After nine years of transformative leadership, Director Jon Zurfluh is retiring - marking the end of an era as the longest-serving director in the school’s history. His tenure has been defined by courage, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to the school community.

Jon took the helm during a pivotal time. Under his guidance, our school navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with extraordinary care and foresight - becoming the only school in the region to remain open throughout the crisis, thanks to meticulous health protocols and a deep commitment to student well-being and continuity of learning.

Shortly after, when war broke out in Ukraine, Jon once again led with compassion and action. Under his leadership, our school opened its doors to the Ukrainian School PSI, welcoming their students and faculty and integrating them into our campus. This act of solidarity and support ensured that young learners from Ukraine could continue their education in a safe and nurturing environment.

In the years that followed, Jon oversaw the most ambitious campus renovation in recent memory. The construction project, which spanned over two years, has completely transformed the learning environment—leaving a lasting mark on the school’s physical and educational landscape.

Jon has also been a passionate advocate for building long-term support systems. He championed the creation of the ASWfor Foundation, playing a key role in its establishment and development. Under his leadership, the ASW community came together in an unprecedented way, helping hundreds of Ukrainian families in need by distributing donations at the Lipowa Refugee Center. His dedication to strengthening the school's future through philanthropy and community engagement will be felt for generations.

While Jon now steps away from his formal role, his legacy lives on—in the students he inspired, the staff he empowered, and the community he helped shape. Tangible reminders of his impact include the tree planted at the entrance of the newly renovated main school building, symbolizing growth, roots, and resilience.

In a touching gesture of their commitment to the arts and to the school community, Jon and his wife Emily also contributed to the Theater Renovation Campaign. Their memory plaques, now displayed with honor, reflect their shared love for the performing arts and stand as a testament to the exceptional theater program they helped nurture.

Jon’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter—but the story he helped write continues in the life of the school, in every corner of the campus he helped transform, and in every student who walks its halls.

Thank you, Mr Z. Your legacy is here, and it is lasting.

However, the leadership needs strong foundations, and Mrs. Emily Zurfluh was not only an inspiring classroom teacher who made a lasting impact on young learners, but also a steadfast partner Jon could always rely on. Thank you, Mrs Emily Zurfluh!