Established in 1963 by a group of Greek immigrants, A. Fantis Parochial School is now a diverse community open to children baptized in all Christian traditions. It has approximately 150 students pre-K 3 to eighth grade, including UPK. A. Fantis offers an education rooted in Hellenic culture and Christian teachings. It works to provide students with an education that paves the way for a smooth transition into high school. It has welcomed new principal Theodore Tasoulas to their facility. The school has also launched new after-school programs.
Tasoulas started as A. Fantis’s principal in July. In addition to mentoring teachers and utilizing technology to improve academic performance, school life for students is another top priority for Tasoulas. He’ll also visit other schools to learn best practices, and attend professional workshops.
“I’m a big proponent of making sure school is a fun and vibrant place to be,” Tasoulas says. “We’re always focused on the child and making sure they are excited to come to school every day.”
A. Fantis Parochial School added new after-school programs in September that cater to children’s interests, including robotics, computer coding, and cooking.
In addition, Tasoulas implemented a partnership this year with the Billion Oyster Project, a group that restores sustainable oyster populations in local waters. Middle school students have begun cultivating oysters inside the classroom under the guidance of the school’s science department chair. They will be monitoring the process over the next several years and then eventually harvesting the oysters. In June, they will present this year’s results to a team of scientists and other educators.
Tasoulas wants kids to learn outside the classroom too. Middle school students recently went on an overnight educational adventure in the Catskills where activities focused on applied science standards and outdoor skills.
In addition to providing religious instruction and outdoor learning experiences, Tasoulas and A. Fantis’s teachers work to prepare students for the 21st century. They do this by utilizing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) initiatives, using technology in classrooms, and getting students ready for high school by providing workshops, information sessions, application help, tutoring, and test prep.
“Our students have a history of going on to pretty much any high school in the city from the specialized to independent to Catholic,” Tasoulas says.
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Main image: A. Fantis Parochial School utilizes STEM initiatives, technology, and more to prepare its students for the work force.
Stephan Gilliam
