The Directors of various Southern California Armenian preschools.
PASADENA – On Wednesday, February 24, the Directors of Southern California Armenian preschools gathered for a luncheon on the campus of the St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School. This unprecedented meeting was organized to heighten the communication among the Armenian preschools and discuss important issues facing the next generation of Armenian-American students living in the Diaspora.
By providing quality early childhood programs, Armenian preschools serve as the gateway to Armenian elementary schools. In addition to offering a rich cultural and spiritual component to early education, these preschools prepare our children to become independent individuals with problem solving skills, healthy social skills, and a positive self-image. Additionally, teachers provide a nurturing and a stimulating educational environment for the children. Ultimately, the success of each preschool can be attributed to the commitment and the collaborative efforts of the board members, administration, teachers, parents and the members of the immediate community.
Kristina Movsessian, Director of St. Gregory Hovsepian School, said, “The initiative for the meeting was to bring the directors together so that we can work closely with each other by creating the spirit of collaboration. We are a team of outstanding directors who have mutual goals; we want to foster the love of our Armenian culture in our children and provide them with a bright future.”
Among the topics of discussion during the meeting were the following: recognize the importance of collaboration among Armenian preschool directors; provide ongoing professional development for our teachers and directors; explore fundraising ideas; and examine the responsibilities for the day to day operations of our preschools.
“Meeting on a quarterly basis will benefit us all. We can exchange ideas, share experiences, and most importantly create a network amongst each other,” said Vehik Gabrielian Director of Holy Martyrs A.R.S. Ashkhen Pilavjian Preschool. “We would love for teachers from other Armenian preschools to visit our program and conduct observations for their personal growth,” added Marijan Kevorkian Director of Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School.
Participating in the meeting were: Angin Iskajian of Mesrobian Armenian School; Arsine Aghazarian of St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Preschool; Helen Manoucherian of Levon & Hasmig Tavlian Preschool; Lucy Stepanian of Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School; Marijan Kevorkian of Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School; Sonia Kazandjian of Armenian Sisters Academy; Tagoush Khodabakhshian of AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School; Takouhi Saatjian of Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool; Vehik Gabrielian of Holy Martyrs A.R.S. Ashkhen Pilavjian Preschool; and Kristina Movsessian of St. Gregory Hovsepian School.
Source: Asbarez
Link: First Director’s Meeting of Armenian Preschools Takes Place