English in Saint Demetrios Astoria School
The Saint Demetrios Astoria Parochial School system is a prime example of a successful ethnic educational movement started by immigrants to maintain their cultural identity while also integrating into American society. The system is comprised of a lower school, middle and high school, and an afternoon school, all under the Greek Orthodox Church. Many non-Greek’s may believe that Greek schools are more Greek than American insofar that only Greek is spoken in classes and there is a concentrated focus on Greek subject material over American subject matter. However, almost all the subjects that are offered at Saint Demetrios are taught in English and are the same as those offered in public schools, such as computer science, English, mathematics, music, physical education, science, and social studies; Greek subject matter and Greekness are complimentary to all this.
In the lower school students are more heavily emerged in Greekness. Beginning in kindergarten the children are taught Greek songs and dances. After kindergarten the students are taught about Greek Pride. The Saint Demetrios Lower School’s hallways are full of posters about Greek history as well as with short compositions by students about how they feel to be Greek-American. We can assume that the halls in the upper school are decorated similarly.
A posterboard at the Saint Demetrios Elementary School showing traditional Greek garb.
A flier on a posterboard at the Elementary School giving respect to those who fought in the Greek War of Independence.
Compositions by second grade students at Saint Demetrios Elementary School about why they are proud to be Greek-Americans.
In computer science the students learn how to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Google. Homework is assigned in English and topics vary depending on grade level. Beginning in the fourth grade students learn the basics of Microsoft word, like copy, paste, font manipulation (i.e. bolding, italicizing, underlining, font size and font), Google image search, and PowerPoint. In the fifth grade students learn how to manipulate page borders and make tables. In eight grade students spend more time with PowerPoint. In tenth grade students learn HTML programming and how to use Photoshop. Thus, students gain simple but important skills in using computer programs that they will use for the rest of their lives. Once again, all the assignments are in English. However, to compliment education in Greek heritage, many of the assignments are Greek themed. For example, in the fifth grade there is a Greek Flag and alphabet printout/handout in English discussing the history of the Greek alphabet and symbolism of the flag. Use of aids like this diminishes as the children progress in grade level (Tsividakis)84.
English classes are obviously taught in English. The middle and high school English Departments follow the common core standards and regents requirements of New York State. Classes in journalism and creative writing as well as public speaking are among the highlights of the classes offered. Like all school goers in America the students at Saint Demetrios learn the basics of English, like grammar, essay writing, vocabulary and spelling. As they grow older they write more essays and read more novels. They learn about famous writers like Shakespeare, Poe, Angelou and Hawthorne, among others as they read their books and poetry (Tsividakis)84.
Greek is the only course in the curriculum that is taught only in Greek. The Saint Demetrios Middle School and High School website has the curriculum for the Greek classes from fifth to twelfth grade. The curriculum is written in Greek and the classes are conducted in Greek. Students are taught Greek beginning in kindergarten and continuing through elementary school. But not all students pick up Greek easily. On a visit to the Saint Demetrios elementary school some of the second grade students new little or no Greek at all. Nonetheless, we can assume that these students become more fluent throughout grade school because Greek is taught until high school graduation. Moreover, based on the continued Greek lectures throughout high school we can assume they learn about Greek history and heritage and read Greek literature, . Thus, students put their knowledge of the Greek language and culture to use on a weekly basis, and should maintain bilingual proficiency (Tsividakis)84.
Like all other subjects besides Greek, the maths and sciences are also taught in English. In math students learn basic addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and for the more advanced students in high school, pre-calculus. The science courses include the standard state required earth science, biology and chemistry classes as well as physics, ecology, forensics, and medicine. The school also provides independent research opportunities (Tsividakis)84.
The music department at Saint Demetrios organizes an orchestra and ensemble that sings Greek music. A word document on the website contains the lyrics of the Greek songs in Greek that the orchestra performs. The orchestra does, however, perform some songs in English like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “My Sweet Lord,” and the “The Star Spangled Banner” (Tsividakis)84.
The social studies department provides the “probably…most in depth courses at Saint Demtrios”. Not surprisingly, these courses are also taught in English. However, what is surprising is that this department does not cover Greek history. Instead students learn about basic economics, the development of civilizations beginning with Mesopotamia, United States History, and European history. They offer these classes at the A.P. levels as well. This is not to say that they ignore Greek history; that is part of the Greek department’s responsibilities. However, these classes still probably make use of Greek history as a comparative learning device when teaching American history (Tsividakis)84.
For those families who cannot afford to send their children to Greek day school, or do not want to send their children to Greek day school, for whatever reasons, there is Greek afternoon school offered by the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Here children of all ages and levels are taught how to read and write the Greek language, Greek history, the Greek Orthodox religion and Greek culture. Students even receive lessons in Greek dancing. By offering afternoon school, children who do not attend the day school can still learn about their Greek heritage and become proud Greek-Americans (Tsividakis)84.
It is not surprising that almost all of the classes are taught in English considering most of the student body were not born in Greece, but instead were born in America. As a result the language the children are usually more fluent in growing up is in English. Therefore, the most efficient way to give these children an education is in the language to which they are most well exposed. Interestingly enough, almost all of the teachers employed by Saint Demetrios are of Greek descent.
Considering all this, even Americans can see that Saint Demetrios Greek schools are not Greek educational institution wherein only Greek is spoken and taught. Rather it is apparent that American education and Greek education are complimentary to each other. Students are taught the subjects mandated by the United States as well as Greek history and language, which are crucial in maintaining Greek identity. Students know how to speak English and Greek, and practice both languages even though most subjects are taught in English. But this is not to say that the halls of Saint Demetrios are without any sign of Greekness. Rather it is only to say that Greek school is at least equally American, if not more American, than the typical public school.
-Josh Libin
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