Foreign Language News

-

Fall is a busy time of year for the Foreign Language Department.    All of the languages are doing new and exciting activities.  The German classes at RLASH are excited to welcome four exchange students from Germany who will spend three weeks with host families in the Red Lion Area.  This is part of the Leinfelden-Echterdingen exchange program with York County.  Next summer 20 students from York County will travel to Germany.  While at Red Lion, the German students will attend school with their hosts four times, tour York County and surrounding areas, and spend time with their host families.  Red Lion German students will have an opportunity to meet and interview the German students in their native language.  Hosting exchange students this year are:  Gavin Murray, Graeme Nelson, Eric Soskin, and Kimberlyn Pennington.

Latin students are off to an excellent start this school year.  New Latin I students have been using their knowledge of English Grammar and Vocabulary to connect to their new language.  They will soon be involved in using technology to create “Derivative Trees” which explore the relationship of a Latin Root Word to their many English Derivatives.  Upper level students are continuing to investigate new grammatical structures and vocabulary terms.  Latin II students used their creativity to create review games, which they had the opportunity to share with their class and eventually other Latin I classes.  All are continuing to explore the many facets of Ancient Roman Culture and History and its influences on our modern American Society.  Carpe Diem!

In French class, November 1 will see the arrival of La Toussaint (All Soul’s Day).  The French do not celebrate Halloween but they decorate the graves of loved-ones with flowers and luminaries or lanterns.  November 5, La Fete de Saint Barbara marks the beginning of the Christmas season for the French.  The French also celebrate the harvest during this time.  In southern France especially, wheat is placed on the church altar.

November 1 marks the “Día de los Muertos” for many Spanish speaking countries.  Many classes will be creating and decorating their own skeletons to commemorate this day.  Classes will then vote for the most creative skeletons.  Some of the most creative skeletons in previous years have included ones with current apparel styles, boa skirts, a “Dumbledore” look alike, and a nerd.  Check out the skeletons from last year in Mrs. Repanshek‘s or Mrs. Ludwig’s rooms.  This is always a favorite activity.