The Hellenic Society Prometheas
Update on the Greek Language and Education Initiative
June 8, 2012
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your participation in the Greek Language and Education Initiative workshop held at St. George in Bethesda, MD on Saturday, March 17, 2012. As discussed, this initiative aimsto facilitate the active involvement of key stakeholders in Greek Education (teachers, parents, Church and community leaders) supportingthe area Greek schoolsin their admirable job of educating our children.
Below are the issues for thecase for action; for a complete report,please refer to:
Case for Action:
- Greek American communities are in danger of losing cultural identity and language skills.
- Our Greek language schools face several issues: teacher training, teacheravailability, streamlined curriculum and books/modern technologies and methods, Best Practices, accreditation of Ellinomathia diplomas as foreign language credit in high schools and colleges, coordination of school events and fundraising, etc.
- Better coordination of the different groups related to Greek education can benefit everyone involved - from sharing of experiences and resources to more united efforts across all schools.
Members of the local community with knowledge and interest to work on these issues can greatly assist in the coordination of the Greek Language and Education project. Support from the Greek state is welcome.
Greek Language and EducationInitiative Vision Statement:Demonstrate measurableimprovement in student Greek education within 3years,using criteria based on the issues identified in the case for action above.
Next steps: We plan to commence a strategic planning meetingon September 29 at St. Sophia. Information will be disseminated to parents and educators via emails and hard copiesduring the registration process of the area Greek schools in late August/early September. You are welcome to attend.
The goal of the September meeting will be theformation of the Greater Washington Area Greek Schools CoordinationCommittee which will assume the responsibility to progress this initiative.
In the meantime, feel free to contact the following Prometheas members and Greek School liaisons:
St. Constantine & Helen: Barbara Kakaes ()
St. George: Elisavet Vrahopoulou ()
St. Katherine: Tony Alexis ()
St. Sophia: Lefteris Karmiris()
Gennhsh tou Kyriou: Elina Karmokolias ()
The Hellenic School: Nikos Kastanos ()
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Elina Karmokolias,
Secretary
The Hellenic Society Prometheas
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