World Languages

Spanish Language and Culture (Mr. Fontalvo, Ms. Gonzalez)

Last week, students expanded their vocabulary by learning about classroom objects and how to express what they need and don’t need for their different classes. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, they also explored traditional Hispanic dances, listened to music, and even had the opportunity to learn a few dance steps!

Next week, students will take both a listening and a writing summative assessment. Families are encouraged to help students review vocabulary related to school subjects, adjectives, classroom objects, and self-introduction phrases.

Spanish I (Mr. Donaldson, Ms. Cuffee)

Looking ahead to Week 8, students will have SpanishDict.com homework on giving directions, the verb venir, and colors. Please note that there will be no school on Monday, October 14, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. On Tuesday, Profe. Donaldson's students will complete a writing formative on giving directions, followed by a writing summative on directions on Wednesday. Sra. Cuffee's scholars will take the formative on Thursday and the summative on Friday. The final two IB assessments for the term will take place this week. The rest of the week will focus on practicing directions.

To retake a summative in which a student scored 69% or below, they must complete a summative retake review. All retakes and makeup assignments must be scheduled in advance. For Profe. Donaldson, students can use the form at the top of his Canvas page. For Sra. Cuffee, students must message her via Canvas inbox and use the format/template provided on her Canvas page.

Spanish II (Ms. Wooten, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Almanza)

This week, we wrapped up Chapter 3 of our novel Esperanza. Next week, we’ll continue with Chapter 4, followed by our second summative assessment of the first advisory, which is currently scheduled for the end of the week. As we approach the end of the advisory, please be sure to check Aspen for updated grades. Have a great weekend!

our reading summative is Thursday October 16th. Please make sure you know ALL of the terms from your dictionary. You may also study this list in quizlet or this gamified review here.

Spanish Humanities, grade 6 (Ms. Balestra)

Last week students worked in small groups to research a Spanish speaking country. They were focused on learning about quality of life, the education system, and what childhood is like there.

Next week students will take two Summatives. On Wednesday, the Summative will focus on Analyzing data. On Friday, the Summative will focus on Producing Text. Friday's Summative will include many stem changing verbs!

Spanish Humanities, grade 7 (Ms. Henderson)

Students in 7th Grade Humanities have wrapped up their written descriptions of their collages. Owing to the short week, we haven't yet begun our next unit, but we are using this time to do valuable work on grammar and spelling to help everyone better understand and express their ideas. Next week, we’ll begin Lazarillo de Tormes. As we near the end of the advisory, please be sure to keep an eye on Aspen and reach out with any questions or concerns. Have a lovely long weekend!

Los estudiantes de Humanidades de 7.º grado han terminado las descripciones escritas de sus collages. Debido a la semana corta, aún no hemos comenzado nuestra próxima unidad, pero estamos aprovechando este tiempo para trabajar aspectos importantes de gramática y ortografía, con el fin de que todos puedan comprender y expresar mejor sus ideas. La próxima semana comenzaremos con Lazarillo de Tormes. A medida que se acerca el final del período, no olviden revisar Aspen con frecuencia y comunicarse si tienen alguna duda o inquietud. ¡Que tengan un excelente fin de semana largo!

Spanish Humanities, grade 8 (Ms. Wooten)

This week students worked on their summative assignment to write a poem using figurative language to further explore the connection between the languages they speak and their identities. BY TUESDAY, students need to submit on canvas the first draft of the poem, accompanied by a paragraph describing the use of figurative language and why they made those choices in the poem. If your student feels lost or lacking ideas, please remind them to look at the padlet linked on the assignment- there are a number of sample poems, sentence starters, and other poems to help spark ideas! Next week, I will give students feedback on their poems and they will need to revise them to submit in their final portfolio. We will also read a poem "nos gustaría que sepan" and begin their final poem (written in a group), in which they choose la voz poética and their intended audience and write a message together about what they would like this audience to know about their chosen group. We are working towards our end of advisory poetry reading and celebration October 29. You are invited to send in food or treats that day to share!

French Language & Culture (Ms. Bullock, Mr. Almanza)

We hope you were able to enjoy the well-deserved long weekend! We have been learning a lot in intro to French and now it's time to show off! This week students will be learning to give their opinions about their school day. From there students will be completing their writing and listening formative. The best way to review for these assessments is to practice our vocab. When students know the vocab they'll find writing and listening so much easier!

Homework for French includes studying our vocabulary every night—a little study every day makes students stronger language learners! Students can (and should) access study materials on Canvas or they can use their reference sheet.

French I (Ms. Balestra, Mr. Osei)

Last week in French One we learned how to give directions to a location. We continued our work with contractions, where students saw the importance of memorizing the gender of the noun. Next week students will show their mastery of the material. Our Summatives (writing and listening) will be on Wednesday, October 15th.

French II (Dr. Mbayu & Mr. Osei)

Students compared past childhood activities using the imparfait and passé composé. They learned childhood vocabulary, listened to French teens’ memories, and wrote “Quand j’étais petit(e)…” paragraphs. Class discussions encouraged sharing memories and comparing cultural experiences. Reflection targeted strategies for choosing between the two past tenses.

Chinese (Ms. Liang)

Grade 6

Last week our students had an in-class formative assessment about greetings and dates. We sang songs and had a class party - making mooncakes to celebrate mid-autumn festival. We started learning lesson 3 School Supplies and learned new characters through etymology. Next week we will continue learning Lesson 3.2 School Supplies. We are excited to see their progress as they build their foundational communication skills in Chinese.

Grade 7

Last week our students had an oral summative assessment and described their daily schedules and had a written summative assessment on Lesson II Time and Activities. We had a class party - making mooncakes to celebrate mid-autumn festival. We started learning Lesson 3 My house. Next week we will continue to learn L3.2-5. We are excited to see their progress as they build their speaking and writing skills in Chinese.

Grade 8

Last week our students continued exploring how to describe popular cities in China, plan vacation itineraries, decide activities for summer breaks and explain why. Students will prepare for the speaking summative assessment on Dream China Trip project next week. Students will share their Taiwan trip project to the class this Tuesday. And we will have one written summative assessment next Friday. We are excited to see their progress as they build their presentational speaking skills in Chinese.