St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School is going to be part of STEM Initiative

WATERTOWN, MA. — St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) is happy and proud to announce that the school is going to be part of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Initiative funded by the Gelfand Family Charitable Trust.

The school has received a $10,000 planning grant from the STEM fund for the 2011-2012 academic year, to create a four year strategic plan geared toward infusing STEM into the curricula and school culture.

"Our mission will be to increase the focus and emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) throughout our school, in order to create and support a deep and sustainable culture of inquiry-based teaching and learning that excites and inspires our students,"said SSAES Principal Houry Boyamian.

At the end of the planning year,grantee schools that submit a strategic plan that is approved will then be eligible to receive up to $10,000 annually for four years, subject to annual review and evaluation of plan implementation.

"We have already formed the STEM Team that will convene at least four times during the planning phase," added Principal Boyamian. The team is made up of three elementary teachers, the technology teacher, the preschool director, a parent with a strong science background, a college instructor and the principal.

St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School in Watertown, MA is a private elementary school dedicated to educational excellence in an environment rich in Armenian Culture. Since it was established in 1984, the school has distinguished itself with its Armenian character, academic strength, devoted staff and low student-to-teacher ratio. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and its students have achieved top scores in the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills.

Located in the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, the school has a strong connection with the community in Watertown and surrounding towns. St. Stephen’s has grown steadily by combining a strong American educational curriculum with Armenian language, religion and history - all within a positive learning environment.