DID YOU KNOW…

   Region 15 is studying best practices in World Language learning. Plans to expand course offerings at Pomperaug High School may begin in 2008 - 2009.

Currently:

·        Middle School students (grades 7 & 8) study French or Spanish, five days a week.

 ·        Pomperaug High School (PHS) students may elect to study French or Spanish.  Courses in both languages begin in grade 9 and continue through grades 11 & 12, with Honors and AP levels offered.

 ·        PHS students who wish to study a language other than Spanish or French can enroll, for a fee, in an After School Enrichment Program for 10 weeks (choice of 7 languages) or attend the prestigious school year-long Yale Co-op Language program (choice of 23 languages).

 ·        The World Language Committee is discussing concept-based curriculum and instruction as it revises the World Language curriculum. The Committee is gathering data on student performance in order to make decisions regarding instruction and student learning.

 ·        Dr. Lois A. Lanning, Assistant Superintendent, is working with the World Language Committee to develop their mission and a vision statement to reflect the needs of the 21st century global community. Because studies tell us that students can learn a second language more easily at an early age, the World Language Committee and district administrators are looking into the viability of expanding the program into lower grade levels. Region 15 is exploring this opportunity but it will not be implemented in the upcoming school year.

Plans for School Year 2008 - 2009:

·        Region 15 administrators wish to begin to expand the World Languages offerings at Pomperaug High School. The Board of Education recently approved including Latin and Mandarin Chinese courses. The viability of these courses is now subject to the budget process.  

·        Dr. Frank H. Sippy, School Superintendent, will make a budget presentation to the Region 15 Board of Education on February 11^th and he will touch upon the cost for the additional two language offerings at PHS. This meeting is at the PHS All-Purpose Room (Feb. 11, 7:30 pm) and is open to the public.

For More Information on World Languages at Region 15:

  If you would like to read more about the District’s World Languages curriculum, go to:

www.region15.org/currWORLDLANG.shtml  (case sensitive, please use capitals as written).

PTO Advisory Council Co-Chairs, Len Hamm & Jackie Mulhall 
Email: PTOAdvisoryCouncil@Region15.org