WATERTOWN — In June St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) completed its 31st academic year. The graduation ceremonies were held on June 18 (kindergarten) and June 19 (elementary).
On both days, in her speech Principal Houry Boyamian focused on the school’s new initiatives and achievements. As new initiatives, she mentioned the introduction of the Junior First Lego League as an after-school enrichment program. This program features a real-world challenge, to be explored through research, critical thinking and imagination.
In addition, a group of students in grades 1-5 participated in the international math competition called Math Kangaroo, in which two of the students scored outstanding results on state and national levels, she said.
The school, she noted, engages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The scores of The Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills administered in Grades 2 and 4 that continue to be in the top 20 percent nationwide in Reading and Math, she added.
This past year the students went on the 12th Annual Graduation Class Trip to Armenia.
In fact, on June 1, the students, teachers and school board welcomed Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia. After having breakfast with the students, he visited each classroom and enjoyed interacting with the students.