Pioneer Middle School

News from the Pioneer Middle School World Language Program:

• French 8 is off to a great start. Students memorized poems over the first four weeks of school. Many students showed an aptitude for this. Please ask your student to recite a poem to you.
• We are also working on a project called French in Your World. Students are exploring the world outside of class to see where French is used. If you can share with students how and where you see and hear French, please do.
• Lastly, we have started a very exciting exchange that will last all year— we have French pen pals. We have sent our first letters and are anxiously awaiting responses. Students will practice their language skills but will also learn a lot about French culture fromstudents close to their age. 

Our students at the Middle School have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by trying Hispanic dishes in lunch created by Pioneer’s own Food Service Department. All students had
the opportunity to taste Patatas Bravas from Spain, Cuban rice and beans, tacos, and Mexican street corn called elote.

 
Students in Spanish class also learned about the toucan, a bird that lives in Central and South America. Not only did students create their own
toucan, but in the Spanish language they read about the factors endangering these beautiful birds.

The following week in Spanish class, students created artwork using radial symmetry. This style of symmetry is used in creating Espejos Méxicanos (Mexican folk-art mirrors).

In 7th grade Spanish, students have been learning about Arte Callejero(street art) in Mexico. Students can describe the art in Mexico with colors and adjectives, then had the opportunity
to create their own street art in front of the Middle School during one of our warmer days in October.

Coming up soon, our 8th grade Spanish students will be able to put their communication skills to use in a Spanish – English language exchange with students in schools from Ecuador and Spain. Students will be having real conversations with each other in both languages using the video recording platform called Flipgrid. This year, they will make videos during class introducing themselves and talking about their school day, what they like to do, school clubs, sports, music and art, favorite foods and snacks, and even clothing and fashion. Our students are very excited to find out what sports and music are like in Spain, and what school and snacks are like in Ecuador.

Stay tuned over the next few months for updates with both French and Spanish students at Pioneer Middle School, including National French Week