GLENDALE—The Glendale Unified School District Board on May 16 announced that beginning in 2014, all schools will be closed on April 24 “out of respect for the large Armenian community in Glendale and La Crescenta.
“With this agreement on next year’s calendar, we are meeting the needs of our students, employees and community simultaneously,” said Board President Nayiri Nahabedian, who added that the decision accommodates the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
“This is truly an important milestone for the Armenian-Americans living in Glendale. I’d like to thank GTA and all the GUSD board members along with the administration for their mutual agreement in this matter,” said newly-elected Board member Dr. Armina Gharpetian.
“It is at this juncture that we, as a district, take a moment to honor those who perished in the first genocide of the 20th Century, and, in doing so, acknowledge the genocides which tragically followed in all corners of the world. Armenians, like so many other immigrants, have found refuge and hope in the United States,” said Board member Greg Krikorian.
The Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale welcomed the Glendale Unified School District announcement that it had reached an agreement with the Glendale Teachers Association on designating April 24, 2014 as a student free/non-work day.
“We commend the Glendale Unified School District and the Glendale Teachers Association on their willingness to support the desire of their students to properly pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide without having to be absent from classes,” stated ANCA-Glendale Chairman Berdj Karapetian.
The ANCA-Glendale Education Committee chairperson Hilma Balaian thanked the School Board members for their leadership and efforts to find a solution that addresses the needs of the students, community, employees, and administration.
Balaian added that a large number of students and employees have been absent or taken time off in the past when April 24 has fallen on an instructional day.
Karapetian encouraged community members to attend next week’s School Board meeting to express their appreciation to the Board members, administration, teachers, and other employees of the GUSD.
The ANCA-Glendale advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
This is great!! They should extend this local policy to other school districts also, such as LAUSD, BUSD, etc.
Conratulation to the SOUL of Genocide Victims in 24 April 1915,,Thank you Glendale Shool Board Members,,
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
A step in the right direction. I hope that the other States will follow suit in the near future.
Extremely ridiculous decision which will satisfy most of my ignorant compatriots’ emotional needs.
Congratulations to the GUSD for taking this important and significant step. Well done!