at the school — serving as PTO president, volunteering in classrooms, and even substituting as a teacher. She was thrilled to see the PTO store thriving, recalling how the PTO first introduced clothing with the school logo during her leadership. Creating spaces like the Lower School coffee corner for parents to gather was a key part of fostering community spirit.

Andrew, an architect and real estate developer, also contributed significantly by joining the school board. His expertise was crucial in the Request for Proposal process and in shaping the architectural design of the current school buildings. Fond memories of fall festivals at the elementary campus highlight the community-building traditions that continue to this day.

Though their daughters — Elisabeth, Gabriela, and Juliana — initially missed their schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts, they quickly found joy and enrichment at ASW. Juliana, the youngest, especially treasures her memories of classes with Ms. Brzoza. The family left Poland feeling optimistic about the school’s future — a sentiment that remains true following their recent visit.

Today, the school stands as a vibrant, inviting melting pot of cultures and nationalities, enriched with far more educational opportunities than before. The upgraded facilities exceeded their expectations, reflecting a campus that is modern, expansive, and well-equipped. While pleased to see the school grow into a significant educational institution in Central Europe, they expressed the hope that it will maintain its close-knit community feel.

Their visit reminds us of the school’s powerful role as a welcoming community and educational beacon for families from all walks of life. It is a testament to the dedication of the faculty, staff, parents, and board members who have shaped the school into the thriving institution it is today.