Aelise Gagliano
Purpose
To immerse students in a new and foreign language
To encourage students to take on a new skill
To introduce students to the various real-world applications
To develop real-world linguistic skills
To provide a possible career foundation
Details
Nine teachers
Four language pathways
Spanish teacher Brandi Meeks is the foreign language department chair
Pathways and teachers
Spanish – Meeks, Laura Alldredge, Jaye O’Brien, Madeline Rodriguez and Marcela Sample
French – Marie Scott
German – Antonela Kljajic
American Sign Language – Julie Karneboge
The World Languages department enables students to broaden their knowledge on different languages spoken around the world including Spanish, French, German and American Sign Language. “We have so many kids that travel, so they see the relevance [of learning a language] to begin with,” Meeks said.
Meeks’ long-term goals for the department is “to have more kids continue on to the upper levels, continue through college, and use it in whatever profession they choose.” She said that she hopes to bring the world closer together and see students use the languages they have learned.
One of her favorite parts about working in the World Languages department is that the “department is really close, we work well together, we get along, and it’s more of a family atmosphere,” Meeks said.
After being the department chair for 13 years, Meeks has gotten the opportunity to see the department flourish. “It’s neat. I like working together with people,” Meeks said. “It’s fun to see it all come together.”