One-Day Armenian Schools
The eleven (11) ARS one-day schools help the younger generation connect with their Armenian roots, heritage and culture. Learning to sing Armenian songs, reciting poetry, practicing drama skits and dancing to Armenian music are part of the enriched curriculum. Language classes include use of instructional videos and storytelling, practicing conversations, as well as word games. Each school deploys different aspects of learning about the Armenian culture.
Cooking is one way of connecting to the Armenian culture, such as making the ghapama dish. Ghapama is a pumpkin stuffed with rice, fresh and dried fruits, honey and spices, which is cooked in the oven.
Artwork is another way to get children engaged with Armenian culture. Drawing or creating papier-mâché pomegranates, khachkars or stone crosses, or Mother’s Day or Father’s Day greeting cards, writing their names and messages in Armenian help them use their newly acquired skills in Armenian writing.
One-day schools, are usually held on Saturdays, but a couple are held on Fridays. They are managed by Chapter Executives and volunteer committees. The teachers and principals are usually paid hourly wages, but a couple of the schools exclusively have all volunteer staff.
Schools celebrate holidays such as Translators’ Day, Vartanants, Christmas, Easter, and Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (or April 24th). Schools may hold Christmas and year-end programs, where children acquire skills in performing to their parents and grandparents.
The ARS Board of Regents, formerly known as the Saturday School Committee, is assigned by the Regional Executive to advise schools and coordinate inter-school gatherings and competitions bringing students from different schools together.
