Important Westerly Middle School 8th Grade World Languages Program Update

In order to ensure a successful experience with language and cultural learning it is important to consider the most important research-based factor in the process of language acquisition: motivation and interest in the language and culture. Successful language learning experiences are linked to the learner's passion. Please consider this factor above all others when making your selection. Each year the number of language classes and team assignments vary based on student preference and enrollment. There are no guarantees of team placement based on language selection. 

Here is the informational letter  for this year's 7th graders(21-22) selecting language for next year(22-23). 

 

 

 

Westerly Middle School World Languages Dept. Contacts and Curricular Information

 

Mr. Stephen Sposato (Italian and Spanish)  ssposato@westerly.k12.ri.us

 

Italian 1 (Grade 8)

Exploratory Italian (grade 7)

 

Mrs. Ide Koulbanis (French)   ikoulbanis@westerly.k12.ri.us   Class Website

 

French 1(grade 8)

Exploratory French (grade 6)

World Cultures (grade 5)

 

Mrs. Kimberly Howland (Spanish)   khowland@westerly.k12.ri.us 

 

Spanish 1 (grade 8)

Exploratory Spanish (Grade 7)

WESTERLY MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE LEARNERS SOAR WITH SCORES

In March 2018 seventy-eight (78) eighth grade students from Westerly Middle School participated for the first time this year in the National Level 1 Language Exams in Spanish, French and Italian.  This test is given to 6-12th graders in levels 1-6 annually in March and is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and French. Westerly Middle School teachers administering this year’s test are Ms. Catena Bellone (Italian), Mrs. Ide Koulbanis (French) and Mrs. Jaclyn Fisher and Mrs. Nancy Urbonas (Spanish). The Westerly Public Schools K-12 World Languages Dept. is chaired by Ms. Sarah Steverman.

Congratulations to all students who attained national recognition for excellent performance on this year’s examinations! Alexandra N. earned a silver medal for Spanish and Chiara A. earned a bronze medal for Italian.  Megan C, Nina C, Connor C, Alexa F, Joel H, Michael H, Madelyn J, Zachary J, Alexandra L, Chad M, Michaela M, Jessica P, Talia S, Margaret S and Emma T received national honorable mentions.  

“Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 150,000 students participating in 2018.” We are truly proud of our students’ accomplishments and look forward to preparing them to be biliterate, bicultural graduates from Westerly High School in 2022!