On Thursday, fifth graders from Cottage Lane Elementary School visited South Orangetown Middle School to learn about the music and World Language opportunities that will be offered to them as they prepare to enter sixth grade in September.
SOMS Principal Chad Corey, Ed.D. welcomed the rising sixth graders and explained that over the next couple of weeks, students get to decide what world language they want to take in September. SOMS World Language teachers Suzanne Solomon-Hollander, Adolfo Godinez, Marie-Laure Spatz and Christina Nilson each gave a brief overview of what to expect in their Spanish, French and Italian classes and showed short videos of some of the activities that students participate in throughout the school year as well as clips of current students explaining why they chose to take their respective classes. Teachers also emphasized that by becoming proficient in another language, they will have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy when they’re seniors at Tappan Zee High School.
The presentation ended with performances by members of the sixth grade orchestra, chorus and band so students could see what they can look forward to in the music programs at SOMS. Similar to CLE, students are able to participate in chorus as well as play an instrument in the band or orchestra.
This week, families of upcoming sixth graders will receive an email from Principal Corey to choose the world language their child would like to take next fall. This presentation is part of several opportunities that are available to current fifth graders as they prepare to transition to middle school. In the spring, SOMS will host the Incoming Grade 6 Parent/Student Evening Orientation where families will have the chance to learn more about what to expect in middle school. Students will also visit SOMS during a school day so they can get a tour of the building from current students.