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FORMING THE FUTURE: ARMENIAN SISTERS ACADEMY, LEXINGTON
The Pilot, MA
March 6 2015
On: 3/6/2015, By Donis Tracy Pilot Correspondent , In: Local
Photo: Kindergarteners Talia Tarabelsi, Dominic Tarabelsi and Isabel
Koutougian listen to their teacher, Ms. Chaghlasian, at the Armenian
Sisters Academy in Lexington. Pilot photo/Donis Tracy
Students at the Armenian Sisters Academy in Lexington are getting a
history lesson they won't soon forget.
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
in which it is estimated that 1.5 million Armenians were killed under
the rule of the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey. The starting
date of the genocide is traditionally marked on April 24, the date
when, on 1915, Ottoman forces captured 250 Armenian intellectuals
in Constantinople. However, rather than memorize facts and dates,
students are being asked to interview family members to "let them find
themselves and their own families within the Armenian story," explained
Mayda Melkonian, vice-principal and Armenian Curriculum Director.
Students then will write an essay based on their families' individual
story, she said.
"We want our students not only to learn the history of the Armenian
people, but also their own families' stories, and to see how the two
are part of the same," Melkonian added.
This project marks one of the many ways the Armenian Sisters Academy
integrates the Armenian culture into their classroom.
The academy is a little different than most elementary schools. In
addition to the regular curriculum, this elementary school focuses on
the Armenian culture, language and history. Classes are taught in both
English and Armenian. Armenian feast days are celebrated alongside
American holidays. During October, which is Armenian culture month,
students are immersed in Armenian language, culture, dance and customs.
"We have our own alphabet, which we teach to the youngest children from
the beginning," explained Sister Nelly Isin, the school's principal
and a member of the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
who run the school. "We really insist and instill in the kids the
love of their heritage."
"For us the culture is very important," added Melkonian, though she
noted that children of all cultures and backgrounds are welcome at
the school.
The Armenian Sisters Academy was originally established in 1979 in
Watertown by Sister Alphonsa Bedrosia as a preschool to serve the
Armenian community. In 1982, she opened the academy in Lexington to
allow for the expansion into an elementary and middle school education.
"Beginning in 1983, we added one grade every year," recalled Melkonian,
who has been teaching at the school since its inception.
Currently, the school has 61 students from Pre-K through grade 7,
although plans are underway to expand next year to include the eighth
grade, which Sister Nelly admitted is only a fraction of what the
school could accommodate.
"It's not a huge number, but that's ok," she said. "For one student,
I won't close."
Sister Nelly only arrived at the school in September, but already
has begun instituting plans to move the school forward including
repurposing old classroom space and engaging alumni volunteers.
"Many of these former students, who are now parents themselves,
volunteer their time and their skills to help our school," Sister
Nelly said, point to the example of parent Victoria Zacarian
Tarabelsi. Tarabelsi is a graduate of the school who now teaches
English as a volunteer in her daughter Talia's kindergarten classroom.
"Our alumni are also working on renovating the library," 'Sister Nelly
said, adding that alumni have also donated flat-screen televisions
for each classroom that will be linked to the computer system.
"We are rebuilding and reestablishing ourselves," she said. "The
important thing is the students, and the parents are happy."
http://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.asp?ID=173319
The Pilot, MA
March 6 2015
On: 3/6/2015, By Donis Tracy Pilot Correspondent , In: Local
Photo: Kindergarteners Talia Tarabelsi, Dominic Tarabelsi and Isabel
Koutougian listen to their teacher, Ms. Chaghlasian, at the Armenian
Sisters Academy in Lexington. Pilot photo/Donis Tracy
Students at the Armenian Sisters Academy in Lexington are getting a
history lesson they won't soon forget.
This year marks the 100 year anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
in which it is estimated that 1.5 million Armenians were killed under
the rule of the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey. The starting
date of the genocide is traditionally marked on April 24, the date
when, on 1915, Ottoman forces captured 250 Armenian intellectuals
in Constantinople. However, rather than memorize facts and dates,
students are being asked to interview family members to "let them find
themselves and their own families within the Armenian story," explained
Mayda Melkonian, vice-principal and Armenian Curriculum Director.
Students then will write an essay based on their families' individual
story, she said.
"We want our students not only to learn the history of the Armenian
people, but also their own families' stories, and to see how the two
are part of the same," Melkonian added.
This project marks one of the many ways the Armenian Sisters Academy
integrates the Armenian culture into their classroom.
The academy is a little different than most elementary schools. In
addition to the regular curriculum, this elementary school focuses on
the Armenian culture, language and history. Classes are taught in both
English and Armenian. Armenian feast days are celebrated alongside
American holidays. During October, which is Armenian culture month,
students are immersed in Armenian language, culture, dance and customs.
"We have our own alphabet, which we teach to the youngest children from
the beginning," explained Sister Nelly Isin, the school's principal
and a member of the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception
who run the school. "We really insist and instill in the kids the
love of their heritage."
"For us the culture is very important," added Melkonian, though she
noted that children of all cultures and backgrounds are welcome at
the school.
The Armenian Sisters Academy was originally established in 1979 in
Watertown by Sister Alphonsa Bedrosia as a preschool to serve the
Armenian community. In 1982, she opened the academy in Lexington to
allow for the expansion into an elementary and middle school education.
"Beginning in 1983, we added one grade every year," recalled Melkonian,
who has been teaching at the school since its inception.
Currently, the school has 61 students from Pre-K through grade 7,
although plans are underway to expand next year to include the eighth
grade, which Sister Nelly admitted is only a fraction of what the
school could accommodate.
"It's not a huge number, but that's ok," she said. "For one student,
I won't close."
Sister Nelly only arrived at the school in September, but already
has begun instituting plans to move the school forward including
repurposing old classroom space and engaging alumni volunteers.
"Many of these former students, who are now parents themselves,
volunteer their time and their skills to help our school," Sister
Nelly said, point to the example of parent Victoria Zacarian
Tarabelsi. Tarabelsi is a graduate of the school who now teaches
English as a volunteer in her daughter Talia's kindergarten classroom.
"Our alumni are also working on renovating the library," 'Sister Nelly
said, adding that alumni have also donated flat-screen televisions
for each classroom that will be linked to the computer system.
"We are rebuilding and reestablishing ourselves," she said. "The
important thing is the students, and the parents are happy."
http://www.thebostonpilot.com/article.asp?ID=173319