Learning about Spanish culture

by Markella Giannakopoulos, co-editor in chief 

This school year originally started with a Spanish teacher that would be able to educate the three spanish classes. However, due to outside influences, Mr. Vargas was unable to continue for the school year.

Because of this development, the spanish classes are taught by Mr. Orozco, a substitute, until a fully certified Spanish teacher can be hired for the rest of the year.

“I got a call from Mrs. Pepe that they needed a coverage for a Spanish class for about a month,” Mr. Orozco said.

While the students wait, the classes are assigned with a presentation that will teach everyone about Spanish/Hispanic culture. They are able to choose from a variety of prompts that include comparing countries and cultures, works of art, folk legends, political or historical events in the arts, etc.

“Right now we are working of Spanish culture. We will research a topic that will culminate in a final presentation that aligns with the NYCDOE Spanish Native Language Arts Standards,” Mr. Orozco said.

They were given a couple of days to gather at least 21 pieces of information on the chosen topic and were tasked to create a presentation of at least six minutes per presenter long. They will then present in front of the class and potentially assistant principal Mr. Jurman and principal Mrs. Schneider.

“My topic was the culture of the Dominican Republic. I had to gather interesting facts and put them together into a powerpoint. I also drew a map to make it interesting,” junior Alyssa Striano said.

After the presentations are finished, the classes will use Rosetta Stone until a new teacher is found and hired.