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District Departments » World Languages/ English as a Second Language (ESL) » World Language

World Language

Supervisor K-12 World Language
Annamaria Bellino

(908) 709-3496

 

World Languages

Our students live in a multilingual society; the ability to communicate effectively in more than one language and an understanding of other languages and cultures are vital to the success of our students.

 

In the Cranford Public Schools World Languages program, students are supported in their second language learning beginning in  elementary school where they start to understand the similarities and fundamental differences between the English and Spanish accent, pronunciation and language. By grade six, students select a full-time program where they may continue in their Spanish study or pursue French, German, or Japanese.

 

Throughout their World Language experience in middle school, students increasingly reach higher levels of communicative proficiency to prepare for continued study in the Cranford High School World Languages program. Students engage in activities that promote their interpretive reading and listening, presentational writing and speaking and interpersonal communication skills in a second language through content rooted in the Advanced Placement (AP) Themes:

  • Beauty and Aesthetics: Exploring artistic expression, architecture, and aesthetic concepts.

  • Contemporary Life: Analyzing daily life, travel, sports, and lifestyle choices.

  • Families and Communities: Investigating societal structures, childhood, and global communities.

  • Global Challenges: Addressing environmental, political, and socio-economic issues.

  • Language and Culture: Note: This has replaced the former Personal and Public Identities theme, focusing on linguistics, customs, and the global reach of the target language.

  • Science and Technology: Examining innovations, health care, and ethical questions

 

At the high school, novice levels through advanced levels of instruction are offered in four languages: French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Customarily, students proceed through the levels in sequential order; non-sequential progression may be considered on an individual basis via administration of a placement test.

 

Students are encouraged to continue in their language study throughout their high school career and are also invited to begin studying a second World Language to further develop their cultural understanding and  enhance their linguistic abilities. Students who demonstrate proficiency in a second language in addition to English, may qualify for the Global Seal of Biliteracy and/or the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy. By achieving the Seal of Biliteracy, students demonstrate that they are able to speak, read, comprehend and write in two or more languages at a high level of proficiency. This honor is awarded during senior year to those who meet Seal attainment / testing requirements.

 

World Languages Department Staff:

Elementary (Grades K-5):

Ms. Robin Bramwell

Ms. Alejandra Davila

Ms. Amy Imhof 

 

Middle School:

Hillside Avenue School:

French: Ms. Rosemarie Alagia

German: Mr. Brian Elliott, Ms. Denice Schmidt

Japanese: Ms. Catherine Fisco

Spanish grades 6,7: Ms. Indira Velasquez

Spanish grades 7,8: Ms. Meghan Rabasca

 

Orange Avenue School:

French: Ms. Rosemarie Alagia

German: Mr. Brian Elliott

Japanese: Ms. Catherine Fisco

Spanish grade 6: Ms. Magaly Rodriguez

Spanish grade 7: Ms. Liliam Sanabia

Spanish grade 8: Ms.Antonella Johari

 

Cranford High School:

French: Mr. Sean Whipple

German: Ms. Denice Schmidt

Japanese: Ms. Kristin Wong

Spanish:

Ms. Mary Burton

Ms. Christina Corlett

Ms. Daniella Goodarz

Ms. Katherine Reggio

Ms. Yasmin Torres

 

Lincoln School (LEAP, CAMP,CAP)
Ms. Yunaisys Maynard