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“Know thyself.” It’s an ancient Greek aphorism attributed to
philosophy - but for the Academy of Hellenic Paideia (AHP), a Greek school
program opening its doors in September, it’s a way of life.According
to the school’s mission statement, the idea is that “… by guiding each
child’s mind towards what interests and amuses them, we may better
discover and nourish their unique genius in an effort to help them
achieve their fullest human potential; mind, body, and spirit.”Located on Crescent Street in the heart of Astoria, the school’s
approach to education is unique and innovative; and, for many New York
parents who are fed up with the Common Core shift and all the state test
prepping, it’s a welcome change. Students at AHP don’t simply “learn
Greek;” rather, they might play instruments, discuss geography, settle
in for a game of chess, engage in role play, sing in the choir, learn a
Greek dance, contemplate philosophy, and spar in Pangration, an ancient
Hellenic form of martial arts, where each command is given in Greek and
attached to a myth.All lessons are conducted in Greek and in English. The Greek language is
always the star - as the students get older and are able to speak, read
and write it, English in the classrooms is used less and less.AHP
carries an educational model that’s based on an interactive way of
teaching and learning. The participation of students in what they learn,
and how, is not only appreciated, it’s encouraged. The school is
secular, and children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed,
whether they have a Greek parent or not.
Leading this incredible effort is a woman named Demetra Varsami, an
educator with nearly a decade of experience and several degrees to go
along with it. She, along with Antoneta Varsami and Theodora
Fiotodimitrakis, founded AHP.
Ms. Varsami’s passion for what she does is
difficult to match. Her vision and adoration for the children she
teaches is evident within a few minutes of conversation. She radiates
knowledge and has an immense amount of love and respect for her Hellenic
heritage and language, but views her role as merely a messenger. She
has a gift for teaching and her job is, simply, to do it.
“Several years ago, I had the great pleasure of teaching a small
group of children the Greek language alongside my mother,” says Ms.
Varsami. “It was at this point I made two discoveries; first, that my
true passion in life is educating children, and second, that the path to
a meaningful education is identifying each child as a unique being.
Thus, we need to inspire them, through activity and interaction, on a
level that is personal to them.”
As Ms. Varsami discovered, the latter idea was not a new one. It was
created thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, where it was known as
paideia. Paideia referred to the upbringing and education of children.
Aspects of this education included rhetoric, grammar, philosophy,
arithmetic, medicine, music, poetry, and physical activities such as
gymnastics and wrestling. Hellenic paideia is pursuing the ideal of
excellence.
“It was at this point in my life that I became inspired to create an
educational institution using these ancient ideas that are the basis for
the entire Western society,” says Varsami. “I envisioned something more
than a language school - an emotional sanctuary, free from the cacophony
of the outside world, where children would not only learn Greek but also
a philosophy that would prepare them for life by giving them decision
making abilities.”
It’s hard to believe that AHP offers all this in an after-school and
Saturday half-day program, but it does all that, and so much more.
Standing with Ms. Varsami is a group of engaged and determined teachers,
most handpicked by Ms. Varsami herself. Their teaching styles and
approaches vary, but the one thing they have in common is their passion
for education and commitment to Hellenic paideia. Most of the teachers
on staff completed their education in Greece and hold degrees from some
of the most prestigious Greek institutions.
Ms. Fiotodimitrakis is AHP’s Early Childhood Curriculum Coordinator
and Language Teacher and has created the curriculum for the Kingergarten
students. Philology and language are taught by Ms. Vivian Triviza. Ms.
Christina Kaglou is a teaching assistant who is currently working on
obtaining her bachelor’s degree in education from HunterCollege, CUNY.
Mr. Konstantinos Doikos not only inspires students through his
teaching of Pangration; he is also a gifted author and lends his talents
to the school’s acting workshops and theatrical performances. A play is
already in the works for the spring of 2016. These performances are put
together, directed, and arranged by Ms. Ioanna Katsarou, AHP’s Theatre
Teacher.
“While singing in Greek, we co-exist in a harmonious vocal ensemble
and we create a treasure of rhythmic moments,” says AHP’s music teacher
and chorus director, Ms. Alexandra Skendrou. “Singing enhances and
reinforces language learning, but most importantly, while singing, we
become one with Greek culture; with its poets, lyricists, and
composers.”
Joining Ms. Skendrou in musical instruction is Mr. Yorgos
Maniatis, a teacher with over 20 years experience teaching in schools
and through private lessons.
“Being able to create and run a successful program as a mother and
educator is an amazing gift,” adds Ms. Varsami. “Coming from a family of
educators, it feels completely natural.” AHP definitely “runs in the
family.” One of the teachers is Ms. Varsami’s very own mother, Ms.
Antoneta Varsami, an extraordinary instructor in her own right with
decades of experience.
Among the extra-curricular courses offered at AHP are a youth acting
workshop, art, chess, embroidery, children’s chorus, an adult dance
troupe or acting workshop, board and action games, music lessons, and a
weekly discussion of the Iliad.
Those are in addition to the regular
curriculum offerings: students have a choice of two 2-hour sessions on
Wednesdays and Friday evenings, or one 4-hour session on Saturdays,
starting at 9am. During those sessions, students engage in lessons
surrounding Greek language, mythology, mathematics, music, arts and
crafts, and Pangration.
The focus is always education, with none of the one-size-fits-all
mentality that parents have seen becoming the norm in other city
schools. Students are grouped first by age, then by Greek language
knowledge. Classes at AHP are small, and children are looked after and
evaluated during the course of instruction by their teachers to ensure
that the class level they are in is appropriate for them.
When you’re a student at AHP, there’s always a lesson to be learned
and appreciated. A simple conversation turns into a discussion of
mythology and how it relates to what’s happening in a particular child’s
day. Chit-chatting in English yields a plethora of words that are Greek
in origin, and much spirited discussion ensues.
What might otherwise be
plain classroom instruction becomes interactive; children learn while
playing musical instruments, drawing, playing board games, conducting
physics experiments, or constructing technological ancient Greek
inventions. The goal at AHP is to make learning joyous and fun.
There are no time outs; instead, children are asked to leave the room
in order to do what Ms. Varsami calls “self-reflection,” and they
return to their classroom when they are ready. There are no harsh
lessons to learn here - after all, AHP’s vision is to “create a better
world by the active pursuit of arête (excellence, virtue, goodness) for
all.”
AHP is breaking ground in a new location. There will be ample space
for several classrooms, a Pangration room, and a room with a small stage
and floor pillows, where children will learn, read and act out plays,
mythology, and Aesop’s fables. Eventually, Ms. Varsami plans to add a
full-time Greek pre-school.
As it is a registered 501c3 (non-profit) corporation, everything the
school is and does is motivated by a love for children, for educating,
and for learning. “The need and the want for Hellenic paideia is the
reason I am an educator,” says Ms. Varsami.
“This is the continuation of
something I began five years ago, that with the support of parents and
friends has become a beloved part of our children’s lives. It is my
honor and duty towards all these parents and their children to continue
this work. I am grateful to have so many exceptional mentors and guides
by my side so that we may go forth in this effort.”
Ms. Varsami and the teachers are looking forward to a bright future
filled with the best they have to offer - an educational experience that
is a pleasure for children, not a coercion. In this work, the school
needs you.
As Greek parents, we all fight for a common purpose: to
convey the Hellenic tradition from generation to generation; in other
words, to keep Hellenism alive through our children. AHP is actively
fundraising and seeking donations. Your assistance will help fund
construction and purchase everything from classroom desks to pencils to
cleaning supplies.
“Learning Greek should not have to be unpleasant,” concludes Ms.
Varsami. “Children should enjoy learning our language, our culture and
traditions.” It is, after all, about the children.
When Ms. Varsami
started this effort, she asked her own son and daughter their opinions
first. Their primary request? No quizzes. Instead, the children
pantomime and act out the meaning of Greek words. In Ms. Antoneta’s
class, she presents the quizzes as voluntary and asks the students
whether or not they would like to be tested. “Every single child raises
their hand to take the quiz,” she says.
Lastly, Ms. Varsami adds, “the goal is to inspire the great spirit
that lies within all our children so that they may pursue life within
their greatest potential and keep the ancient Hellenic culture alive for
generations to come. I look forward to learning with you.” Registration
began in mid-April and is on-going through the end of July.
The Academy of Hellenic Paideia is located at 25-50 Crescent St,
Astoria, New York11102. To learn more about the Academy of Hellenic
Paideia, or register for the 2015-2016 academic year visit
www.HellenicPaideia.com.
*Demetrios Rhombotis is the publisher of NEOmagazine, where this article firstly appeared.
