World Languages
Week of May 4, 2026
Spanish Language and Culture (Mr. Fontalvo, Ms. Gonzalez)
Last week in Spanish class, students practiced conjugating regular verbs in the present tense, strengthening their understanding of how verbs change with different subjects.
Next week, students will complete their first writing formative assessment, where they will need to demonstrate mastery of -AR, -ER, and -IR verb conjugations. In addition, we will begin exploring irregular verb conjugations, continuing to build their confidence and accuracy in written Spanish.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s language learning journey!
Spanish I (Mr. Donaldson, Ms. Cuffee)
**The assignment turn-in deadline for the first half of Term 4 is Wednesday, May 13.**
In Week 4, students will focus on giving and evaluating advice for maintaining good health. They will also analyze a song where they will use their vocabulary knowledge to infer meanings and answer questions related to health. The practice activities will involve reviewing health advice and the correct use of vocabulary related to nutrition and well-being. The week concludes with a listening formative assessment (and for Sra. Cuffee’s classes only a PA writing activity related to food and health). For Sra. Cuffee: 8th grade students in Periods 2 and 6 will have until May 11 to make up 4PA3.CC on their own at home.
No homework this week.
The following graded assignments are included this week: 4FormA2.LL - Los hábitos y las opiniones Listening Formative. For Sra. Cuffee’s classes only, the week concludes with 4PA3.CC - Crucigrama de comida Classwork
Spanish II (Ms. Wooten, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Almanza)
Welcome back, intrepid 8th grade travelers! Towards the end of the week we picked up where we left off with La calaca alegre (the novel we started before spring break) reviewing the main characters and key plot points. Next week we'll continue with the book.
We are also entering the spring testing window: DC CAPE is coming up next week, with the STAMP exam close behind. Spanish 2 teachers will be preparing students for STAMP in class, but now is the perfect time to brush up on vocabulary at home and the best way to do that is to read! Come to class ready and prepared.
Spanish Humanities, grade 6 (Ms. Balestra)
We have been working on understanding the use of the accent mark in Spanish. We will continue to work on this until all students understand when and how to use it.
Last week we studied a few different poems, including Pablo Neruda's "Oda a los calcetines." We will be using Neruda's poem "Oda al tomate" to create an original poem as a final project this term. Pablo Neruda wrote several odes to mundane things. We are discussing these themes and the importance of elevating things that we consider to just be a part of everyday life.
Grammatically, we will take a deep dive into the preterit and imperfect tenses.
French Language & Culture (Ms. Bullock, Mr. Almanza)
This week we will be continuing unit 4: Mes activités. This week students will create a comic strip using invitation vocabulary. We will end the week by learning how to conjugate regular -er verbs which will unlock so many communicative opportunities! With CAPE testing, some students will have fewer French classes. Regardless, we will continue to learn and expand on what already know. Unit 4 will focus on writing and listening. Want some digital flashcards to make learning easier? Voilà
Madame Bullock's class: The allergies have ravaged our tissue supply! If you're willing and able to help our class with a box of tissues, our running noses would appreciate it! :)
What can we do at home?
Vocabulary is KEY to language learning. Students should be reviewing their vocabulary for at least 5 minutes every night. They are welcome to use this newly updated resource to support their learning.
French I (Ms. Balestra, Mr. Osei)
This past week we began work on the grammatical concept of demonstrative and interrogative adjectives. Next week we will continue our work with these adjectives, our vocabulary, and we will circle back to use of the passe compose.
Please remind your student to review the vocabulary daily. Students in Ms. Balestra's class can access activities specific to our unit through Canvas.
French II (Dr. Mbayu & Mr. Osei)
This week, students begin learning le futur simple (will do). They learn how to form future‑tense verbs and practice using them in short sentences.
✅ Student Goal: I can use “will” to talk about future plans in French.
Chinese (Ms. Liang)
G6
Last week, our Grade 6 students learned vocabulary related to body parts and practiced their speaking skills through interactive classroom activities. Students enjoyed using new phrases to describe people and participating in short dialogues.
Next week, we will shift our focus to reading and writing about body parts. Students will complete character recognition and sentence-building activities to strengthen their literacy skills in Chinese.
Please encourage your child to review their notes and vocabulary at home for extra practice!
G7
Last week, our Grade 7 students worked on their menu project and gave in-class presentations. Each student designed a creative and unique menu featuring Chinese dishes, using the vocabulary and sentence patterns we’ve learned in our food unit.
Next week, we’ll bring the project to life! Students will “order” dishes from their classmates’ restaurants, practicing functional conversation skills in a fun, immersive setting.
G8
Last week, our Grade 8 students focused on strengthening their reading, speaking, and listening skills in preparation for the upcoming STAMP test. In class, we watched the official STAMP introductory video and reviewed testing procedures to help students feel confident and ready.
Next week, we will conduct our final in-class review, with a special focus on test-taking strategies and scheduling.
Reminder: Please encourage students to study and review their notebooks at home to reinforce key vocabulary and grammar structures.
We’re proud of their progress and excited to see their growth on the STAMP assessment!