East Islip High School held its annual World Language Week from March 3-8, showcasing the linguistic richness within the school. Guided by National World Language Honor Society advisers Katie Paules and Rita Pinzon, students had a hands-on opportunity to explore new languages and cultures through a combination of games, trivia, crafts and music, focused on the theme of “World Languages, World Citizens.” Each day, the school celebrated a different language, including the three taught at the school, plus another language chosen from around the globe. American Sign Language was on Monday, French on Tuesday, Italian on Wednesday, Spanish on Thursday and Japanese on Friday. The school’s cafeteria joined in the fun, offering themed foods for lunch on each day such as Monte Cristo French toast sandwiches, chicken parmesan and nachos grande.

In addition, students participated in a poster contest, sponsored each year by retired World Language Director Dr. Janet Hiller, who provides gift cards for the winners.  World language students were encouraged to create posters that promote the benefits of learning another language. More than 50 posters were submitted and displayed at the high school for all to enjoy. Madison McNamee’s entry won first place, with Madison Greene in second, Brooke Doscher in third and Kara Albertelli earning honorable mention.

“Based on the feedback from our students, playing bocce ball, making maracas and origami, and decorating Mardi Gras masks were among their favorite activities,” Paules said. “We are especially grateful to our student volunteers, who assisted in running the events; to the custodians, for setting up the gym each day; and to our world language colleagues for helping us in planning the activities.”

“World Language Week is one of the many ways in which East Islip’s language program stands out from other districts, and we are very much looking forward to next year’s celebrations,” Pinzon said.