World Languages
Week of September 1st
Spanish Language and Culture (Mr. Fontalvo, Ms. Gonzalez)
¡Hola from Beginning Spanish Class!
What an exciting first week it has been in Spanish! Students jumped right in by learning our class expectations, getting to know me, and even practicing some useful commands and phrases in Spanish. Next week, we’ll keep building our routines while discovering the magic of cognates—words that look and sound similar in English and Spanish.
Homework reminder: Students brought home the Spanish class syllabus. Please take a moment to read it together, sign it, and send it back by Tuesday, September 2.
We’re off to a great start, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things our students will accomplish this year.
Spanish I (Mr. Donaldson, Ms. Cuffee)
Students in Spanish I will focus on reviewing material from Beginning Spanish. They will complete a graded review assignment in the Practice & Application (PA) category. The assignment, which was started the previous week, is due on Friday. For homework, students were required to access SpanishDict.com, where they will receive weekly assignments.
Spanish II (Ms. Wooten, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Henderson)
It's been a fantastic first week back in 8th grade Spanish class! We've been busy getting to know one another and establishing some norms for a productive and positive year ahead.
Supplies and First Assignment
By next Tuesday, all students need to have a 1 inch hard binder (and 5 dividers optional) that is JUST for Spanish class. We would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to families who contributed clorox wipes, markers, tissues, and other supplies from our amazon wish list. I am here as a resource if your student ever needs anything throughout the day- first aid supplies, feminine hygiene, academic supplies- and I appreciate you all helping to make that possible.
Also by Tuesday, students need to bring in their complete “SOY YO perfil” – a decorated IT’S ME profile, reviewing basic phrases from Spanish 1. We worked on this in class Friday. On Tuesday we will use this resource to have conversations with peers in Spanish to share basic information about ourselves. Ask your student to share the list of questions and see if your whole family can practice asking and answering them over the weekend (start with the paper and then gradually go without!). You access all materials on CANVAS.
Looking ahead to next week, we will complete a diagnostic, share our SOY YO profiles, and continue our review of key Spanish 1 level vocabulary while beginning to implement 90% use of target language (Spanish) in class.
Please don’t hesitate to email with questions!
Spanish Humanities, grade 6 (Ms. Balestra)
Last week we got to know each other a bit, we talked about class expectations, and students completed a reading comprehension assignment.
This week we will be writing short narratives about ourselves, comparing and contrasting our interests, likes and dislikes, with some of our classmates.
Please reach out to me if your student has expressed hesitation about this being the correct level for them in Spanish!
Please let me know if you are unable to provide your student with these class supplies:
- 1-inch 3-ring binder
- composition book
- pencil or pen
La semana pasada nos conocimos un poco, hablamos sobre las expectativas de la clase y los estudiantes completaron una tarea de comprensión de lectura. Esta semana estaremos escribiendo narrativas cortas sobre nosotros mismos, comparando y contrastando nuestros intereses, gustos y disgustos con algunos de nuestros compañeros de clase.¡Por favor, contáctenme si su estudiante ha expresado dudas sobre si este es el nivel adecuado para ellos en español! Por favor, háganme saber si no pueden conseguir estos útiles escolares:
- 1-inch 3-ring binder
- composition book
- lápiz o bolígrafo
French Language & Culture (Ms. Bullock, Mr. Almanza)
It's been a delight to get to know your child in the first week of introduction to French. Last week we spent some time getting to know each other and how our class will work. We even came up with a class agreement! This week students will begin learning the French alphabet as well as how to say/ask someone their name in French. Students learn best when they reinforce their skills. Encourage your child to practice what they have learned in class. It's even a great opportunity to learn some French yourself!
French I (Ms. Balestra, Mr. Osei)
Last week in French I we got to know each other a little bit and we reviewed subject pronouns. Friday we took our first Friday Formative on Subject Pronouns.
This week we will continue to review material, including high-frequency verbs: ETRE, AVOIR, FAIRE. We will also review telling time and date.
Please make sure your child has brought in a composition book and a 1-inch 3-ring binder. If you are unable to get these school supplies, please have your student tell us or feel free to send us an email.
Every Friday in French One there will be a Friday Formative. We will alternate this term between Writing and Listening, the two criteria that we are specifically working on this term. Students will take a total of 2 Formatives for each criterion and two formatives that combine the criteria. The Unit 1 Summatives will be on October 15 (Listening) and October 17 (Writing).
French II (Dr. Mbayu & Mr. Osei)
Mr. Osei:
Mr. Osei has taught French at Deal for 9 years. This year, he will teach French l & French ll. His hobbies are soccer and reading. He has been teaching French for the past 30 years. He is originally from Ghana.
Dr. Mbayu:
Dr. Frederick Mbayu has taught French at Deal for 25 years. He will teach French 2 this year. He is the lead for the France trip and coaches the Deal boys soccer team. His hobbies are watching soccer, playing soccer, coaching soccer, and traveling!
Chinese (Ms. Liang)
Grade 6
Grade 6 Chinese class last week focused on learning high-frequency words through their etymology. We learned basics about Chinese and the sound system - pinyin. We will have one formative assessment on pinyin next week.
Grade 7
Grade 7 Chinese classes last week worked on mastering vocabulary related to dates and key grammar concepts with focus on expressing their birthdays. We will have a formative assessment next week.
Grade 8
Grade 8 Chinese class explored vocabulary related to daily school life, focusing on language application in listening, speaking, reading, and writing—to ensure a well-rounded understanding in class. We will have a formative assessment next week.