French Students learn about the French diet
and how to celebrate different occasions
Mme Sylvestre's French 2 students completed in November, a unit on the
French meal. They worked on a 3 stage performance assessment where they
needed to develop a menu, create an invitation and bring in a part of
an authentic French meal. Invitations were displayed on the bulletin
board outside of Mme Sylvestre's classroom and the meal took place on
November 4th . Students learned that there are a variety of occasions
that the French have in which they celebrate in the form of a dinner.
They also learned that the French eat differently than the American
people.
Germany Exchange Program
Frau Fromhein held an initial planning meeting for our German exchange
program. The turnout was incredible. If you are interested in
experiencing Germany this summer, see her soon as space is filling up
fast.
Frau Fromheim started our exchange program, German-American Partnership
Program (GAPP), in 1992 with great success. Though the program has been
idle since 9/11, she and her students are off to Germany again this
year. Ledyard's program is the only one in the state of Connecituct and
we hold special status nationwide as our partner school is in former
East Germany!
Germany is a majoy player in the political and business world today, and
is a leader in the strengthening European Union. We are blessed to have
this opportunity for Ledyard youth to both learn from and teach
Germans. The understandings and connections our students will make will
last a lifetime. Priceless!
French 3 Students Create Fashion Magazine Advertisements
French 3 students while working on a chapter dealing with fashion,
paying and responding to compliments and identifying people and things
came up with their own fashion magazine advertisement.
Spanish Students View Latino Art
In November Spanish II students had the unique opportunity to view a
special collection of art at Mystic Arts Center. The exibit was called
Latin Views 2004 and was put together by the Latin Network for the
Visual Arts (LNVA) in conjuction with the Griffis Art Center and Mystic
Arts Center.
LNVA is the largest Latin art group in southeastern Connecituct and it
happends to be based right here in Ledyard. LNVA is dedicated to
developing a public awares of Latin art and to offering educational and
community programs that expand its impact. LNVA was generous enough to
offer this opportunity to LHS students at no cost and we are very
thankful.
The exhibit featured seventeen artists from nine Latin American
countires. A guided tour by one of the artists himself helped make the
occation more meaningful and connected. Students described their
favorite piece to the group in Spanish and wrote about it in their
journals.
The trip will be followed up with both in-class interpretation of art
(in Spanish of course) and a visti to the most famous Latin American art
museum, El Museo del Barrio in Spanish Harlem.
Many students are may be doing in Spanish what they have yet to do in
English. We are all amazed and proud.
Ledyard Students Meet Author
Renée Roth-Hano, author of the book, Touch Wood, came to Ledyard High
School, Tuesday, November 16. Arranged through the Resource Center for
the Teaching of French at Yale University, Ledyard French teacher, Renée
M. Sylvestre made a request for Mrs. Roth-Hano to speak to Ledyard High
School Students. As this was a wonderful interdisciplinary occasion,
not only French students but German students, Modern Europe students and
AP US History students were given the opportunity to hear Mrs.
Roth-Hano speak. The book, Touch Wood is the author's personal
experience of her life in France occupied by the Nazis during a 5 year
period, 1940-1944. Mrs. Roth-Hano spoke of her feelings as a young,
nine-year old Jewish girl as her family was forced to flee a luxury
apartment in Alsace and move to a cramped bare-bones apartment in Paris.
She spoke of the rise of anti-Semitism, along with the hardships that
Jews especially, had to endure during this time-period. Her mother
frequently used the French expression <>
which means touch wood and is similar to the American expression "Knock
on Wood". How interesting that the literal meaning of the French
expression refers to touching the wood of the cross on which Jesus died.
It seems odd that a Jewish woman would use this expression frequently.
It just goes to show how expressions infiltrate our cultures.
After a presentation of approximately 1 hour, Mrs. Roth-Hano entertained
questions from the audience to allow even further understanding of that
very difficult period of time. Joining Mrs. Roth-Hano was Mireille
Déchelette, director of the Resource Center at Yale.
El Dia de los Muertos
On November 1st Spanish students experienced the Day of the Dead as
celebrated in Mexico. This is a happy occasion to remember the unique
things that lost loved ones shared with others while alive. Food and
other offerings are left for the dead in hopes that their souls will
return for a night to enjoy.
Students paid homage to the likes of Babe Ruth, Dr. Seuss, Tom and
Jerry, etc. Each was left flowers, food, candy, and pan de muerto (a
special sweet bread) to cheer their souls. Babe Ruth even found a
baseball and bat waiting for him, while Dr. Seuss found plenty of books
to read. Tom encountered a handy mousetrap and Jerry the joys of catnip.
Students enjoyed food and song as they celebrated the good things that
the dead have left us.
The students had a great experience researching and producing a
reenactment of authentic event. Again, their creativity, resourcefulness
and desire to use their Spanish made this a most memorable event.
And a big thank you to the parents who helped, especially with getting
the bread to rise!
Free Trip to Germany
Frau Fromheim has organized a contest offered by the Goethe-Institut of
New York and one of our students may win a free opportunity to
participate in a Youth Course in Germany in the summer of 2005.
Participants will watch a short video and take a quiz. This year's
video, "German High - We Know What Malina Did Last Summer," opens a
window into the life of a German high school, its students and their
everyday activities, seen through the eyes of a North American high
school student.
Ballet Folklórico
On November 5th our Spanish students watched a presentaion of Ballet
Folklórico performed by The National Theater of the Perfroming Arts.
This group travels all over the country exposing students to traditional
Mexican dance and song. All of the musicians and dancers were from
Mexico.
The interdiciplinary nature of the event allowed drama students to have
on-the-job training working for a professional company. Almost all (230)
of our Spanish students were the beneficearies of the drama teams hard
work.
It can be difficult at times to bring authentic culture into a
classroom. This event provided a unique opportunity to bring Mexico to
our students and they loved it. Many of the students even danced on
stage and learned moves. Ask your child if she or he can do the Mexican
hat dance or cheer on dancers with an authentic "yippie."