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Armenian Mesrobian School Making Major Strides
http://asbarez.com/109536/armenian-mesrobian-school-making-major-strides/
Friday, April 19th, 2013
Mesrobian students during Spirit Day
Mesrobian School is buzzing with activity. On Saturday, April 27,
2013, the school, established in 1965, will be opening its doors to
the entire Greater San Gabriel Valley Armenian Community and beyond
for an Open House from 12:00 noon to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by
Club Mesrobian Alumni Organization.
As Mesrobian, with grade levels ranging from Nursery School (2 year
olds) through 12th Grade, prepares for the 2013-2014 Academic Year and
beyond, the school would like the community to get a glimpse of some
plans and initiatives that are in various stages of development, some
almost complete, some in preliminary stages as of this writing.
Mesrobian School remains committed to its dual purpose of offering
students a quality education, which helps prepare them for higher
education and life after high school, and to help instill in them a
full sense of their Armenian heritage. The school strives to instill
in its students the value of community and the vital importance of
being good and productive citizens of both the Armenian community and
the community at large, to embrace their Armenian-American identity.
The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools
and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools; the high school
curriculum is certified to the University of California.
Under the leadership of David Ghoogasian, a proud alumnus of the
school, who began serving as principal again just last month, the
school is committed to establishing Armenian Mesrobian School as a
leader in Education. The school is moving toward an educational
approach and philosophy based on the principles and findings of
Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Education, Communication
and a number of other relevant fields in order to provide students
with a first-rate, effective learning environment. The infusion of the
new Common Core State Standards with embedded 21st Century Skills will
help guide curricular and instructional decisions.
Armenian Studies
At Mesrobian School, Armenian studies are not limited to the
classroom. In addition to studying Armenian language, literature,
religion, history, and Armenian affairs, students are encouraged to
take active roles in the life of the Armenian community. Mesrobian
alumni continue to distinguish themselves as leaders in the community.
Math/Science/Technology
Mesrobian School has a dedicated laboratory facility for Biology,
Chemistry, and Physics. The lab is equipped with natural gas, a fume
hood, and various apparatus. The school is emphasizing and promoting
the appropriate, regular, and relevant use of the lab and is now
acquiring new equipment, supplies, and apparatus, some of which will
be in place before the end of the current academic year. The faculty
is being trained and coached in the protocols and approaches espoused
by the National Academies of Sciences.
The annual Science Fair helps students to learn and to apply the
scientific method from a very young age.
Over one weekend, a small group of volunteer parents and students
updated the school's internet capabilities. The entire school now has
wireless internet access.
In addition to the traditional uses of technology, the school will be
implementing the use of computer software that is designed taking into
account principles of cognitive neuroscience to improve students'
cognitive capacities and achievement.
The school is also exploring STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics - programs, resources, and opportunities for the
upcoming school year as well as other online learning opportunities.
The Common Core State Standards bring with them a significantly
different set of expectations for the teaching of mathematics as well.
In order to stay on the cutting edge, Mesrobian faculty will be
receiving specialized training and coaching in effective and authentic
math instruction.
English and Social Studies
The English program at Mesrobian, as is the case with other programs,
has conformed to the California State Standards and, along with the
other subject areas, will be transitioning to the Common Core State
Standards. When possible, the reading material in the upper grades is
historical fiction and nonfiction that is related to the material
being covered in history classes. Students in 11th and 12th grades who
qualify have the option of taking honors English classes, which
provide them with a more challenging curriculum and prepares them for
the A.P. Literature and Composition Exam.
The social studies program currently has the additional requirement of
a two year course in World History and the option of a geography
elective. Qualified students have the option of taking honors U.S.
History, which, like the honors English classes, provides a more
challenging curriculum and prepares them for the A.P. U.S. History
Exam.
Arts Education
A well-rounded education should include the Visual and Performing
Arts. Mesrobian has a comprehensive art program, beginning in
Kindergarten and continuing through high school. The program includes
art appreciation and education with regard to various world artists,
genres, and styles, which are integrated with drawing, painting, and
design. Armenian artists and styles, including ancient Armenian
illuminations/manuscripts, are also highlighted and integrated into
the program. `My elementary-age children are learning things in art
that I learned at the university level as an Art Major,' said Olga
Josephbek, an alumna of the school as well as a mother of three
students.
The use of ceramics is a unique aspect of Mesrobian's Visual Arts
program through which students create pottery and sculptures. Because
the school is equipped with a kiln, students go through the entire
process of designing and creating the form, painting, glazing, and
firing their creations.
Mesrobian students participate in various community events, displaying
their singing and dramatic talents. Students participating in choir
sing, among other things, classic, popular, patriotic and liturgical
songs. A number of innovations and programs in the arts are also being
planned and prepared for the upcoming school year.
Moral/Character/Religious Development
Mesrobian School strives to educate the whole child: mind, body, and
spirit. The school values the building of character through active
service to causes greater than the individuals themselves. The
Armenian Apostolic Church has an active role in the life of the
school, with the pastor of Holy Cross Cathedral visiting the school
especially on religious holidays to conduct services, pray with and
speak to students, and to administer Holy Communion.
Professional Development
Professionals in any field require regular updates and improvements in
knowledge and methodology. Mesrobian has a comprehensive program of
professional development. Among the areas/topics/approaches in which
teachers will likely receive professional development include:
* Classroom Applications of Brain Research/How the Brain Learns
* Differentiated Instruction
* How to Deal with Difficult Non-Compliant Student Behavior
* Response to Intervention - RTI
* Common Core State Standards
* Giftedness
* National Academy of Sciences Teaching Protocols
* Effective Language Development
* Teaching Mathematics Effectively
* Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support - PBIS
* Effective Use of Technology
* Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Professional Development is provided by recognized authorities in
their respective field.
Professional Affiliations/Associations
A learning community is sustained and improved in part through its
ties with other professionals and professional organizations. As such,
Mesrobian School is gaining membership into the following professional
organizations in order to remain on the leading edge.
* NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
* NCTE - National Council of Teachers of English
* NCSS - National Council for the Social Studies
* NSTA - National Science Teachers Association
* CUE - Computer Using Educators, Inc.
Parent Education
Students thrive when they, their teachers, and their parents work
together for the common good. At the same time, parenting children and
adolescence in this rapidly changing world is challenging. Mesrobian
School is committed to providing, in addition to comprehensive teacher
preparation, educational workshops and classes for parents. Topics
will include:
Learning and Your Child's Brain: Multiple Intelligences
Technology and the Brain: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the (as yet) Unknown
Mindset and the Mind/Brain Behind the Scenes: Helping our Children Thrive
Giftedness
Dedicated Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Parents, and Board
Members of Mesrobian's Faculty and Staff have shown their dedication
and professionalism in many ways. Their devotion to students and the
school often reach beyond the classroom walls, as they take on
activities and events that enrich the lives of those entrusted to
their care.
Mesrobian School Alumni are very active in the life of the school.
Their moral and financial support is palpable on a daily basis. Club
Mesrobian Alumni Organization has taken on and funded many projects
which benefit the school and its students. Many students at the school
are children of alumni. Mesrobian alumni have distinguished themselves
in various professions including Medicine, Law, Education,
Engineering, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Pharmacy,
Nursing, Music, Business, the Culinary Arts, and many others.
A Mesrobian Alumni Professional Directory will soon be available for
members of the community.
Mesrobian parents have a very active role in the life of the school
and are an ever-present support system. The PFC (Parent Faculty Club)
also provides moral and financial support for the school, helping to
organize fundraisers and activities for students. Parents can be seen
on campus daily always lending a much-needed helping hand and ensuring
that the needs of the school and its students are met.
The Mesrobian School Board has been instrumental in working toward the
improvement of the school. Made up of people- parents, alumni,
community members- who are devoted to the school and its mission, they
work closely with the school and other community organizations for the
betterment of the school.
Physical Education/Athletics
In addition to their regular PE classes, Mesrobian students in the
younger grades participate in the Homenetmen KAHAM games.
In high school, Mesrobian Varsity teams have been recognized for their
athletic prominence. Mesrobian is a member of the California
Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and plays in the International League
of the CIF Southern Section. Mesrobian has won league championships in
boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, and boys soccer.
Mesrobian has won dozens of academic and sportsmanship accolades since
its opening in 1965.
The school is currently in the process of partnering with the local
YMCA to use their swimming, circuit training, and exercise facilities.
In addition, the school is taking into account important research on
exercise and its effects on cognition and learning.
Learning and Fun Continue Outside the Classroom
Mesrobian students participate in many out-of-school activities,
visiting art galleries and museums, attending cultural performances
and events, and taking part in community activities. Some of the major
trips taken by students include the annual middle school trip to
Washington DC and the high school trip to Armenia and Artsakh, where
students have the opportunity to connect with their roots. This is
often a transformational experience as students see, touch, smell, and
experience the places that they have learned about during their
upbringing at Mesrobian School.
What Happens When a Community Comes Together
The Montebello Armenian Community is working together. The Armenian
Center, the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, the Armenian
Relief Society, and their affiliated bodies and organizations have
come together with Mesrobian School to help build a better and
healthier community. `We believe that we are like an ecosystem, where
something that happens in one part of the ecosystem affects everything
else. Toxins and/or vital nutrients that are introduced into the
ecosystem have effects that are far reaching, whether positive or
negative,' said Principal Ghoogasian. `We need to sustain a symbiotic
relationship, where we all benefit from one another.' And this has
been happening. The community has put together some joint events, that
have the potential of helping to create a renewed and improved sense
of community and help bring in resources. The Executive Body of the
Armenian Center is working to revitalize community organizations such
as the Montebello Homenetmen and Hamazkayin. Homenetmen has already
begun holding practices at Mesrobian School. The Armenian Center and
the Holy Cross Church are establishing scholarships for new Mesrobian
students.
The Mesrobian School community encourages all to attend the Open House
on April 27 to get a brief glimpse into the workings of the school and
to spend a nice afternoon getting acquainted with the people and
facility. Especially encouraged are parents whose children have not
had the opportunity to attend Mesrobian School and those who are
interested in returning. There has been an outstanding positive
outpouring of support and encouragement from the community. All at
Mesrobian School look forward to greeting old and new friends and to
inviting new students and their families into the Mesrobian Family.
http://asbarez.com/109536/armenian-mesrobian-school-making-major-strides/
Friday, April 19th, 2013
Mesrobian students during Spirit Day
Mesrobian School is buzzing with activity. On Saturday, April 27,
2013, the school, established in 1965, will be opening its doors to
the entire Greater San Gabriel Valley Armenian Community and beyond
for an Open House from 12:00 noon to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by
Club Mesrobian Alumni Organization.
As Mesrobian, with grade levels ranging from Nursery School (2 year
olds) through 12th Grade, prepares for the 2013-2014 Academic Year and
beyond, the school would like the community to get a glimpse of some
plans and initiatives that are in various stages of development, some
almost complete, some in preliminary stages as of this writing.
Mesrobian School remains committed to its dual purpose of offering
students a quality education, which helps prepare them for higher
education and life after high school, and to help instill in them a
full sense of their Armenian heritage. The school strives to instill
in its students the value of community and the vital importance of
being good and productive citizens of both the Armenian community and
the community at large, to embrace their Armenian-American identity.
The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools
and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools; the high school
curriculum is certified to the University of California.
Under the leadership of David Ghoogasian, a proud alumnus of the
school, who began serving as principal again just last month, the
school is committed to establishing Armenian Mesrobian School as a
leader in Education. The school is moving toward an educational
approach and philosophy based on the principles and findings of
Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Education, Communication
and a number of other relevant fields in order to provide students
with a first-rate, effective learning environment. The infusion of the
new Common Core State Standards with embedded 21st Century Skills will
help guide curricular and instructional decisions.
Armenian Studies
At Mesrobian School, Armenian studies are not limited to the
classroom. In addition to studying Armenian language, literature,
religion, history, and Armenian affairs, students are encouraged to
take active roles in the life of the Armenian community. Mesrobian
alumni continue to distinguish themselves as leaders in the community.
Math/Science/Technology
Mesrobian School has a dedicated laboratory facility for Biology,
Chemistry, and Physics. The lab is equipped with natural gas, a fume
hood, and various apparatus. The school is emphasizing and promoting
the appropriate, regular, and relevant use of the lab and is now
acquiring new equipment, supplies, and apparatus, some of which will
be in place before the end of the current academic year. The faculty
is being trained and coached in the protocols and approaches espoused
by the National Academies of Sciences.
The annual Science Fair helps students to learn and to apply the
scientific method from a very young age.
Over one weekend, a small group of volunteer parents and students
updated the school's internet capabilities. The entire school now has
wireless internet access.
In addition to the traditional uses of technology, the school will be
implementing the use of computer software that is designed taking into
account principles of cognitive neuroscience to improve students'
cognitive capacities and achievement.
The school is also exploring STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics - programs, resources, and opportunities for the
upcoming school year as well as other online learning opportunities.
The Common Core State Standards bring with them a significantly
different set of expectations for the teaching of mathematics as well.
In order to stay on the cutting edge, Mesrobian faculty will be
receiving specialized training and coaching in effective and authentic
math instruction.
English and Social Studies
The English program at Mesrobian, as is the case with other programs,
has conformed to the California State Standards and, along with the
other subject areas, will be transitioning to the Common Core State
Standards. When possible, the reading material in the upper grades is
historical fiction and nonfiction that is related to the material
being covered in history classes. Students in 11th and 12th grades who
qualify have the option of taking honors English classes, which
provide them with a more challenging curriculum and prepares them for
the A.P. Literature and Composition Exam.
The social studies program currently has the additional requirement of
a two year course in World History and the option of a geography
elective. Qualified students have the option of taking honors U.S.
History, which, like the honors English classes, provides a more
challenging curriculum and prepares them for the A.P. U.S. History
Exam.
Arts Education
A well-rounded education should include the Visual and Performing
Arts. Mesrobian has a comprehensive art program, beginning in
Kindergarten and continuing through high school. The program includes
art appreciation and education with regard to various world artists,
genres, and styles, which are integrated with drawing, painting, and
design. Armenian artists and styles, including ancient Armenian
illuminations/manuscripts, are also highlighted and integrated into
the program. `My elementary-age children are learning things in art
that I learned at the university level as an Art Major,' said Olga
Josephbek, an alumna of the school as well as a mother of three
students.
The use of ceramics is a unique aspect of Mesrobian's Visual Arts
program through which students create pottery and sculptures. Because
the school is equipped with a kiln, students go through the entire
process of designing and creating the form, painting, glazing, and
firing their creations.
Mesrobian students participate in various community events, displaying
their singing and dramatic talents. Students participating in choir
sing, among other things, classic, popular, patriotic and liturgical
songs. A number of innovations and programs in the arts are also being
planned and prepared for the upcoming school year.
Moral/Character/Religious Development
Mesrobian School strives to educate the whole child: mind, body, and
spirit. The school values the building of character through active
service to causes greater than the individuals themselves. The
Armenian Apostolic Church has an active role in the life of the
school, with the pastor of Holy Cross Cathedral visiting the school
especially on religious holidays to conduct services, pray with and
speak to students, and to administer Holy Communion.
Professional Development
Professionals in any field require regular updates and improvements in
knowledge and methodology. Mesrobian has a comprehensive program of
professional development. Among the areas/topics/approaches in which
teachers will likely receive professional development include:
* Classroom Applications of Brain Research/How the Brain Learns
* Differentiated Instruction
* How to Deal with Difficult Non-Compliant Student Behavior
* Response to Intervention - RTI
* Common Core State Standards
* Giftedness
* National Academy of Sciences Teaching Protocols
* Effective Language Development
* Teaching Mathematics Effectively
* Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support - PBIS
* Effective Use of Technology
* Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Professional Development is provided by recognized authorities in
their respective field.
Professional Affiliations/Associations
A learning community is sustained and improved in part through its
ties with other professionals and professional organizations. As such,
Mesrobian School is gaining membership into the following professional
organizations in order to remain on the leading edge.
* NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
* NCTE - National Council of Teachers of English
* NCSS - National Council for the Social Studies
* NSTA - National Science Teachers Association
* CUE - Computer Using Educators, Inc.
Parent Education
Students thrive when they, their teachers, and their parents work
together for the common good. At the same time, parenting children and
adolescence in this rapidly changing world is challenging. Mesrobian
School is committed to providing, in addition to comprehensive teacher
preparation, educational workshops and classes for parents. Topics
will include:
Learning and Your Child's Brain: Multiple Intelligences
Technology and the Brain: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the (as yet) Unknown
Mindset and the Mind/Brain Behind the Scenes: Helping our Children Thrive
Giftedness
Dedicated Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Parents, and Board
Members of Mesrobian's Faculty and Staff have shown their dedication
and professionalism in many ways. Their devotion to students and the
school often reach beyond the classroom walls, as they take on
activities and events that enrich the lives of those entrusted to
their care.
Mesrobian School Alumni are very active in the life of the school.
Their moral and financial support is palpable on a daily basis. Club
Mesrobian Alumni Organization has taken on and funded many projects
which benefit the school and its students. Many students at the school
are children of alumni. Mesrobian alumni have distinguished themselves
in various professions including Medicine, Law, Education,
Engineering, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Pharmacy,
Nursing, Music, Business, the Culinary Arts, and many others.
A Mesrobian Alumni Professional Directory will soon be available for
members of the community.
Mesrobian parents have a very active role in the life of the school
and are an ever-present support system. The PFC (Parent Faculty Club)
also provides moral and financial support for the school, helping to
organize fundraisers and activities for students. Parents can be seen
on campus daily always lending a much-needed helping hand and ensuring
that the needs of the school and its students are met.
The Mesrobian School Board has been instrumental in working toward the
improvement of the school. Made up of people- parents, alumni,
community members- who are devoted to the school and its mission, they
work closely with the school and other community organizations for the
betterment of the school.
Physical Education/Athletics
In addition to their regular PE classes, Mesrobian students in the
younger grades participate in the Homenetmen KAHAM games.
In high school, Mesrobian Varsity teams have been recognized for their
athletic prominence. Mesrobian is a member of the California
Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and plays in the International League
of the CIF Southern Section. Mesrobian has won league championships in
boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, and boys soccer.
Mesrobian has won dozens of academic and sportsmanship accolades since
its opening in 1965.
The school is currently in the process of partnering with the local
YMCA to use their swimming, circuit training, and exercise facilities.
In addition, the school is taking into account important research on
exercise and its effects on cognition and learning.
Learning and Fun Continue Outside the Classroom
Mesrobian students participate in many out-of-school activities,
visiting art galleries and museums, attending cultural performances
and events, and taking part in community activities. Some of the major
trips taken by students include the annual middle school trip to
Washington DC and the high school trip to Armenia and Artsakh, where
students have the opportunity to connect with their roots. This is
often a transformational experience as students see, touch, smell, and
experience the places that they have learned about during their
upbringing at Mesrobian School.
What Happens When a Community Comes Together
The Montebello Armenian Community is working together. The Armenian
Center, the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, the Armenian
Relief Society, and their affiliated bodies and organizations have
come together with Mesrobian School to help build a better and
healthier community. `We believe that we are like an ecosystem, where
something that happens in one part of the ecosystem affects everything
else. Toxins and/or vital nutrients that are introduced into the
ecosystem have effects that are far reaching, whether positive or
negative,' said Principal Ghoogasian. `We need to sustain a symbiotic
relationship, where we all benefit from one another.' And this has
been happening. The community has put together some joint events, that
have the potential of helping to create a renewed and improved sense
of community and help bring in resources. The Executive Body of the
Armenian Center is working to revitalize community organizations such
as the Montebello Homenetmen and Hamazkayin. Homenetmen has already
begun holding practices at Mesrobian School. The Armenian Center and
the Holy Cross Church are establishing scholarships for new Mesrobian
students.
The Mesrobian School community encourages all to attend the Open House
on April 27 to get a brief glimpse into the workings of the school and
to spend a nice afternoon getting acquainted with the people and
facility. Especially encouraged are parents whose children have not
had the opportunity to attend Mesrobian School and those who are
interested in returning. There has been an outstanding positive
outpouring of support and encouragement from the community. All at
Mesrobian School look forward to greeting old and new friends and to
inviting new students and their families into the Mesrobian Family.