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TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School
1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tel: 323-461-4377
Fax: 323-323-461-4247
Contact: [email protected]
TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN SCHOOL
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN RESTROSPECT
By Salpi Asayan
Los Angeles, August 4, 2011 - The TCA Arshag Dickranian School marked its
30th anniversary during the entire 2010-2011 scholastic year filled with
curricular and extracurricular activities which were duly publicized. This
important milestone was also highlighted by the major steps teachers took
to improve their instruction skills in order to provide students with a
more conducive educational environment and to stay aligned with the
school's mission.
In the area of mathematics, Middle and High School Mathematics teacher,
Ms. Vergine Harutunian, had great success in the improvement of student's
results in the Stanford Test Results, which is a nationwide test issued
by the State of California. `Since my tenure at the school in 2009, the
test results improved 8% in 2010 and 10% this year.' She said. `My goal is
to improve this in the upcoming year by fostering a fun learning
environment, motivating my students and helping them achieve higher
educational standards.'
Ms. Harutunian holds a Masters degree in Mathematics from Yerevan State
University and has completed the Eisenhower Intensive Staff Development
Program for Secondary Mathematics Teachers. She participates in the
California Math Council-Southern Section Conference in Palm Springs every
year and is a member of Golden Key Math and Science Honor Society and the
Mathematical Association of America. She has served as a Mathematics
teacher at Yerevan Community College from 1977-1984 and at AGBU High
School from 1989-2009. During her tenure at the University and AGBU, she
implemented lesson plans for at least 5 classes annually in Basic math,
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Math Analysis,
and Calculus. This experience has provided her with the ability to explain
complicated mathematical concepts in an effective manner, engage students
of different learning abilities, and support struggling students in
learning.
Second grade students had a noteworthy experience in the past months as
well in which they took a field trip to the California Science Center,
where students were able to tie their knowledge to actual experiments.
`California Science Center is a great way to get students excited about
science,' said second grade homeroom teacher, Ms. Lusine Asatryan. `It
allows them to move out of the classroom and experience the hands-on
exhibits, from the shaking Earthquake Room to Tess, the 50-foot body
simulator.'
Second grade students also visited the Travel Town Museum, which is
located on a 9-acre site at 5200 Hollingsworth Drive in Griffith Park in
Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department and has a unique display
of vehicles representing many modes and eras of conveyances. The
youngsters enjoyed and were interested in the historical development of
transportation.
`Other than our field trips, this year I encouraged my students to write
poetry which was later sent out to a poetry contest. The purpose of the
poetry contest was to bring recognition to student writers. Entries of
high merit were accepted to be published in anthologies. With the
publication being regionally based, students compete against their peers
in both age and location. Creative Communication is selective and students
can consider it an honor if their work is accepted. Half of my second
graders' works were selected to be published.'
Ms. Asatryan currently holds a Bachelor in Arts in Liberal Studies from
CSUN, a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and will obtain a Masters
of Education in Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University in
February of 2012.
Another interesting educational journey Middle school students made this
year was with their Armenian teacher, Ms. Alvard Uzunyan, and their
English teacher, Mr. Jose Castillo.
With a Master of Arts in Pedagogy from Yerevan State University and an AA
in Public Speaking from Glendale College, Ms. Uzunyan dedicates her time
to enrich the students at ADS with Armenian arts, language and literature
by involving them in several projects. This year, the students
participated in recitation and various cultural contests. Ms. Uzunyan also
accompanied the 8th grade students on a six day educational trip to
Washington D.C. and New York in March. Ms. Uzunyan also composes articles
for a range of Armenian newspapers such as "Asparez" and "New Armenia' and
writes book reviews and critiques for Tekeyan Cultural Association.
As a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Master's degree in
Education Teaching and with a BA in Liberal Arts and a Preliminary
Multiple Subject Credential, Mr. Jose Castillo focuses on teaching ADS
students English literature and improving their language arts skills. This
year Mr. Castillo encouraged students ranging from sixth to ninth grades
to participate in a poetry contest in which an impressive number of 44
students were selected to have their individual poems published by Poetic
Power, a website that circulates outstanding students' writings. Mr.
Castillo also engaged sixth through ninth grade students in drama
presentations as a final project at the end of the year, an activity
designed to prepare students for next year's Drama Fair. `Overall,
students showed great growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually,'
said Mr. Castillo. `Other teachers have noted improvements in students'
reading, writing, and speaking abilities.'
In order to improve his skills as a teacher, Mr. Castillo recently
attended seminars and workshops at LAUSD headquarters to improve lesson
quality and effectiveness while accommodating to students' individual
strengths and weaknesses.
The high school English department also experienced some positive
developments this year. English Department Chairman Head, Mr. Ricardo
Rocha saw that all English teachers at the school attend LAUSD's Title III
Private Schools Institute for `Teachers of English Learners', `Teaching
Analytical Writing', and `Thinking Maps'. These conferences were primarily
aimed at helping teachers gain better skills at teaching English to
bilingual students. In addition to this development, `AP Literature &
Composition' was offered for the first time this year to junior students
and passing results improved considerably. Furthermore, this year's AP
exam results showed marked improvement with a much higher passing rate
compared to last year. Another major highlight was the very successful
stage presentation of Tennessee William's `A Streetcar Named Desire' by
the 12th graders. The four-day play was directed by Mr. Rocha, who is also
a professional actor. `Our student actors worked like professionals,' said
Mr. Rocha. `Their performance brought the social political and
psychological truth of Tennessee William's characters to life.'
Mr. Rocha holds a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature from University
of Milwaukee and recently received a PhD in Comparative Literature from
University of Wisconsin. He is currently trying to complete and publish
his dissertation called Latin American Literary Adaptations for Stage and
Film in the U.S.
In the area of sports, the Arshag Dickranian varsity team, otherwise known
as the Dickranian Lions, won first place in the CIF Mulholland League and
second place in the CIF Championship in March 2011. They also participated
in the Double Pump Tournament held in Las Vegas in April, winning two
games and losing one, whereas the Dickranian Lions Junior-Junior Boys
Basketball Team won 1st place in the AGBU Basketball Tournament held at
the AGBU Pasadena Center in June. All of these were victories for the
school teams, proving to be challenging teams to play against.
Head coach Rudy Rameh attended the training session at Michael Jordan's
Camp at University of California Santa Barbara in July taking six ADS
student along for training to improve their playing skills.
Beside the improvements made in the academic and sport programs at the
school, the school also focuses on the Armenian cultural arts education as
well. The school held special celebrations this year for its 30th
Anniversary, one of which was the 30th Anniversary Cultural Extravaganza
which took place in May at the school's Walter & Laurel Karabian Hall.
These were some of the developments that took place this year at
Dickranian School and plans for more improvements are already in process
in preparation for the upcoming year.
Located at 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, the TCA Arshag
Dickranian Armenian School is a federally tax exempt, Pre-K to 12th grade
private educational institution. Visit www.dickranianschool.org for more
information.
1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Tel: 323-461-4377
Fax: 323-323-461-4247
Contact: [email protected]
TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN SCHOOL
THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN RESTROSPECT
By Salpi Asayan
Los Angeles, August 4, 2011 - The TCA Arshag Dickranian School marked its
30th anniversary during the entire 2010-2011 scholastic year filled with
curricular and extracurricular activities which were duly publicized. This
important milestone was also highlighted by the major steps teachers took
to improve their instruction skills in order to provide students with a
more conducive educational environment and to stay aligned with the
school's mission.
In the area of mathematics, Middle and High School Mathematics teacher,
Ms. Vergine Harutunian, had great success in the improvement of student's
results in the Stanford Test Results, which is a nationwide test issued
by the State of California. `Since my tenure at the school in 2009, the
test results improved 8% in 2010 and 10% this year.' She said. `My goal is
to improve this in the upcoming year by fostering a fun learning
environment, motivating my students and helping them achieve higher
educational standards.'
Ms. Harutunian holds a Masters degree in Mathematics from Yerevan State
University and has completed the Eisenhower Intensive Staff Development
Program for Secondary Mathematics Teachers. She participates in the
California Math Council-Southern Section Conference in Palm Springs every
year and is a member of Golden Key Math and Science Honor Society and the
Mathematical Association of America. She has served as a Mathematics
teacher at Yerevan Community College from 1977-1984 and at AGBU High
School from 1989-2009. During her tenure at the University and AGBU, she
implemented lesson plans for at least 5 classes annually in Basic math,
Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Math Analysis,
and Calculus. This experience has provided her with the ability to explain
complicated mathematical concepts in an effective manner, engage students
of different learning abilities, and support struggling students in
learning.
Second grade students had a noteworthy experience in the past months as
well in which they took a field trip to the California Science Center,
where students were able to tie their knowledge to actual experiments.
`California Science Center is a great way to get students excited about
science,' said second grade homeroom teacher, Ms. Lusine Asatryan. `It
allows them to move out of the classroom and experience the hands-on
exhibits, from the shaking Earthquake Room to Tess, the 50-foot body
simulator.'
Second grade students also visited the Travel Town Museum, which is
located on a 9-acre site at 5200 Hollingsworth Drive in Griffith Park in
Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department and has a unique display
of vehicles representing many modes and eras of conveyances. The
youngsters enjoyed and were interested in the historical development of
transportation.
`Other than our field trips, this year I encouraged my students to write
poetry which was later sent out to a poetry contest. The purpose of the
poetry contest was to bring recognition to student writers. Entries of
high merit were accepted to be published in anthologies. With the
publication being regionally based, students compete against their peers
in both age and location. Creative Communication is selective and students
can consider it an honor if their work is accepted. Half of my second
graders' works were selected to be published.'
Ms. Asatryan currently holds a Bachelor in Arts in Liberal Studies from
CSUN, a Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential and will obtain a Masters
of Education in Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University in
February of 2012.
Another interesting educational journey Middle school students made this
year was with their Armenian teacher, Ms. Alvard Uzunyan, and their
English teacher, Mr. Jose Castillo.
With a Master of Arts in Pedagogy from Yerevan State University and an AA
in Public Speaking from Glendale College, Ms. Uzunyan dedicates her time
to enrich the students at ADS with Armenian arts, language and literature
by involving them in several projects. This year, the students
participated in recitation and various cultural contests. Ms. Uzunyan also
accompanied the 8th grade students on a six day educational trip to
Washington D.C. and New York in March. Ms. Uzunyan also composes articles
for a range of Armenian newspapers such as "Asparez" and "New Armenia' and
writes book reviews and critiques for Tekeyan Cultural Association.
As a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a Master's degree in
Education Teaching and with a BA in Liberal Arts and a Preliminary
Multiple Subject Credential, Mr. Jose Castillo focuses on teaching ADS
students English literature and improving their language arts skills. This
year Mr. Castillo encouraged students ranging from sixth to ninth grades
to participate in a poetry contest in which an impressive number of 44
students were selected to have their individual poems published by Poetic
Power, a website that circulates outstanding students' writings. Mr.
Castillo also engaged sixth through ninth grade students in drama
presentations as a final project at the end of the year, an activity
designed to prepare students for next year's Drama Fair. `Overall,
students showed great growth academically, emotionally, and spiritually,'
said Mr. Castillo. `Other teachers have noted improvements in students'
reading, writing, and speaking abilities.'
In order to improve his skills as a teacher, Mr. Castillo recently
attended seminars and workshops at LAUSD headquarters to improve lesson
quality and effectiveness while accommodating to students' individual
strengths and weaknesses.
The high school English department also experienced some positive
developments this year. English Department Chairman Head, Mr. Ricardo
Rocha saw that all English teachers at the school attend LAUSD's Title III
Private Schools Institute for `Teachers of English Learners', `Teaching
Analytical Writing', and `Thinking Maps'. These conferences were primarily
aimed at helping teachers gain better skills at teaching English to
bilingual students. In addition to this development, `AP Literature &
Composition' was offered for the first time this year to junior students
and passing results improved considerably. Furthermore, this year's AP
exam results showed marked improvement with a much higher passing rate
compared to last year. Another major highlight was the very successful
stage presentation of Tennessee William's `A Streetcar Named Desire' by
the 12th graders. The four-day play was directed by Mr. Rocha, who is also
a professional actor. `Our student actors worked like professionals,' said
Mr. Rocha. `Their performance brought the social political and
psychological truth of Tennessee William's characters to life.'
Mr. Rocha holds a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature from University
of Milwaukee and recently received a PhD in Comparative Literature from
University of Wisconsin. He is currently trying to complete and publish
his dissertation called Latin American Literary Adaptations for Stage and
Film in the U.S.
In the area of sports, the Arshag Dickranian varsity team, otherwise known
as the Dickranian Lions, won first place in the CIF Mulholland League and
second place in the CIF Championship in March 2011. They also participated
in the Double Pump Tournament held in Las Vegas in April, winning two
games and losing one, whereas the Dickranian Lions Junior-Junior Boys
Basketball Team won 1st place in the AGBU Basketball Tournament held at
the AGBU Pasadena Center in June. All of these were victories for the
school teams, proving to be challenging teams to play against.
Head coach Rudy Rameh attended the training session at Michael Jordan's
Camp at University of California Santa Barbara in July taking six ADS
student along for training to improve their playing skills.
Beside the improvements made in the academic and sport programs at the
school, the school also focuses on the Armenian cultural arts education as
well. The school held special celebrations this year for its 30th
Anniversary, one of which was the 30th Anniversary Cultural Extravaganza
which took place in May at the school's Walter & Laurel Karabian Hall.
These were some of the developments that took place this year at
Dickranian School and plans for more improvements are already in process
in preparation for the upcoming year.
Located at 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, the TCA Arshag
Dickranian Armenian School is a federally tax exempt, Pre-K to 12th grade
private educational institution. Visit www.dickranianschool.org for more
information.