We have so much to be grateful for in our parish community, but none is perhaps more often cited than the great blessing of having three viable, productive schools in our midst. Shall we commit the sin of pride and blushingly add that we are the only parish in our Diocese to be so lucky as to have a fully accredited Day School, a Sunday School, and a Language School? While all three are already bustling with activity, they each had interesting and memorable opening days. In order of calendar appearance:

Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School: September 3

               In a beautiful annual tradition, the Day School launched a new academic year on September 3 with its 6th graders (the Class of 2009) ceremonially welcoming incoming First Graders, those bright-faced youngsters just beginning their “serious” elementary school years (goodbye to the carefree days in Hye Bardez and Kindergarten!). Parents and grandparents joined the celebration and witnessed the moving ceremony which included the gifting of roses to all teachers by the students of the 6th Grade. Day School Principal Zarminé Boghosian thanked parents for their wise choice in entrusting their children’s education to HMADS and then teachers for their passion and enthusiasm. She concluded with a pertinent quote from Emerson: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

               Among many of the special events marking the first weeks of school, students shared in an Assembly commemorating the American Constitution Day as well as the Centennial of the birth of Armenia’s world-renowned physicist and astronomer Victor Hampartsoomian. A few days later, Day School students could be seen in procession down Oceania Street and back up to the church plaza, bearing banners and flags of Armenia as they celebrated, with Hayr Soorp’s participation, Armenia’s 17th birthday as a nation. In the same proud spirit, the 3rd to 6th grades were invited by Superintendent Kate Murray of the Town of Hempstead to a similar commemoration in front of Hempstead’s Town Hall for a special flag-raising. This is the 7th year that the children have marked Armenia’s birthday in this highly visible way, uniting their love of America and their spiritual homeland.

                Speaking of homeland, students were kept busy yet again when Armenia’s President paid a visit to St. Vartan Cathedral. By the invitation of the Primate, Srpazan Khajag Barsamian, the Day School students (grades 4, 5, 6) were taken to the Cathedral on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, after His Excellency’s speech at the UN General Assembly. After a fascinating presentation by Dr. Rachel Goshgarian of the Krikor & Clara Zohrab Information Center (including Medieval manuscripts and Cilician coins), the students greeted the president of Armenia H. E. Serzh Sargsyan with a welcoming banner and  flowers, waving the American and Armenian flags. President Sargsyan then shared the bread and salt carried by students in traditional Armenian costumes and praised the children and their teachers for such a warm welcome.

            What a “Back to School” month of September, to herald a new academic year!

Holy Martyrs Language School: September 14

            After a summer of rest and relaxation, Armenian School families were happy to be back to another year at their cherished Language School where the curriculum is far more than language, embracing literature, history, song and even dance! For those who want to give their children the gift of these precious treasures, Saturday morning at Holy Martyrs is the place to be.

On Saturday, September 13, HMALS began its new school year.  2008 marks the founding of our school. There were many returning students and new ones as well.  Registration took place in the Church Auditorium.  The students were very enthusiastic about their school and were happy to be reunited with their HMALS family.  Those who would like to register their children can still do so by calling the church office.

Please read more on this first day as written in the language of our hearts…

Holy Martyrs Sunday School: September 21

            One could have easily confused the Opening Day of Sunday School for a family party with all the balloons, table decorations, games, and even more, the radiant faces of families and staff as they gathered for registration on September 21.

            While parents leaned over registration forms and sign-up sheets, students gathered with their teachers and classmates at grade-designated tables. Registration day is not quite complete without some warm-up games, so play they did – jigsaw puzzles for the youngsters and group games for everyone: “Teamwork,” a point-tallying activity (i.e., 20 points for each person wearing a cross or any of the colors of the Armenian flag minus10 points for each person who’s in front of a computer, TV and video game more than 2 hours a day, etc., with  the 9^th grade racking up the most points, closely followed by Grade 3) and then a Bible Scavenger Hunt which had students scrambling through the pages of their Bibles for rocks, coins, books, and worms as they located and reported on their findings.

            The highlight of the morning was the drawing of this year’s Early Registration Raffle (held at the Festival where all who register are automatically entered).  Conceived and supervised by 3^rd grade teacher and Board Member Laura Policano, the raffle was drawn by an eager volunteer after which Laura announced the winner: 1^st grader Mark Mahdessian. He handled his acceptance of the $20 Borders gift card with admirable dignity and aplomb as his schoolmates cheered.

At 11 a.m., students and teachers departed for their first hour of class and parents gathered for the year’s first parent meeting. Prepared for by Board members Elise Antreassian, Lynne Demaria, Sue Ishkanian (also 5^th Grade teacher), and Lynn Jamie, the meeting began with some faith-sharing in small groups, followed by an introduction to the Parents’ Handbook, future parent education meetings (a series of discussions on Christian parenting of teens and a different series for parents of younger children, scheduled for Lent), volunteer opportunities and a review of the calendar, including some very exciting upcoming trips: on Saturday October 11^th to St. Vartan Cathedral to share in its 40^th Anniversary and an upper-grade excursion to St. Nersess Seminary for a combination pumpkin carving and vocation activity (only the creative Seminary staff can make it work).

            An auspicious beginning to what looks like a great new year – fresh faces, enthusiastic teachers, parents ready to give “teamwork” a whole new meaning.

            And for all those interested in assisting our teachers, helping with school programs, or sharing in the leadership of the School, we need and welcome you. A reminder to us all here at Holy Martyrs: “Faith is a journey: let’s travel together!”