Annual Report 2015 by E M

Agia Sophia Academy Agia Sophia Academy Personnel, 2014-2015 Principal: Elisha Lubliner

Our Reach is Deep & Wide . . .

Elementary Teachers: Elisha Lubliner, Lower Elementary Teacher Christina Blankenstein, Lower Elementary Teacher Ranae Wright, Mid Elementary Teacher Fr. Ed Hillhouse, Upper Elementary Teacher ontessori Teachers: M Padma Aisola Rusudan Miminoshvili Music & Physical Education: Brigid Powell Greek: Mary Christopoulos Latin: Martine Downs Art: Magdalena Perussi Administrative Assistant: Euphrosyne McKenzie Director of Development: Pres. Molly Shaw Agia Sophia Academy Board, 2014-2015 Andy Contes, President Fr. Theodore Dorrance, Vice President Elia Popovich Scott Elias Taylor Nikki Hartman Gail Cramer

AGIA SOPHIA ACADEMY 14485 SW Walker Road Beaverton, OR 97006 503.641.4600 www.ASApdx.org

Annual Report 14-15

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Friends of Agia Sophia Academy, At ASA, we seek to provide an Orthodox Christian education that helps our students learn how to live by faith and develop the whole person: soul, heart, body, and will. Both the Hellenic and Early Church Fathers understood that it was only by contemplation of the beautiful and good that a person could develop into a beautiful and good person. Our staff and families choose to keep before us those things of beauty, goodness, and excellence. This consistently translates into a well-rounded education where our students are both nurtured in a family environment and challenged academically at the same time. The 2014-15 school year was full of many blessings in our school community, from the addition of a fantastic teacher and classroom to new records in our fundraising events. We are pleased to once again share with you our exceptional standardized test results, which place our students in the top 15% of all students nationwide. ASA teachers met an important school improvement goal by completing a three-year process of curriculum mapping, which continually improve the professional capacity of our already amazing staff. Thank you all for your support and love for this school. Agia Sophia Academy continues to grow “deep and wide” as a school with the participation, leadership, and generosity of so many of our community members. It is with your help that we continue to offer an excellent Orthodox Christian education, strategically plan for our Prek-8th grade future, and build a legacy for the Orthodox community in Portland. Sincerely,

Elisha Lubliner, Principal

WE ARE BUILDING A SC ENDSHIPS & MEMORIES

Fifty-two children were enrolled this year with 9 local parishes represented throughout our student body, as well as 7 children who were non-Orthodox.

ASA students place in the top 15% of all students nationwide.

Additionally, the reading level of our Agia Sophia Academy students shows outstanding results.

CREATING LASTING FRI HOOL COMMUNITY

BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS • • • • • • • • • • •

Gail Cramer joined the board Placed mission statement before all decision Completed observations and staff interviews Completed principal evaluation process Established leadership roles for all board memebers Defined school & church relationship for future site Kicked off board-only meetings Established a financial review / audit for Accreditation Supported successful efforts of the ASA Gala Approved the hire of a new classroom teacher Continued financial reviews

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENTS Throughout the year, ASA students benefit from liturgical feast day celebrations and clergy visits to the classrooms. This year the children were blessed with visits from Fr. Theodore, Fr. Paul, Fr. John, Fr. Nicholas, Dn. John, Fr. Alban & Kh. Krista.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MRS. DOWNS TEACHES LATIN Magistra Martine Downs comes to us from the Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie. She has been happily married to Dn. Cuthbert for 36 years. They have one son, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren (the Downs family at St. John’s), whom they enjoy very much. We hired Mrs. Downs when we heard that she speaks 6 languages: Dutch, French, Latin, Greek, English & German, listed in the order that she learned them since birth! We asked Mrs. Downs what she finds important about learning Latin and she had much to say! “Learning the Latin language becomes a tremendous support for the student to get to the deeper meanings in English and other Romance languages. This academic work offers the learner opportunities in discipline, precision, memorization and systematic thinking. These skills develop the brain and offer greater abilities in analytical, logical and critical thinking.” She explains that you have to work very persistently in deciphering Latin; the translation can’t be sloppy or haphazard. Mrs. Downs has received a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from learning Latin, and she translates this appeal to her students. The children are not only learning about ancient history and culture, but also about their Christian inheritance. Mrs. Downs smiles, “This is what gives me the greatest joy. We get to partake in a little closer walk with St. Paul as he walked the Roman Roads.”

This year we established an after-school club program for our early release days each Wednesday, which were very sucessful and well-attended. • Ancient Rome Club • NWCT Drama Club • Young Rembrandts Art Club

• Greek Dance Club • Bricks4Kids Lego Club • Chess Club

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS . .

“We are grateful for all you do for our children—above and beyond the nurturing education.” ~ An ASA Parent

REFLECTION FROM MS. WRIGHT

OUR FABULOUS PARENTS

As I reflect on my first year of teaching and consider how each day’s work has culminated to the end of this year, I realize how a single day, seemingly insignificant, not only writes another page in my own life’s journey, but also writes a small part in the beginning chapters of other books, which are just beginning to be written.

Our PTP pulled together once again for another fantastic year of working together for our school!

What a fearful responsibility it is to care for young minds and souls. I am always asking myself, “Could I have explained that better? Could I have been more patient or more careful in my approach? Could I have been a better example of the kind of people I want my students to become?” My job is never finished for there is always more to be learned, skills to be honed, and relationships to deepen. While this can seem overwhelming at times, it also brings peace, because I know that tomorrow will witness new opportunities for development as a teacher, and as a part ofthis growing community. Thank you all for the opportunity to be engaged in the life of this school, and to journey with you in the lives of your own children. Thank you for being a welcoming, new home to me, and for supporting this first year of my teacher career so graciously. And for my students, thank you for the memories we’ve shared this year, for being so willing to learn, and for sharing your hearts so unabashedly with my own. You will always be my first students.

Our “Host Family Program” was a success and smoothly integrated new families into our community. We especially had fun serving a Spaghetti Dinner for children and their families to celebrate together before ASA’s Passport Night, coming together for our Annual Winter Tea, serving an International Luncheon for the staff to enjoy during Teacher Appreciation Week, and baking goodies for all attending the ASA Feast Day Celebration at St. John’s. Our fundraisers raised $8,300 this year and helped us to purchase a new science kit, snacks for the classrooms, a coffee maker for the staff, and materials for our music program. In addition to these purchases and funding our events, PTP also supported our Tuition Assistance. Our PTP Board regretfully is saying farewell to Jennifer Davis who did a fantastic job as our Fundraising Chairperson. For 2015-2016, the PTP Board members will be Rachel Daniels (President), Raymond Law (Treasurer), Stasia Geving (Hospitality), Maria Borisov, Kendall Muzik, and Anupama Ramakrishnan. We look forward to another fantastic year ahead!

School Size: 2014-15

Combined Teaching Experience (in years)

Montessori PreK Montessori Kinder

36%

First Graders

10%

Second Graders

Third Graders

Fourth Graders

14% Elementary Teachers

Montessori Teachers

Specialty Teachers

Administrative Staff

NEW STAFF AT ASA . . .

Kindergarten

10% 10%

Fifth Graders

3rd ANNUAL ASA GALA

Three Years of Gala Growth . . .

Our Lights, Camera, Auction 2015 Spring Gala surpassed our expectations in every way. We are extremely grateful and credit the success of the event to you and others who believe in Agia Sophia Academy. Thank you for making it a red carpet night to feature our children as the true stars of the future! A Special Thank You to the following: Co Chairs: Christina Contes and Naomi Knight Gold Sponsors: Caliber Realty (Davis Family) and Contes Engineering (Contes Family) Patron Sponsors: Bridgetown Dental (Kaady Family), Wright Way Restoration (Wright Family), Phil and Diane Sarikas, Hasson Realty and the Pavlatos Family In-kind donors: Wine donated by Al Amir Restaurant and Peter Drakatos Hors d’ oeuvres: Beautifully arranged and donated by Karams in Portland Decorations & Staging: Peter Corvallis Event Planners. Committee Heads: Diane Sarikas, Stasia Geving, Lisa Corazza, Pres Molly Shaw Videographer: Prez Vicki Pavlatos.

GRADUATION SPEECH By: Christiana Ivkin

I would like to thank all of you; the teachers, students and volunteers for helping support ASA. It has been such a great pleasure to be a student at Agia Sophia Academy. Here, the teachers spend much more time with me. We work hard at achieving our goals high-in-the-sky with our feet on the ground. This is our guide to the world. One of my highlights this year was going into the Montessori classroom during my recess. It is fun to watch the children work and play, read and write. They have lots of activities to help them learn. Once, one of the children drew “me” on the chalkboard. It was a very cute drawing. The children also would give me pictures and every picture they gave me, I thought, “Wow, this drawing is even better than the last one I got!” They get better at things every time they do them. Friendship, knowledge, truth, kindness and prayer are what we have at ASA. With these things we can live a good life. These things are what ASA teaches. Every single day at ASA we have little bits of these experiences. Every single day we learn something new. We get new materials with the money you donate. One of my favorite things this year is playing outside with my friends at school. We might not have a playground, but we surely have a big imagination. One of my favorite quotes from my older sister is, “Imagination sets you free to be just who you want to be.” That is a quote to remember. We appreciate you coming here, to ASA. Thank you. Come again next year, and bring a child with you! Your support helps us grow.

FRIEND-RAISER FUN . . . something new . . .

GRADUATION SPEECH By: Olivia Hagan

Hello! My name is Olivia. I am 11 years old and I came to Agia Sophia Academy at the beginning of this school year. First of all, I would like to thank God for creating this school and everyone present in it. Without Him, none of us would be here. Next, I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for a long list of reasons: paying for my excellent education at this school, waking me (and themselves) up in the mornings, making me breakfast, lunch and dinner and driving me to and from school. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure there are many other reasons to list, but these are the main ones. I would also like to thank my teacher, Fr. Ed for the great education he has provided me and the whole 4th and 5th grade class. Next, all my teachers : Mrs. Powell, for the great exercise and fun games in P.E, Kyria Maria and Magistra Downs for teaching me the interesting and brilliant languages of Greek and Latin; Mrs. Perussi for the blessings, teachings and fun projects of Art; and Ms. Ferris, our librarian, for providing us all with great books to read. The teachers here at ASA teach us to work hard in every subject, and they spend more time with each individual student to make sure they understand everything. I especially worked hard in math and went from a Level 2 to completing Level 4 in one year! And now, last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my friends for helping me, working with me, talking with me, playing with me and just being my friends. Agia Sophia Academy is an excellent school. If I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come here, I would never have known as much as I do now.

Greek Open

GREEK OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

Golf Tournament Monday, September 21, 2015 at Langdon Farms Golf Club

September 2014 ~ Open to the Public ~

Our annual Greek Open Golf Tournament and dinner to support Agia Sophia Academy organized by the School Board and parent volunteers raised approximately $10,000 for the 2014-2015 school year. A very special thank you is extended to the Maletis Families for this special event at Langdon Farms each year.

benefitting

Agia Sophia Academy

12:00pm: Registration, Registration Includes: Lunch, & Practice Range Lunch, golf, dinner, 1:30pm: Shotgun Start & raffle. Additional dinner tickets: $50 each. 6:30pm: Dinner Register online at:

www.greekopen.com $150 per player if paid by 9-7-15

Every single day we learn we invite YOU to join us!

7 We’ve made every effort to ensure an accurate listing of gifts and donations. Please inform the school of any error or omission.

THANK YOU DONORS

We thank everyone who generously gave in support of our school between July 1, 2014and June 30, 2015. $10,000 AND ABOVE Chris & Kristi Maletis

$5,000 TO $9999

Intel Matching Gifts to Education Program Anonymous Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church James & Kathleen Ketrenos Elia & Kathryn Popovich Edward & Cynthia Maletis NIKE Matching Grant

$2500 TO $4999 Brent & Katherine Braden Autzen Foundation Andrew & Christina Contes

$1000 TO $2499 Cottonwood Foundation Demetrios & Evangelia Gatziolis Eugene Gorbatov & Diana Didyk Philoptochos Society Virginia H. Farah Foundation Ted & Janet Deming Creative Counsel Ustina Koshkaroff Daniel & Mary Wright Holy Trinity Greek Festival Sandy Johnson Ziad & Evyenia Kaady Dr. Costa Moschonas Old Spaghetti Factory Marty & Angie Quandt E.John & Cleo Rumpakis

$500 to $999 Nicholas & Mary Triantafillou Jim & Connie Contes Andreas & Norma J. Pavlatos Dick & Sharon Perkins Philip & Diane Sarikas Rob & Eva Walters Teddy Tavlarides Anonymous

Michael & Kathryn Becker Jim & Debbie Davis Fr. Elias Stephanopoulos Memorial Fund Frank & Margaret Bitar Foundation Tyler & Anastasia Geving Dr. Gregory Papadeas Drs. Scott & Laurel Soot Dr. Jeffery Spathas Nickolette Tavlarides Kent & Sylvia Taylor Gabriel & Claudia Vizireanu

$250 TO $499

$100 TO $249

Irene Pavlatos Scott Taylor & Sophia Kondoleon John & Lisa Corazza Zachary & Vasiliki Stoumbos Ted & Maggie Wissink Bessie Lekas Kroger / Fred Meyer Michael Alyas Petros & Susan Bournelis Eileen Chios John & Jennifer Davis Jim & Cathy Delgado Isidoros & Maria Garifalakis George & Mary Gregores Constantin & Natalia Ionescu Wadie & Magdeline Khouri Kunrath & Willard Insurrance Services, LLC Cory & Tiffany Morgan Ted Papas Robert Patzke & Kristine Wiseman Mark & Kathleen Powell William & Meropi Courogen Dennis & Gundel Hedden Yuriy & Mariya Kamsha John & Elaine Lampros St. John the Forerunner Monastery Dr. Christina Stratis Sophia Theoharis Brandon & Erika Wilson Dn. Innocent & Sanday Duchow-Pressley

Herman & Nikki Hartman Riverview Abbey Dimitrius Touhouliotis French Toast School Wear Cathleen & Michael Amen Pres. Maria Hillhouse Elisha Lubliner George & Eleni Anadiotis John Apostolos James M. Aspros Christa Barbas Tom & Maria Barbas Billy & Carri Benson Tony & Mary Charles Peter & Catalina Corvallis Gail Cramer Patrick & Yianna Doherty James & Jean Feyler Michael & JoAnne Finicle Laura Grasser Sue Hodge Kenneth & Sonia Hughie Alexandrea Kacouros Nickolas & Linda Karafotias Karen Keese Thomas & Catherine Lekas Georgia Liapes Joan Liapes Nathaniel Lubliner Fr. John & M. Clara Mancantelli Mac & Cheri McDeveitt Joseph & Kendall Muzik Chris & Krista Panoff Elizabeth Papas Katherine Pappas Fr. Paul & Pres. Stephanie Paris Fr. Timothy & Prez. Vicki Pavlatos Chris Perlmutter John & Patricia Poulos Jon & Erin Robertson David & Jean Shaffer Richard & Sophia Sly Steve & Beth Smith Eleni Sofos Ilyana & Kalin Stoeva

Mike &Penelope Teeny Steve & Katie Tussing Ann Vanikiotis

$99 AND BELOW John & Catherine Lingas TARGET Take Charge of Education Laura Seger George & Angeliki Anasis Argyro Apostolou Bobby & Maria Borisov John Boyer Jane & Theo Carandanis Daughters of Penelope Fr. Theodore & Pres. Stacey Dorrance Thomas & Nancy Doulis Sue George Janssen & Irene Hills Maur & Vicki Horton Sophia Kremidas Chris & Warissara Lekkas George & Elizabeth Lendaris Athena Paskill M. Connie Shank Fr Athanasius & Pres. Molly Shaw Mary Speros Pres. Effy Stephanopoulos Fr. Matthew & M. Theresa Tate Cindy Trumpower Gerasimos & Theodora Tsirimiagos Angie Anast Janice Anten Maria Boyer Elizabeth Franklin Katherine Karafotias Nicholas & Elaine Kontaxis Louise Kopp & Robert Hinz Merle Stathis Peter & Drage Bastrica Reg Leslie Andrew Lowrey James & Mary Nonus Angelos Sylleloglou Frances Williams Sophia Kriara

“With Grateful Hearts For All Thy Many Blessings”