April 2014 Volume 2 Issue 7

Fourth Graders' Field Trip

to Voskos Greek Yogurt Company

ADS eNewsletter

On Wednesday, April 2, the 4th grade students

visited Voskos Greek Yogurt Company as a

part of their studies in school.

They were accompanied with their homeroom

teacher Mrs. Violet Tatoian and two parents,

Mrs. Marine Tatoian and Mrs. Hripsime Ter-

Abrahamyan. The following are two unedited

pieces written by 4th grade students describing

their trip and what they learned.

My Adventure to Voskos

by Elizabeth Topalian Did you know the average amount of milk a

cow can give is nine gallons? When farmer

milk the cows, they ship six thousand gallons

of milk to Sun Valley Dairy. When the com-

pany receives the milk, they put it through

pasteurization machine. This process takes

forth five seconds.

This process makes it safe for you to drink the

milk. The workers put the machine at the tem-

perature of 175 degrees. It gets rid of all the

bad bacteria and then they add the good bacte-

ria.

After it is pasteurized, it goes through tubes to

colossal tanks. The workers put the ingredi-

ents in the tanks. In a separate room, the yo-

gurt is filled in cups by machines. Then they

sent the yogurt to the cooling room. After

cooling, they sent the yogurt to the lab to pass

through quality control. They do this process

to make sure that the yogurt tastes good and

has proper texture.

You can also make yogurt in a different way.

You put yogurt in a 110 F degree room. After all

these processes, the yogurt is packed and sent to

stores to sell.

Yogurt is really good for your bones and it gives

you strength. Yogurt is delicious but no matter

how long it take to make, it is worth it. Espe-

cially Voskos Greek Yogurt.

Voskos Essay By Arpine Ter-Abramyan I enjoyed going to the Voskos Factory. It

smelled good inside and there were big tanks full

of milk and yogurt. Each tank held 3000 lbs of

milk and there were 12 tanks. At the factory,

they put milk in the tanks and leave it there for 5

hours. The tank hold about 12 thousand cups of

yogurt, but before they use the milk to make the

yogurt, they have to pasteurize the milk. They

heat the milk at 175 degrees, and then they have

to do the whole process all over again. They put

culture (good bacteria) in their yogurt and it

tasted delicious. Everybody should eat Voskos

Greek Yogurt.

Fourth Graders Create Volcanoes

Page 2 April 2014

The 4th grade students built mock volca-

noes to learn more about them as a part

of their science class.

Under the supervision of their home-

room teacher Mrs. Violet Tatoian, they

were split into groups of two or three.

They were provided with specific direc-

tions to build their volcanoes, using a

hard cardboard as a base and a dough

that dries into the shape it's molded to.

They erupted their volcanoes using bak-

ing soda, red food coloring, and vinegar,

first at home and the second time in the

juniors' laboratory. The students found this project very exciting;

not only did it involve hands on effort but also creativity and the

excitement of creating their own version of volcanoes.

1st and 2nd Graders Visit Page Museum

On Thursday, April 3rd, the first and second graders

took a field trip with their teachers Miss Satenik

Ashikyan and Miss Annie Karagezian, and some par-

ents, to the Page Museum located at La Brea Tar

Pits. For many of the students, this was their very

first visit to a museum. The purpose of the field

trip was to educate the young students about the

present and past animal life of the different areas

of Los Angeles. In the museum, the students watched

a movie and saw fossils of extinct animals that

once were native to Los Angeles.

The massive fossils of the American mammoth and sa-

ber-toothed cat impressed the students; some com-

pared them to cartoon characters while others re-

called stories from their textbooks. The second

graders related the experience to the lessons they

had recently learned; they saw not only the fossils

but also the scientists removing dirt from the ani-

mal bones and assembling different parts of fossils.

The students had a fun trip and acquired a better

understanding of what life looked like thousands of

years ago and how scientists present the remains of

the past in museums.

On Sunday, April 13, the School Choir of TCA Arshag Dickranian School performed Holy Mass & Divine Liturgy at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in celebration of Palm Sunday. The Mass started at 10:30 a.m. and lasted till 1:00 p.m. and was led by Rev. Fr. Manoug Markarian. Accompanied by Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher, Mrs. Violet Tatoian, and Junior High Math Teacher, Ms. Maria Melkumyan, ADS Choir Members, who ranged from 4th through 7th grade levels, eagerly gathered at the church and prepared them-selves as attendants filled the church. School Principal, Dr. Manoug Seraydarian, and Board Chairman, Mr. George K. Mandossian, and parents of many students, were among attendants of the Mass as well, and were all excited to see ADS stu-dents perform in the ceremony. The Mass started with the prayers and blessings of Fr. Manoug Markarian, which was then followed by hymns and songs performed by the Church Choir and the School Choir. The ADS students were excited to finally sing the hymns they had put a lot of effort to learn in school at church. Next, Fr. Manoug Markarian led the tradi-tional Palm Sunday Procession, joined by the student choir and the congregation. The church attendants were thoroughly impressed by the ADS student choir and their rendition of the Holy Mass. At the conclusion of the Palm Sunday Services, Fr. Manoug Markarian offered atten-dants his final blessings and thanked Arshag Dickranian's School Choir for their par-ticipation in the Mass, praising the students for their flawless recitation of Armenian church hymns. He continued by inviting the School Choir to perform at every last Sunday of each month. The School was pleased to positively respond to the Pas-tor's invitation. After Mass, ADS students, parents, teachers, school staff and church goers gathered in the church courtyard wishing each other a Happy Palm Sunday. The ADS choir members were showered with compliments from church goers and attendants, who commended them for their performance and expressed their admiration of the school choir. In return, the students humbly thanked them for their compliments and ex-pressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to participate in a formal Mass cere-mony at St. John Church in celebration of Palm Sunday.

Winners of Business Plan Project

Volume 2 Issue 7 Page 3

The winners of the "Business Development Project", which the senior students started in February, have been finally selected. Af-

ter reviewing the students' work, Social Studies and Economics Teacher, Mr. Ron Morrissey, announced Hakob Seropian, Johnny

Obadashyan, and Narek Mamikonyan as the winners. The students submitted a business plan for opening a new Commercial Bank.

Included in their plan was the land, labor and capital management skills needed to

open a new Commercial Bank in Los Angeles County. The students named the bank

"The National Grant Corporation", which specialized in auto loans, student loans,

credit cards for college students and asset management services for college students.

This group competed with 5 other groups and won because of their detailed business

plan, which included : Projections for products and services to be provided, pricing of

the products, a marketing plan, government compliance and how to deal with eco-

nomic challengers.

In the past, students have opened businesses such as a gas station, insurance agency,

fashion design and manufacturing company based on the business plans they had cre-

ated as senior students at our school.

TCA Arshag Dickranian School Choir Performs At

St. John Armenian Church's Holy Mass For Palm Sunday

Kindergarteners & Pre-kindergarteners Egg Hunt

The kindergartners and pre-kindergartners cele-

brated Easter with each other at the school before

Easter Vacation started. To entertain the children

and add a pleasant touch to the egg hunt, Kinder-

garten teacher, Mrs. Aline Bzdigian, dressed as a

bunny. She facilitated the egg hunt and led the pro-

gram with other fun activities such as involving the

children in dances and games.

The children enjoyed the egg hunt and had a lot of

fun.

Page 4 April 2014

ADS Students Memorialize the Armenian Genocide

and Benefactor Arshag Dickranian and Visit Montebello

Following its long standing tradition, the students of TCA Arshag

Dickranian School memorialized the Armenian Genocide by a se-

ries of activities within and outside the School premises.

On Wednesday, April 23, the elementary, junior and high school

students started the day by attending a requiem service held at St.

John Garabed Church, in observance of the 99th anniversary of the

Armenian Genocide and the 20th anniversary of the passing of bene-

factor Arshag Dickranian.

The service was conducted by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian,

who urged the students to preserve their Armenian identity and

withhold it in the example of the million and half victims of the

Genocide. At church, the students also paid their respects to the

school’s beloved benefactor Mr. Arshag Dickranian, who, as a sur-

vivor of the Armenian Genocide, had devoted his life promoting

goodwill among his people. The guest speaker of the day was film-

maker Vahe Babayan whose message was to keep, nourish and

cherish the Armenian identity. Mr. Babayan is the director of sev-

eral documentaries, the last of which was about TUMO Advanced

Technological Center in Armenia, which had premiered on PBS.

After the church service, as the elementary and junior high students

got to their classes, the high school students, led by Dr. Manoug

Seraydarian, Mrs. Mary Tascian-Williams and Mrs. Anahit Na-

soyan boarded the bus and drove to the Montebello City Hall to join

the students from the Mesrobian Armenian School and AGBU

Manoogian-Demirdjian.

At the City Hall, the students from both schools were greeted by the

city’s Armenian mayor pro tem Mr. Jack Hajinian and attended a

special program dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide,

during which Dr. Manoug Seraydarian was invited to deliver a

speech in the presence of Montebello City elected officials.

Following the program at the City Hall, the students from both

schools walked the 2 mile route to the Armenian Martyrs Memorial

Monument at Bicknell Park led by their principals and teachers. At

the site, they first heard a speech by Music Professor Vatche

Mankerian about Komitas Vartabet and how his works and life were

affected by the massacres perpetrated by the Ottoman Government.

Next, students from ADS, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian and Mes-

robian Schools delivered speeches they had prepared for the occa-

sion, followed by recitations and national songs. ADS senior student

Armine Gulyan sang a national Armenian song while Ani and Lily

Sarafian recited a poem. After conducting their prayers at the Monu-

ment Site, the students returned to their subsequent schools enthused

in spirit and determined to continue their struggle for the world rec-

ognition of the Armenian Genocide.

ADS Students Win The First Place In Earth Day Poster Contest

Page 5 April 2014

After participating for the first time in the school's history in the Earth

Day Poster Contest titled "Green Cities", TCA Arshag Dickranian

School 5th grade student Julianna Mkrtchyan and 9th grade student Ani

Sarafian were announced as First Place Winners of the Elementary and

High School Categories. The winners of the contest were declared on

April 24 by Mr. Richard Bloom, Assembly Member of California's 50th

Assembly District.

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by former US Senator Garylord Nelson

and is celebrated annually on April 22 around the world. The Earth Day

Poster Contest took place in observance of Earth Day 2014 to encour-

age children of different ages to take care of planet earth and its envi-

ronment. The contest was open to students ranging from 1st through

12th grade levels, attending a school located in the 50th Assembly Dis-

trict. Over 100 entries were submitted to participate in the contest by its

deadline, on Friday April 4th. To enter the contest, students were asked

to submit an 8 1/2" by 11" poster comprised of recycled paper, using

various forms of media such as photos and drawings to illustrate an

idea that reflects awareness of the importance of taking care of planet

earth and its environment.

ADS 5th grade student Julianna Mkrtchyan's poster illustrated planet ea

rth's beauty with the ocean, land and city life in harmony, whereas ninth

grade student Ani Sarafian's poster depicted a multi-colored flower with

a city painted in green at the flower's carpel, reflecting the importance of

"Going Green". Mr. Bloom was very impressed by the students' interest

and creativity in the artwork that they submitted.

The posters of the winners will be on display at Mr. Bloom's District

Office where constituents and other visitors will be able to see them.

The School will soon receive an official congratulatory letter and the

winners' certificates, which will be granted to our winner students,

Julianna Mkrtchyan and Ani Sarafian, during a special occasion and

ceremony.

The TCA ADS administration and staff, students, parents and teachers

are very proud of Julianna Mkrtchyan and Ani Sarafian and congratulate

them for their achievement, encouraging them to pursue their artistic

talent further and wishing them further recognition in the future.

ADS Students Participate In

Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery

Page 6 April 2014

TCA Arshag Dickranian School's 10th grade student Rita Karaian and 9th

grade students Mania Mgdsyan and Ani Sarafian were awarded with Cer-

tificates of Recognition from Congressman Adam B. Schiff after partici-

pating in The Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery. Under

the supervision and guidance of Junior High Art & Art History Teacher,

Miss Polet Zargarian, and Elementary Art Teacher, Miss Ani Vardanyan,

ADS students Rita Karaian, Mania Mgdsyan and Ani Sarafian submitted

their artistic paintings in March to participate in the contest and compete

against other schools.

Hosted by Congressman Adam B. Schiff, The Congressional Art Competition

is a nation-wide contest in which high school students submit

artwork that gets displayed at the US Capitol Building in

Washington, D.C., giving students the chance to showcase

their artistic abilities. The ADS students were excited to

participate in the contest to challenge themselves and ex-

press their feelings artistically.

On Sunday, April 27, students Mania Mgdsyan and Ani

Sarafian attended the Awards Presentation Ceremony of the

contest along with their parents, family members, Principal

Dr. Manoug Seraydarian and Art History Teacher Miss Polet

Zargarian. The event took place at the Descanso Gardens in

La Canada Flintridge, where an art exhibition was set up for

visitors and attendants to enjoy. The students met with Mr. Schiff and conversed with him about their artwork

and what inspired them to create their paintings. Rita Karaian had created a painting of her favorite tree after

she photo collaged various images she had taken of it with a camera; Mania Mgdsyan had submitted a painting of a

girl whose emotions about life events were represented through different patterns in her hair; and Ani Sarafian

had submitted a painting that symbolized the relationship between a mother and a daughter. Mr. Schiff was

charmed by the ADS students and expressed his admiration of their artwork.

Page 7 April 2014

Announcements

The 2014-2015 academic year registration has started. For discounted registration

fee of $500 , the deadline is Friday, May 16.

The financial aid application submission deadline is Friday, May 16.

On Friday, May 16, the ADS students and teachers will go on the school’s Annual

Fundraiser Walkathon.

The ADS Open House will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

and on Monday, May 19, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

On Sunday, May 18, the school will hold an Art Exhibit displaying the artwork of

ADS students.

Teacher Profile

Page 8 April 2014

My name is Hasmik Shakhvaladyan and I am the third grade homeroom teacher at

Arshag Dickranian School. I have an Associate’s Degree in Social Science from

Glendale College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Multiple

Subject Credential from CSUN. In addition to my education, I have gained over

ten years of experience in various classrooms.

Education is the key to all happiness. Without it, we would be lost in a dark sea of

ignorance. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a child. There was

nothing that I enjoyed more than teaching. Coming from a family whose parents

were also teachers, I realized that my destiny was set before me. I have dedi-

cated my life to the pursuit of my education and I have learned that in order to

be an effective teacher, I must first be an excellent student. Thus, I have de-

voted my life to education and to being a lifelong learner.

I believe that setting an unshakeable foundation for students is the most impor-

tant step in ensuring that children most effectively receive the knowledge that

is being presented to them. Once the foundation is set, then teachers can pave

the way in creating students who are able to fully realize their potential. Inside every student lies an insatiable

question mark that is waiting to be discovered and answered by a teacher. I believe that it is every teacher’s re-

sponsibility to go above and beyond their call of duty and find a way to reach every single student in his or her

classroom as well as those she may encounter outside of it.

Another crucial factor that I have committed to establishing is teaching students to become critical thinkers.

Helping a student become a critical thinker is the most important gift a teacher can give. In order to accomplish

this, I take each and every California Standard and ask myself, “How can I use this standard to enhance the

thinking process of my students? What kind of essential questions will this lesson address? How can I make this

lesson relevant to my students’ lives?” The knowledge that I have gained in my educational career has prepared

me to teach engaging lessons that capture students’ attention and maximize their learning experience.

I am also a rapt believer of using research based teaching tactics to deliver my lessons and ensure student learn-

ing. I have based my teaching philosophies on Jean Piaget’s Constructivist Learning Theory, where students are

taught to be responsible for their own education and are guided by a teacher who has assumed the role of a facili-

tator, on Lev Vygotsky’s scaffolding theory, to help students in their learning process based on their needs, and

on Jerome Bruner’s spiral curriculum, where teachers constantly review the topics being discussed in the class-

room. I also base my teaching on Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, which helps me understand

the developmental milestones that my students are undergoing. Based on these stages, I can adjust their lessons

to include skills that have been mastered by the students as well as skills that are still developing. Furthermore,

during lessons, I employ Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy Diagnostic Test (Identifying Higher Levels of Thinking),

which helps me establish a foundation for learning and critical thinking with students.

Rooted in the evidence of research, my lessons are engaging and full of technological resources that demonstrate

my capabilities in reaching my students. I also strive to maintain a classroom free of anxiety thus inviting all as-

pects of student participation and interaction. The understanding and learning of the material of each one of my

students is the most important aspect of my entire teaching experience and is the goal to which I constantly and

emphatically reach for every time I step into a classroom.