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Day 15 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. God's Law: "The Ark of the Covenant does not carry people, but it carries God and the blessings He has given His people. The Holy Theotokos is sometimes compared to the Ark of the Covenant, because she carries Jesus in her womb, bringing Him to His people." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree
Happy Thanksgiving from ASA’s Grammar 1!
Day 14 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. In the Wilderness: "God would miraculously take care of His people, but they complained anyway. The Israelites' journey helps us to understand our own journey: we struggle on our path, and even though God sends us blessings and miracles, we complain and forget to be grateful." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree #HappyThanksgiving
From all of us at ASA, Happy Thanksgiving!! “Life-giving and merciful Trinity, receive my thanksgiving for all Your goodness. Make us worthy of Your blessings, so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents You have entrusted to us, we may enter into the joy of our Lord, forever exulting in the shout of victory: Alleluia!” [Akathist of Thanksgiving: Glory to God for All Things]
Day 13 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Leaving Egypt: "Moses begged God to find a better spokesman, a more worthy prophet. He had a speech impediment and thought that no one would listen to him. But God wasn't looking for a slick salesman with a silver tongue: He was happy to be represented by an imperfect, stuttering man. When God works through us, it is God's strength and His grace that shine through, not ours." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree
Day 12 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. The Prophet Moses: "You may have noticed that the word for the basket baby Moses was placed in is 'ark,' just like the ark that Noah built. An ark is something that carries things safely--God made sure that an ark carried His good people safely through the Flood, and that an ark carried his Prophet Moses on the water. Later, we will see more arks, including the Ark of the Covenant and even the Holy Theotokos (who was the ark that carried Jesus safely)." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree
Join us in celebrating #givingTuesday! 💞 #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #montessorieducation
Day 11 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Jacob's Prophecy: "Judah has the 'expectation of the nations' because the whole world is waiting for its salvation, which will come through the line of Judah in the form of Jesus Christ. The lion who sleeps ('and who shall wake him?') is Jesus on Holy Saturday--the king who dies and goes to Hades. No one will wake him, because He is God and He will wake Himself up from death." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree
Matching and sorting activities form the foundation for a child’s understanding of more complex math concepts. They build the foundation for counting, addition, subtraction, and patterns!
Day 10 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Joseph & his Family: "Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sent as a slave into prison, and yet his time there allowed him to save his family and so many other people from a terrible death. The Fathers say that this is like Jesus Christ, who was betrayed and went into the prison of Hades, so that He could trample down death by death. Like Jesus, Joseph did not complain and forgave those who harmed him." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #JesseTree
Some of middle school girls came to the Grammar 1 class and gave an excellent presentation on the old kingdom of Aksum (modern day Ethiopia amongst parts of other countries). The ladies worked hard to include important information and the younger students learned a lot. Having older students teach younger students is important for both groups. Information needs to come from more than just the teacher.
Every week at ASA the students take an art class! This includes our Montessori kindergarten students! We believe art is an essential component of a well-rounded education!
Day 9 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today, Joseph Interprets Dreams! "God takes care of Joseph wherever he goes... God never abandons Joseph, even though sometimes it seems that very bad things are happening to him. #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 8 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today was the story of Joseph & the Coat of Many Colors. "The Church Fathers describe Joseph as being, in many ways, like Jesus. Both went into a pit--Joseph was thrown in the dark pit until the slave traders came, and Jesus was in the dark pit of Hades after His crucifixion." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 7 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today, we read about Jacob's Ladder. "The ladder is a wonderful way to think about the effort required of a Christian: it's not an easy jump up to heaven, but it's a path that requires climbing. As St. John Climacus said, 'no one can climb a ladder in one stride' (or step)." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 6 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today, we read about Jacob & Esau. "When Jacob receives the birthright and the blessing, he becomes the patriarch of a family line which God promises will bless the entire world. How? It will produce the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, who will deliver us from death." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #montessorieducation
In ASA’s Montessori, children match and order pictures and names regularly in many different ways. Matching and ordering are crucial in developing future reading and writing skills! #makingreadingandwritinghandson
Day 5 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today, we read about The Hospitality of Abraham. "The three men who visit Abraham & Sarah are sometimes called angels, but Abraham calls them 'Lord' because he understands that God is visiting him. When they speak, they speak as one. We understand that this is the Holy Trinity appearing as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Two of the middle school students (more to follow!) came to Grammar 1 and did a presentation on the Kingdom of Aksum. This kingdom existed where Ethiopia, part of Sudan, Yemen, and counties of the southern Saudi Arabian peninsula are now. It existed at the same time as the Roman/Byzantine Empire. It was exciting for the younger students to learn from our older students! #wherewearegoing #thefuture #learningaboutaksum
In ASA’s Montessori, children do puzzles to enhance their problem-solving skills, their fine motor skills, and their cognitive development. Puzzles are a great example of hands-on learning! They also encourage independent exploration. #handsonlearningfun
Day 4 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today is about Noah’s Ark. “We sometimes say that the Holy Church is like Noah’s ark—it is built according to God’s specific instructions so that we can be saved: He tells us to love one another, to fast and to pray, to receive the sacraments. We trust God and His Word, and God protects us inside our Holy Church from the storms outside.” #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 3 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today is the Fall of Mankind. "If God allowed them to eat from the tree of Life in their current state, their immaturity and misery would be permanent. Instead, God took pity on them and sent them out of the Garden, setting a flaming sword to guard the tree, so that they would mature and change before they ate of the tree of Life." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 2 of #WelcomingtheChristChild. Today, God creates people. "Why would Adam need company? Because he is made in the image of God, and God is love; God is a community of three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and Adam is created in God's image, so Adam is also created to be a part of a community of love." #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Day 1 of #WelcomingtheChristChild! For the next 40 days, we do daily readings that prepare us for the Feast of the Nativity. Today, God creates the world. “Because we are made in God’s image, we are like Him in many wonderful ways: we are capable of great love and of goodness; we are creative and free.” #asapdx #nativityfast #advent
Grammar 1 learned about St. Constantine today and created shields with the chi ro! #bringinghistorytolife #bringingfaithtolife
Grammar 2 students regularly spread out in the halls and read to each other. This gives them lots of practice in reading well, listening carefully, and helping each other reach higher. #readmorebooks #practicereading
Two of the middle school students (more to follow!) came to Grammar 1 and did a presentation on the Kingdom of Aksum. This kingdom existed where Ethiopia, part of Sudan, Yemen, and counties of the southern Saudi Arabian peninsula are now. It existed at the same time as the Roman/Byzantine Empire. It was exciting for the younger students to learn from our older students! #wherewearegoing #thefuture #learningaboutaksum
Happy birthday to our wonderful Grammar 2 teacher! May God grant you many years!
ASA’s Grammar 1 has been learning many fairy tales in literature and has also been doing biology in science. So, in a nice cross-curricular connection, they have been growing beanstalks! We learned that our beanstalks were definitely not as strong as Jack’s in *Jack and the Beanstalk* nor did they grow as fast! However, it’s been fun to watch them grow, and see the roots as we transplanted them. #subjectintegration #buildingcrosscurricularconnection
In ASA’s Montessori, the children practice writing a lot. They do it in fun ways, where they can copy words they see and like from around the room. #dressupdays
We've been fully enjoying the gorgeous sunny fall days that give us a break from the rainy days! The Montessori students love playing in the beautiful leaves, identifying the different colors, and making patterns with the leaves. #asapdx #montessorieducation
Yesterday was ASA Pizza Day and we invited our local clergy to join us! Students, staff, and clergy alike were delighted to enjoy a fun lunch together! At ASA we highly value deepening the relationships throughout our local Pan-Orthodox community. #asapdx #pizzaday #panorthodox #montessorieducation #classicaleducation #orthodoxschool
Last Thursday was one of our monthly dress-up days! The students (and staff) could dress up as a Saint or an animal! It was so much fun! #buildingcommunity
Agia Sophia Academy's Open House is this Thursday 11/7 from 5-7pm! Know someone with school-age children who may be interested in learning what ASA has to offer? Invite them to come & see! #asapdx #montessorieducation #classicaleducation #orthodoxschool #openhouse
Come join us this evening for food, fun, and fellowship!! #asapdx #panorthodoxschool
When one of our younger staff members offers to help train our more experienced staff on a newer computer program, we are grateful! We are always learning at ASA! We try to pass that joy in learning new things on to our students! #workingtogether #weareateam
Today was ASA’s first “Tunes Tuesday” of this school year! Our music teacher leads the students (and any parents who join us) in greeting the day with lots of fun songs! We do this on the last Tuesday of every month! #formingcommunity
Last Thursday, ASA took a field trip to the site of our future new school and the site of St. John’s future new parish. We attended Liturgy in the converted barn, and then explored the beautiful forested property!
Montessori math works to build a bridge between the physical and the abstract. Children are encouraged—through the use of hands-on materials—to develop a broader understanding of what a number represents in the physical world. #handsonlearning #handsonlearningisthebest
Three days a week, our students take music. Here, our Grammar 1 is learning to play notes on instruments!
Every Tuesday the school has library time. The Montessori students also get a special story read by the librarian!
Games are a great way to learn and practice math facts! And, it is fun to have the middle school students help the younger students practice. It is good for the younger students, who get to work with the older students in community. It is also good for the middle school students, who not only cement in their own knowledge of math facts, but get to take on important responsibilities with the younger children.
ASA’s Grammar 1 is learning about the olden days, as well as studying fairy tales. As part of this, they were able to grind wheat into flour. They got to use both a stone mortar and pestle, as well as a somewhat more modern grain grinder. They also invited some of the older students to give it a try! Being able to try tasks like these allows the students to more deeply understand the stories and the history they are doing. It’s also a lot of fun! #handsonlearning #handicrafts
Last Thursday, we had our Passport to ASA night! Parents, family, and friends came to our school to see what we do! They were able to look at work, play some of our math games, chat, and generally get to know our school! It was a lot of fun! We think highly of our school and what it has to offer, so we love sharing it with others! Come and see!
Every month we have a fire drill at ASA. We’ve never had an actual fire (thank God), but we do practice regularly just in case. It was nice to get out on such a lovely day! (Those become rarer in Oregon at this time of year!) #safetyalwaysً
While there are certainly moments when we wish we had a bigger playground, overall we notice that our students are extremely creative in their play. They build forts, play soccer, toss footballs, run “restaurants” with dirt and leaf “food,” teach themselves jump rope, bounce balls, play four square and many other activities. You’d literally never know they were lacking a thing. In fact, we often think that maybe it is exactly because they don’t have a planned out playground (by an adult) that the students are so very creative and innovative! #creativeplay #CreativePlayground
In Montessori, children arrange circles by size. Arranging and manipulating circles (and similar materials) not only develops their cognitive skills, but also enhances their problem-solving abilities. Children will compare and contrast the circles, grouping like circles together and also arranging them by size. #learningspatialawareness #developingconceptsofsize
This last week, ASA’s students were blessed to have Father Matthew come and teach them during faith time. Each week, in addition to their regular faith studies, we have someone from the Church in to teach the students!
ASA’s Grammar 1 students work hard to practice their heart words (spelling) in interesting and fun ways! We use stamps and pads, magnetic letters, and many other hands-on ways of learning! It was a dress-up day, so we have a few princesses working hard! 😊 #dailyfive
Yesterday was a special dress-up day at ASA. We have special days once a month. Students (and staff) could dress up as a fairy tale character, or as a character from a book they’ve read in class this year. Grammar 2 students mostly dressed as characters from *The Tale of Despereaux,* which is a book they are reading in class. Other students tended to dress as fairy tale characters, although we also had a Hobbit lady, Hermione, and King Edmond from *The Chronicles of Narnia.* Some staff dressed as a cat from a fairy tale, Cinderella (before she got her prince!) and Gretel (from the fairy tale). It was a lot of fun!
In ASA’s Montessori, children begin to learn to tell time! It is so important to learn beginning with an analog clock and then moving to digital. This teaches students to better understand what time means.
These Montessori students are proud of the classification work they did! Could you match each animal to its continent?
One of the most important basic math skills to learn is how to partition 10. (The combinations that make 10.) It is integral to understanding math that follows. Here, some of ASA’s Grammar 1 is practicing both how to make tally marks and how to partition 10. They are using “tally sticks” (popsicle sticks) to create their combinations. #partitioningten
Today was ASA picture day! We had some lovely smiles!
⛳The Greek Open is next week (Tue 9/24)! Golfers, we still have a few spots left, so be sure to register today. And non-golfers, please join us for our famously delicious Greek dinner! Invite your friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you can think of...all are welcome to join in supporting Agia Sophia Academy! |www.greekopen.com| #asapdx #greekopen #fundraiser #education #orthodoxschool
ASA’s middle school class and Grammar 1 class did their MAP testing this week. We use such standardized tests as only *one* data point among many. We tell the children that the tests are for their teachers, because they are! They are used to inform teachers of additional ways to help the students grow. In fact, the testing is so peaceful that almost the entire Grammar 1 class voted afterward that taking their tests was fun! 😊 #noanxietytesting
Do you have a homeschool student in 5th-8th grade? We offer "a la carte" courses for your student at ASA! Visit our site for more information on each of the courses offered! |www.asapdx.org/middle-school| Questions? Reach out to our secretary, Ms. Liz, at info@asapdx.org! #asapdx #orthodoxeducation #classicaleducation #montessorieducation #classicalwithaheart #homeschooling #middleschoolers
In ASA’s Montessori, we learn to write our numbers. High expectations create high results!
Do you think learning grammar is a lost art? It isn’t at ASA! We teach grammar and mechanics (e.g. punctuation and the technical aspects of writing). Here, ASA’s Grammar 2 is learning about alphabetical order!
In less than 2 weeks, ASA will hold its 28th Annual Greek Open Golf Tournament & Dinner! There is still time to register and we would love have you join us for golfing, dinner, or both! Visit our website for more information: www.greekopen.com. #asapdx #orthodoxeducation #classicaleducation #montessorieducation #fundraiser #golfing
Every Tuesday is library day at ASA. For our Montessori class, that means listening to the librarian read a number of great stories. For all other classes, it is listening to stories in addition to checking out books! #importanceofreading
At the end of each school day, all the students and faculty gather in the North Fellowship hall to sing the school song. Then, it’s off to home and rest until the next school day! Our song is “At the Midpoint of the Feast.”
Math games help solidify math facts in a fun way! Children practice their math facts regularly, help each other with the facts, and also have a lot of fun! Here, each Grammar 1 older student is paired with a younger student to play “Math War.” The only change from the standard card game “War” is that the students put down two cards at a time and add them together. #gamification #mathfun
ASA’s Grammar 2 is building muscle at PE! Push-ups for everyone! #buildingstamina #growinginstrength
All-natural building blocks are fun, environmentally friendly, and help children to think more deeply since they are irregularly shaped. The angles don’t just naturally go together. They are different thicknesses and shapes. So, children have to be inventive! This kind of “block” can be more challenging, but is also a lot of fun!
ASA’s Grammar 1 class enjoys various “brain breaks” throughout the day. Research shows that regular 5-10 minute breaks during the day actually increase learning and retention! We’re off to a great start!
Today, Fr. Matthew blessed ASA. We all joined him in song and walked the school as Fr. Matthew blessed it. Then, each student and staff member received an individual blessing. May the year be blessed!
Yesterday, ASA held its Beginning-of-the-year Popsicle and Cookie Social! It was fun to get together! It is always so exciting to have a brand new school year just over the horizon. There is so much promise and so much potential!
It was the night before the first day… And, all the teachers were stirring, late into the night, to make their classrooms cheery and bright! Welcome back to school!
💡Staff Spotlight: School Secretary💡 Mrs. Liz Handy grew up in a Christian, homeschooling, military family and had the opportunity to live all over the U.S., as well as South Korea. In 2009, she moved to Oregon to finish college and also met her husband, Shawn, during that time. They got married In 2012 and now have two young children, Liam and Lucia, who are both in the Montessori class at ASA! After being baptized into the Orthodox faith in June 2022, their desire to align their lives with the life of the church only grew. When Liz discovered that there was an Orthodox school her children could attend and also a job opening for herself, she was thrilled about the opportunity. She joined the ASA family in November 2023 and it has been an immense blessing to her family. She looks forward to continuing to form deeper connections with the students, families, and staff, and is honored and excited to be part of this ministry. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #classicalwithaheart #montessorieducation #schooladmin #schoolsecretary #asastaffspotlight
Bishop Irenei has a powerful message to share in this 10 minute video about the importance of Orthodox education for our children. Please take a moment to watch and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! *LINK IN BIO* #asapdx #orthodoxschool #orthodoxeducation #classicaleducation #montessorieducation
ASA’s new Middle School (we begin our second year in September) offers a wonderful medley of excellent classical studies that bring real joy into learning. In addition to our all-day program, we also offer individual classes for middle-school homeschoolers. Come check us out! It is our goal to offer the best education, but even more importantly, the best learning environment which honors God. This is the school we want our own children and grandchildren attending! Read all about it at asapdx.org
Learning about continuous and repeating patterns is far more memorable when using geoboards and geobands (e.g. rubber bands). We build the patterns, we grow them, and we try very hard not to send the geobands accidentally flying across the room! (Yes, it happens, but that’s part of the joy of using real objects to deeply understand math concepts!) #handsonlearning #handsonisbest
💡Staff Spotlight: Greek Teacher💡 Katherine, a native Portlander, is a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from Lewis & Clark College and has a certificate in school librarianship. She has taught both Sunday School and Greek School at Holy Trinity. Katherine enjoys volunteering, reading (especially historical fiction and biographies), and learning and sharing the Greek culture with others. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #classicalwithaheart #montessorieducation #greekclass #asastaffspotlight
ASA is unabashedly Orthodox Christian. However, we welcome students of other faiths, and we not only permit—but encourage—respectful dialogue and good questions. Weekly, students have the opportunity to engage on important Christian topics with knowledgeable church representatives. Here, they are meeting with St. John’s Director of Youth and Family Ministries. We want our students to ask questions and truly make their faith their own. ASA hopes to help develop strong, well-educated, deep thinking adults!
As we prepare to enter into a new school year, we want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our Gala guests, donors, and sponsors. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise more than $60,000 in support of Agia Sophia Academy! #asapdx #classicaleducation #montessorieducation #orthodoxchristianschool #asagala #20thanniversary
Art is important! Studies have repeatedly shown that participation in producing and appreciating art improves participants’ emotional states, promoting physical and psychological well-being. Art lowers stress, improves memory, and helps students feel more socially connected. And, of course, it is fun! It is even more fun when it’s messy! ASA provides weekly art lessons!
It is fine to tell children that bones would be soft and floppy without calcium. However, it is much more effective to show them! ASA’s Grammar 1 class did the famous chicken-bone-in-vinegar-experiment. Vinegar is a mild acid, which dissolves the calcium in the chicken bone. Over time, the bone becomes rubbery, soft, and very bendable! Eat your dark green vegetables!
The Montessori class practices creating CVC (consonant-Vowel-Consonant ) words using special letters that they cannot only see, but also touch and manipulate, The more we can involve all of a child’s senses, the more they will internalize and remember!
Early Bird pricing for our 28th annual Greek Open is only available until 8/24/24! Go snag your tickets today! | www.greekopen.com (link in bio)
💡Staff Spotlight: Librarian💡 Lisa was born and raised in Southern California. After high school, she moved to Oregon to attend Oregon State University on a Naval R.O.T.C. scholarship. Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree and a commission in the U.S. Navy. She served on active duty as a Naval Officer for 8 years. Since leaving the military, Lisa has earned a master’s degree in business administration and a masters of arts in teaching. She currently spends her time volunteering at local schools and non-profit organizations in order to support the growth and success of future generations. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #classicalwithaheart #montessorieducation #schoollibrary #librarian #books #reading #asastaffspotlight
Oh yes we did! If you’re studying biology and body systems, you simply must examine chicken hearts and livers to see how they are the same and how they are different from similar human parts! And, of course you glove up and take the whole business very seriously! ASA’s Grammar 1 had a great time being scientists this year!
💡Staff Spotlight: PE & Music Teacher💡 Mrs. Mary Northend was born and raised in Southern California to parents who immigrated from the Philippines after WW2. She has been working with children in the YMCA, Girl and Boy Scouts, and city recreation agencies her whole life. A graduate of the University of the Pacific (Stockton CA) in 1982 she holds a specialized degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and Music. Throughout her career she has taught in a variety of parochial and public schools as well as coached a variety of sports. Mary has directed and sung in many church choirs, praise bands and choral groups as well as played flute in college, church, and community orchestras. “I believe music and movement provides a unique experience in the world around us and thus, a unique contribution to intellectual as well as the physical and spiritual development. Music provides peak meaningful experiences that help to create excited learners.” She and her retired Lutheran Pastor husband of 40 years relocated to Beaverton from California to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law (Matt and Danica Sheean) and 5 grandchildren, who are members of St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Mary began teaching PE & Music at ASA in January of 2022 and feels it’s a privilege and a blessing to have the opportunity to teach at Agia Sophia Academy. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #classicalwithaheart #montessorieducation #musiceducation #physicaleducation #PE #music #asastaffspotlight
When studying science, it is imperative to use real world examples and not just rely on worksheets or drawings in a book. When our Montessori students studied the parts of a flower, their teachers brought in real flowers for them to examine! #handsonlearning
In ASA’s Montessori class, students learn science! Here, they are studying the parts of a flower. Learning about, and identifying, the world around them and how it works is a very important part of the Classical grammar stage!
The Montessori class learns geography! It is important, because it allows children to understand their world better and their place in it! Children learn to care for the world and to feel more connected to the many people around the world. #geography
💡Staff Spotlight: Montessori & Art Teacher💡 Mrs. Perussi was born in Romania. She has been surrounded by art since her childhood. She has a degree in painting with a minor in teaching art from the University of Fine Arts in Bucharest. Soon after receiving her degree she came to green and beautiful Oregon. She started teaching art class in 2008 while her son was attending ASA. She loves teaching at Agia Sophia Academy where the education of children is addressed academically, emotionally and spiritually. She feels privileged to be part of such a wonderful community. Over the years Mrs. Perussi has painted icons for her church and parishioners and worked as an assistant iconographer on religious murals at the two Romanian Orthodox churches in Portland. Currently she continues to challenge herself with new art projects. She also enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with family. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #classicalwithaheart #artclass #asastaffspotlight #montessorieducation
Tracing shapes is an important activity for young children in our Montessori class. It helps to prepare them for writing letters and numbers. After all, when you look at letters and numbers, you notice that they are made up from shapes!
ASA’s Grammar 1 class is marching around the walls of Jericho and blowing their trumpets! The Grammar 1 and Grammar 2 classes often make Biblical stories more memorable by acting them out. Not only does it increase retention, but it is a lot of fun!
ASA’s 20th anniversary was this past school year! On our name day, each class helped to prepare for the celebration. The Middle School made Prosphora to use in Liturgy. Grammar 2 made decorations. Grammar 1 made Artoklasia, a special sweet bread passed out at the end of Liturgy. The Montessori decorated the icon frame with flowers! #manyhandsmakelightwork
At the end of the school year, ASA was visited by The Reptile Man. The students had a ball meeting, touching, and holding the various reptiles! Thanks to PTP (Parent and Teacher Partnership) for such a fun and informative assembly!
Puzzles help children to enhance problem-solving skills, build hand-eye coordination, and strengthen cognitive and memory skills. Our Montessori class loves doing puzzles!
💡Staff Spotlight: Middle School Teacher💡 Mr. Taran Schwartz was born in San Diego, CA, but raised in Newberg, OR. He holds a BA with a double major in Theology and Philosophy, and a concentration in the History and Philosophy of Science, from the University of Dallas (2014). He completed the MAT from the University of Portland in 2018, and has since taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade (all subjects, multi-age), 5th grade (all subjects), and 6th and 8th grade history. He was received into the Orthodox Church at St. John’s in 2018, having found the truth he had been looking for. He strongly believes that Orthodox education is a necessity rather than a luxury: education is growth, and growth needs a goal. It is Mr. Schwartz’s goal to help students grow toward Christ through goodness, truth, and beauty, both through their studies and interactions at school, and throughout their lives. He is excited to be able to be part of building up Orthodox education at Agia Sophia as a place where that can be done in fullness. #asapdx #orthodoxschool #classicaleducation #middleschool #classicalwithaheart #asastaffspotlight
At ASA, we write regularly in our journals, in cards, and in essays. We do friendly letter writing, 3-pt and 5-pt paragraphs, narrations, copy work, dictation, rewriting and more! Why do we write so much? Because practicing writing makes good writers! Each time a child writes, he or she builds the stamina to write more and learns to express him or herself better. Writing lives on beyond us to those who come later. It empowers us to share our thoughts and to speak to others we may never even see. It helps us to organize our thoughts and express them! At ASA we are writers! #importanceofwriting
As the year drew to a close, ASA's Grammar 1 class was beginning to learn about animal classification in science. Every child received a number of cards showing an animal or an animal trait. Then, it was each child's job (after having a short lesson on it) to sort the cards appropriately. Afterward, the class went over the board looking for (and correcting) any mistakes. (And, yes, the class also began to discuss the many other classifications that exist in biology!) #interactiveisbest
In ASA’s Montessori class, students practice cursive regularly in order to become familiar with it. It is also taught systematically in Grammar 1 and Grammar 2. Despite what you may have heard generally about schools in the U.S. failing to teach cursive, that is not the case here! ASA believes in learning cursive! #cursivewriting
Every month, our Grammar 1 students create their own calendar to take home and use. While creating the calendar, students learn calendar conventions, get number-writing practice, create a pattern, and get to create a craft piece up top! Students look forward to making their monthly calendar to hang on their fridge or wall!
For the second year in a row, ASA had the joy of hosting a bird family! The parents seem to like building a nest behind our recess shed in the coiled up hose. It was exciting to surreptitiously observe the babies as they hatched and grew!
Another unsolicited student review of ASA! Come check us out! Our students love school and love to learn! #joyinlearning
Did you know? We broke ground on our new church and school site this last June! His Eminence Gerasimos was thrilled to bless the land. Our own principal, Christina Blankenstein, used a golden shovel to break ground! Our hope is to be far enough along in the process to move to the new land in Fall of 2025! #manyblessings #thankful
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Parent Teacher Partnership (PTP)

Parent involvement is vital to the operation of ASA and keeping tuition rates as reasonable as possible. When parents enroll their children at ASA, they commit to volunteer 20 hours of their time to the school each year (10 hours for parents of half-day students).

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“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

~ Elizabeth Andrew

The Parent-Teacher Partnership (PTP) is the parent organization that interfaces with the school teachers and coordinates many of the volunteer efforts of the parents.

PTP Bylaws

Parents, Grandparents, Godparents, and other adult family members can help reach your family’s volunteer hour commitments.


One easy way is by signing up for lunch duty*.


*Background check required once every 3 years to volunteer on campus

Submit a Background Check Lunch Duty

PTP Positions:

  • PTP President

    Leader of the PTP Board who acts as a liaison for the Teachers & Administrators, coordinate and lead PTP Meetings, communicate with parents regarding PTP matters.


    ptp@asapdx.org

  • PTP Vice President

    Assists the PTP President as well helps with a variety of fundraising and hospitality projects that need support.


    ptpvicepresident@asapdx.org

  • Secretary

    Drafts meeting agendas, takes minutes during meetings, tracks Family Share Hours and communicates with parents regarding PTP matters.


    ptpsecretary@asapdx.org

  • Treasurer

    Responsible for maintaining the PTP financial accounts, tracking Family Fundraising requirements and reporting financials at PTP meeting & Town Halls.


    ptptreasurer@asapdx.org

  • Hospitality Coordinator

    This committee provides refreshments for each ASA event including our school programs, open houses and back to school events, as well as our teacher appreciation week. Coordinate all events run by or hospitality provided by PTP, ensuring parents assigned to help from set up to clean up.


    ptppevents@asapdx.org

  • Fundraising Coordinator

    The fundraising committee manages our seasonal fundraisers and the scrip program. Our fundraisers have included fundraisers like Chinook Books, Poinsettias and hanging Flower Baskets. The scrip program is a year long program that allows families to purchase gift cards and certificates for local stores and restaurants at face value with a percentage benefiting the school. Research and oversees fundraisers (such as candy sales, dine-outs, flower baskets), touching base with individual event coordinators to make sure they understand and follow our “Fundraising Guidelines” and providing support when needed.


    ptpfundraising@asapdx.org

Ways PTP Fundraising benefits ASA students:

Contributed to  the Tuition Assistance Fund.

Provide Refreshments & Hospitality at School Events.

Acquired New Orthodox Children's Books for the Library.

Funded School Field Trips & Special Presentations like the Reptile Man.

Purchase or replace the school's student laptops.

Spoiled the Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Supplied entertaining Recess Equipment.

And so much more ...

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