In an increasingly interdependent world, knowledge of foreign languages and cultures is a vital part of the preparation for a student's role in the world community. The importance of foreign languages has become even more evident with the growing involvement of the United States in international business and the increasingly multinational character of American society itself. The mission of the North Colonie Foreign Language Department is to develop linguistic and intercultural skills that improve students' ability to function in the global and international community throughout the world and to prepare young people for responsible citizenship in this diverse community.

French students
earn top scores on national tests

Congratulations to Shaker High School students for their outstanding performance on the National French Contest earlier this spring.

This year, more than 98,000 students competed in the prestigious competition nationwide. The 240 Shaker High School students were among the more than 2,400 students representing the Hudson Valley Chapter, which stretches from Rockland County to Lake George.  » MORE

Angstadt wins
Study Trip Award to Germany

Although Kevin Angstadt doesn’t consider himself to be fluent in German, he certainly demonstrated his mastery of the language in earning a three-week all-expenses-paid study trip to Germany this summer.

The high school sophomore was one of more than 26,000 students nationwide, including 107 Shaker High School students, who competed for the prestigious award by participating in the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) National German Exam earlier this spring. » MORE

Russian Olympiad
tests students’ knowledge

Although Russia is thousands of miles away, Shaker High School students demonstrated their mastery of the foreign language right here in the Capital Region earlier this spring during the Russian Olympiad. » MORE

Russian students visit North Colonie Central School District

On March 25, after a grueling eight-hour flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport and a two-and-half-hour bus ride north, 13 foreign exchange students and their chaperones from St. Petersburg, Russia, arrived in Latham, New York.

Their journey marked the start of a two-week exchange program with North Colonie Central School District families hosting the students in their homes through April 5. » MORE

Club members
get a taste of German delicacies

German club members and teachers planned, prepared and cooked three distinctively German specialties that culminated in a delicious feast during a recent club meeting.

 
In addition to the traditional dishes of currywurst, westphalian cabbage and kartoffelpfankuchen (better known to Americans as potato pancakes, which are always topped with applesauce in Germany), students enjoyed plenty of gemütlichkeit, traditional German music and conversation.
» MORE
 

Students celebrate
Foreign Language Month

The month of March, recognized nationally as Foreign Language Month, is an exciting time of year for North Colonie's Foreign Language Department. Throughout the month, a number of programs, events and activities will be offered to expand students’ interest in and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Decorations, projects and banners, created by students, are currently on display at both the junior and senior high schools. In addition, foreign language students will have an opportunity to participate in national contests, interdisciplinary projects and multicultural experiences in their classes.» MORE

Volunteers sought
to share their life stories

Members of the community are invited to participate in a project to help Shaker High School’s Spanish V students improve their foreign language skills, while helping them learn more about the immigrant experience of their neighbors.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and we would like to hear your life story, including your memories of life in your country of origin, along with your experiences of adapting to life in the United States,” said Spanish teacher Ann Misir in a letter to the community. “In addition, as you tell your story, we hope to achieve an intergenerational dialogue that will lead to increased understanding of the lives of others.” » MORE

Foreign language students earn top scores on national tests

Congratulations to all of the Shaker High School students who earned remarkable results on the National Russian Essay Contest and National German Exam earlier this fall.

Nearly every Shaker High School student who competed in the 26th annual National Russian Essay Contest in November 2007 earned medals or honorable mentions.

“These are extraordinary results,” said Foreign Language Supervisor Galina Kats. » MORE

Exchange program broadens students' view of the world

Earlier this fall, Shaker High School senior Alina Heim learned Russian dancing, helped defy American stereotypes and enhanced her language skills while participating in a two-week exchange program in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“Russian culture and language in its fullest and truest form was taught to me beyond the capability of any textbook,” said Heim. “This new knowledge has broadened my mind, as well as my communications.” » MORE
 

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