Dear Parents, Students, and Friends of Our School!
I warmly welcome you to the website of the Ukrainian Saturday School in New York. Our school is a place where the Ukrainian language is spoken naturally, traditions are lived through daily learning, and children feel that they are part of a large and vibrant Ukrainian community.
We work to ensure that every child not only studies the Ukrainian language, literature, history, and culture, but also grows with an understanding of their roots, dignity, and responsibility. In today’s world, preserving one’s identity is both a challenge and an opportunity — an opportunity to raise a generation that confidently speaks Ukrainian, knows its history, and carries Ukrainian values forward.
A school is always a shared endeavor. I am grateful to our teachers for their professionalism and the heart they put into every lesson; to our parents for their trust, support, and active involvement in school life; and to our students for the sincerity, curiosity, and inspiration they bring to the classroom every Saturday.
I invite you to join us — in learning, in celebrations, in meaningful initiatives, and in our daily work for the future. May our school be a warm place of connection with Ukraine for every family — here in New York.
With respect,
Ivan Makar, the Principal of Ukrainian Saturday School in New York
Ivan Makar, M.A., M.Ed. , has been the acting principal of the Ukrainian Studies School since 2010. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fordham University, as well as a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Psychology. Prior to joining New York University, he served as a dean at Columbia University in the roles of academic advisor, lecturer, mentor, student counselor, and career development consultant.
He currently holds the position of Adjunct Instructor at New York University (NYU), where he teaches courses in public speaking and communication. He is an active member of the Ukrainian-American university community, participates in International Monitoring of State Elections in Ukraine, and is a member of SUM (Ukrainian Youth Association) and a supporter of Plast. Ivan Makar served as a translator for the Ukrainian artistic gymnastics team at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA.
