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Feature article

‘Explore the World’ at Language Festival

Article and pictures by Tammy Lane
March 10, 2008

Where in the world are we? It depends on whom you ask at the FCPS Regional World Language Festival.

A group of eighth-grade girls from SCAPA at Bluegrass is working on an original dance that combines ballet (for the French connection) and hip-hop (for the contemporary appeal). The students will present it at the FCPS Regional World Language Festival. View a slideshow of more pictures.

  Students will get their “passports” stamped Thursday as they move through the display areas -- as if they’re traveling from country to country.
  Whether art, chorus, drama or video, “We appeal to all the senses,” Alicia Vinson, the district's world language specialist, said in describing the festival’s scope. “It depends on what you like. You might want to be there for the dancing, or participate in an Arabic mini-lesson. … There are so many things going on.”
  A showcase for language education, the festival will highlight students’ communicative and cultural achievements. The theme is “Explore the World … Discover Your Future,” and the event will run from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 13 at Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road.
  “My students at SCAPA at Bluegrass and Henry Clay High School are thrilled about all the entries and fun activities,” French teacher Fariba Atlaschi said. “They cannot wait!”
  Her Henry Clay students have been researching period costumes and arranging background music by French composers for the International Café. At SCAPA, seventh- and eighth-graders have been busy polishing their entries.
  “The students feel they are relating their previous knowledge to a performance,” Atlaschi explained.
  A handful of eighth-grade girls – some with no dance experience -- will present a creative piece that combines ballet (for the French connection) and hip-hop (for the contemporary appeal). They also will introduce themselves and describe their performance – all in French, of course.

SCAPA art appreciation teacher Bonnie Conaway, left, helps eighth-graders Despina Wilson and Julia Griesbaum as they cut cardboard for a 3-D model of the Notre Dame cathedral.

  “The choreography is definitely the toughest part because we have to do something everyone can do,” Caroline Combs said as the girls worked on their routine in the hallway outside Atlaschi’s classroom.
  Bonnie Conaway, who teaches art appreciation at SCAPA, is guiding another group of students as they build a three-dimensional, tiered model of Notre Dame. The choice of a Gothic cathedral fits well with their lessons in historical architecture, she said.
  “I’m excited to see what other schools will do and how we compare,” eighth-grader Julia Griesbaum said as she and classmate Despina Wilson traced and cut cardboard.
  At the festival, students from FCPS as well as Sayre School will participate in a variety of activities in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin and Spanish to demonstrate language and cultural proficiency. First-, second- and third-place winners in the academic competition will advance to the State World Language Festival on May 10 at the University of Kentucky.
  Yanhua Wang, who teaches at Lexington Traditional Magnet School, said Thursday’s event will open a window into Chinese culture. Her seventh-graders have made posters to celebrate the Chinese New Year, other students have designed costumes, and some will sing Chinese songs at the festival.
  “It gives them a chance to see how foreign language is important for the future,” Wang added.
  The event also will feature:
• Mini-workshops on the half-hour such as flamenco and salsa lessons;
• Conversation tables with native speakers of French, German and Spanish;
• Arts and crafts;
• Streaming music videos in various languages;
• Door prizes;
• An International Café with food from the various cultures.
  In addition, local businesses with international ties will set up displays, and the 7 p.m. keynote speakers are schools Superintendent Stu Silberman and David Bettez, UK’s director of international affairs.
For more details, see http://teach.fcps.net/world-languages/festival.htm.

IF YOU GO:
FCPS Regional World Language Festival
What: A showcase for language education that celebrates students’ communicative and cultural achievements
Theme: “Explore the World … Discover Your Future”
When: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday March 13
Where: Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road
Online: http://teach.fcps.net/world-languages/festival.htm

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