Hope you have had a fantastic and relaxing summer. School resumes Monday, August 22, for teachers and Monday August 29 for students. As you may already know, Joan McCabe has transferred to another school. We have hired a new teacher to take her position. Help me welcome Jennifer Hoping to our department.

Blizzard of 2010

Been trapped in the house for the last six days. We have had more snow (45 inches) in the last 5 days than we have gotten in the last ten years. Mountains of snow surrounding the house have created a Siberian landscape. I have had to shovel the driveway 3 times and guess what I have to do again tomorrow. 18 inches more to remove. Schools have been closed and will remain closed through next Monday. But wait, more snow is predicted for next Monday night into Tuesday. We may not go back to work anytime soon. I used to look forward to a snow day, but enough is enough.

Back to school

HI EVERYONE,
Welcome to the start of a new school year!  I hope everyone had a great and relaxing summer. A special welcome to Stacey Carter-Lane, who has joined our department and will teach a full schedule of Spanish. By now, most of you know of the sad passing of Bob Gross, one of our finest colleague. We will do something at school to keep his memory alive. You should also have seen the welcome back letter from Mr. Burke with information about the first week. (I have attached a copy). As you can see, our first department meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, from 12:35-1:35 PM. We will meet in room 225. Some of the agenda items will be:
1. World Language Grading Policy and Expectations. (I will send to upon request. It has a few modification from the past. Feel free to modify it and use for your classes.
2. WL Staff information. (I will send form via CLC- Send your info. to me. I will complete chart and share with everyone in our group)
3. Substitute Plans. - Remember you must have 2 days worth of plans for each one of your classes in the bin. Make sure that the plans you leave are appropriate for that class (with an educational component) and cover the entire class period. We will discuss this further at the meeting.
4. List of lost Textbooks 2008-09. (I will send form Via CLC) We have to make every effort to recover these books or have the students pay for them.
5. WL - EOY, D's and E's report. (I will send form via CLC)
6. Workbooks. Remember starting this year students will not purchase workbooks- they will be issued one, if required.
7. Schedules and room assignments. There have been changes. Some of us are floating and/or sharing rooms. The rooms look very nice, with newly painted walls and new carpets.
8. Classroom Supplies. As in the past, I will have some classroom supplies for all of you.
9. Use of Technology
10. WL Professional Development Day/September 4, 8:00 AM-12:30 PM at Hammond High School

I'm sure there will be other things to discuss. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns you can e-mail me or call me at home (410-461-4284). Looking forward to another great year. Enjoy the last few days.
Peter

Carnevale Celebration

The Carnevale celebration held February 24 was a huge success. Over 100 students from the four World Language Clubs of Hammond HS (French, Italian, Spanish, and German) participated in a variety of cultural activities, games, dances, competitions, a presentation of Venetians Carnevale masks and enjoyed a sampling of foods. Door prizes were given out at the end.

Congratulations Seniors

Congratulations to the class of 2008. We wish you a bright and productive fuure. See you all at graduation - May 30, 11:30 AM at Merryweather Post Pavilion.

Italian AP Language and Culture exam

Reminder to Italian AP students, that the AP Exam is next Wednesday, May 14 at Wilde Lake HS. Please arrive by 7:30 AM. If you have any questions or concerns please see me in room 225 or send me an e-mail. Also don't forget our special study session on Monday May 12 after school in my room. We will be taking parts of a practice exam and become more familiar with the tape recorders that you will be using. Questa è una foto del mio paese di Cefalù. Famoso per le sue bellissime spiaggie, il castello, e la cattedrale Normanna. Ti piacerebbe visitare il mio paese?

Spanish 5Ap Class

Spanish 5AP members at the annual holiday celebration.