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Bienvenue! Benvenuti! ¡Bienvenidos!
Bienvenue! Benvenuti! ¡Bienvenidos!
欢迎 Huānyíng!
欢迎 Huānyíng!
2025-2026
2025-2026
Welcome to the World Languages Department of Grand Avenue Middle School!
Welcome to the World Languages Department of Grand Avenue Middle School!
Spanish Students Support Builders Club project for Letters Against Isolation
Spanish Students Support Builders Club project for Letters Against Isolation
This year, the Builders Club of Grand Avenue worked on a community service project with the organization Letters Against Isolation, in which students wrote letters to senior citizens in nursing homes. Club advisor and Spanish teacher Mr. Doherty noticed a need for letters to be written to Spanish-speaking residents, which served as a great opportunity for his students to put their Spanish to use in a very meaningful way. As a mini review activity, Mr. Doherty’s students wrote to the residents in Spanish, allowing them to use the language authentically. Students were excited to participate in an activity that not only showcased how much they had learned, but also brought cheer to senior citizens across the country. Thank you to Mr. Doherty and his students for doing something special for others! See photos below.
This year, the Builders Club of Grand Avenue worked on a community service project with the organization Letters Against Isolation, in which students wrote letters to senior citizens in nursing homes. Club advisor and Spanish teacher Mr. Doherty noticed a need for letters to be written to Spanish-speaking residents, which served as a great opportunity for his students to put their Spanish to use in a very meaningful way. As a mini review activity, Mr. Doherty’s students wrote to the residents in Spanish, allowing them to use the language authentically. Students were excited to participate in an activity that not only showcased how much they had learned, but also brought cheer to senior citizens across the country. Thank you to Mr. Doherty and his students for doing something special for others! See photos below.
World Languages Poster Contest Winners Announced!
World Languages Poster Contest Winners Announced!
Congratulations to this year’s winners of the annual World Languages Poster Contest. Participants created original posters based on the theme “Languages Unite Communities”.
Our third place winner is Audree Chiu, our second place winner is Leonardo Barsallo, and congratulations to our first place winner Jimin An. The winning posters will now move on to the district-level contest.
Thank you to all of the students who submitted their beautiful artwork!
Scroll down to see pictures of the winning posters.
1st Place
1st Place
1ST Jimin An.pdf2nd Place
2nd Place
2nd Leonardo Barsallo.pdf3rd Place
3rd Place
3rd Audree Chiu.pdfMARCH 3-7 2025
MARCH 3-7 2025
Grand Avenue celebrated World Languages Week with a variety of activities. Students, teachers, and staff voted for the top three posters in the annual poster contest. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 10th and the top winners will move on to the district-level competition at Brookside!
Grand Avenue celebrated World Languages Week with a variety of activities. Students, teachers, and staff voted for the top three posters in the annual poster contest. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 10th and the top winners will move on to the district-level competition at Brookside!
The week was filled with fun activities both during CARES Connect Advisory and in world language classes. During the morning advisory sessions, students talked about why it is important to learn another language by sharing their own experiences in learning another language at GAMS, speaking a language at home, or even practicing a new language with Duo Lingo! Following sessions included "Two Truths and a Lie" featuring world language teachers, a Wordle, Guess the Flag, and a "Would You Rather...?" discussion that focused on world travel.
The week was filled with fun activities both during CARES Connect Advisory and in world language classes. During the morning advisory sessions, students talked about why it is important to learn another language by sharing their own experiences in learning another language at GAMS, speaking a language at home, or even practicing a new language with Duo Lingo! Following sessions included "Two Truths and a Lie" featuring world language teachers, a Wordle, Guess the Flag, and a "Would You Rather...?" discussion that focused on world travel.
In class, world language students also participated in guessing a mystery speaker, creating a modern version of famous artwork, trivia games, a spelling bee, a cultural sharing discussion, target language game day, and they donated for a collection of food items to recognize International Women's Day. Take a look below at our students' modern take on a famous Picasso painting!
In class, world language students also participated in guessing a mystery speaker, creating a modern version of famous artwork, trivia games, a spelling bee, a cultural sharing discussion, target language game day, and they donated for a collection of food items to recognize International Women's Day. Take a look below at our students' modern take on a famous Picasso painting!
Our newest activity, Culture Sharing Day, was a hit this year! Many students came to class ready to share about their families and their heritage. Students taught their friends and classmates about various traditions, foods, flags, money, and stories about their families and culture. There were presentations about countries from all over the world including Haiti, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Jamaica, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, France, Honduras, Costa Rica, Chile, Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad, Russia, Serbia, Nicaragua, Greece, and many, many more!
Thank you to everyone who participated and to the department's teachers for their help in organizing a succesful and fun week for students!
Our newest activity, Culture Sharing Day, was a hit this year! Many students came to class ready to share about their families and their heritage. Students taught their friends and classmates about various traditions, foods, flags, money, and stories about their families and culture. There were presentations about countries from all over the world including Haiti, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, Jamaica, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, France, Honduras, Costa Rica, Chile, Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad, Russia, Serbia, Nicaragua, Greece, and many, many more!
Thank you to everyone who participated and to the department's teachers for their help in organizing a succesful and fun week for students!
Scroll down to see photos!
Scroll down to see photos!
Mandarin Students Celebrate Lunar New Year!
Mandarin Students Celebrate Lunar New Year!
Ms. Han’s Mandarin classes have been celebrating the Chinese New Year. This celebration is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, and it is the most important festival in China. Each year the New Year is associated with an animal sign according to the zodiac cycle, and this year is the year of the Snake.
Ms. Han’s Mandarin classes have been celebrating the Chinese New Year. This celebration is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, and it is the most important festival in China. Each year the New Year is associated with an animal sign according to the zodiac cycle, and this year is the year of the Snake.
Ms. Han's students celebrated by eating dumplings and noodles. It was a wonderful cultural experience-even Mr. Mollica and Mr. Riccardi stopped by the classroom to enjoy the dumplings with the students! Students also wrote Chinese calligraphy, cut red paper, made a snake chain, received red envelopes, and ate tangerines to celebrate the holiday.
Ms. Han's students celebrated by eating dumplings and noodles. It was a wonderful cultural experience-even Mr. Mollica and Mr. Riccardi stopped by the classroom to enjoy the dumplings with the students! Students also wrote Chinese calligraphy, cut red paper, made a snake chain, received red envelopes, and ate tangerines to celebrate the holiday.
The students really enjoyed celebrating Lunar New Year. Thank you to Ms. Han for sharing this important holiday withher classes!
The students really enjoyed celebrating Lunar New Year. Thank you to Ms. Han for sharing this important holiday withher classes!
See photos below.
See photos below.
French Students Celebrate National French Week!
French Students Celebrate National French Week!
Mr. Zawislak's French students celebrated National French Week with Le jour des crêpes, the Grand Avenue French Olympics, and an emblem-making contest!
Mr. Zawislak's French students celebrated National French Week with Le jour des crêpes, the Grand Avenue French Olympics, and an emblem-making contest!
Mr. Zawislak and Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ms. Norton co-planned a cultural cooking experience for students-making crêpes. Students learned about how crêpes are prepared, including how to set up a proper mise en place. Mr. Zawislak spoke about the story behind crepes and how to give the recipe's directions in French. The students then put Ms. Norton to work as they used French to tell the steps for making the crêpes. In small groups, students were each assigned a role in prepping the crêpes - slicing fruit, adding chocolate syrup and toppings, and clean up. The final treat was eating the delicious crêpes that everyone had helped make.
The fun continued week with the Grand Avenue French Olympics! Students took part in an intense trivia competition with Ms. Levy serving as the judge and scorekeeper. Mrs. Owenburg was also part of the fun as she took photos of the event.
Congratulations to our French Olympics winners:
1st: Team France
2nd: Team Luxembourg
3rd: Team Belgium
A special MERCI! to Mr. Zawislak for planning the fun week for his students and to Ms. Norton, Ms. Levy, and Mrs. Owenburg for their help and support!
CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM BOTH ACTIVITIES BELOW.
Crepe Making Photos
Crepe Making Photos
French Olympics Photos
French Olympics Photos
SPANISH CLASSES LEARN ABOUT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
SPANISH CLASSES LEARN ABOUT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Students in Sra. O'Connor's Spanish class learned about the symbolism and cultural significance of papel picado in celebrations like Día de los Muertos. After the lesson, they then created their own papel picado. Using tissue paper and scissors, students cut out their own designs to decorate the classroom in recognition of Día de los Muertos. It was a fun and creative activity that connected language with culture!
Students in Sra. O'Connor's Spanish class learned about the symbolism and cultural significance of papel picado in celebrations like Día de los Muertos. After the lesson, they then created their own papel picado. Using tissue paper and scissors, students cut out their own designs to decorate the classroom in recognition of Día de los Muertos. It was a fun and creative activity that connected language with culture!
Sr. Aria's classes also learned about the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. Mr. Arias shared some of his own experiences involving the day and modeled how to create a (paper plate) version of the traditional calaveritas. Students quickly got involved themselves as they created their own "calaveritas" to take home or share for a classroom display.
Sr. Aria's classes also learned about the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. Mr. Arias shared some of his own experiences involving the day and modeled how to create a (paper plate) version of the traditional calaveritas. Students quickly got involved themselves as they created their own "calaveritas" to take home or share for a classroom display.
Thank you to Sra. O'Connor and Sr. Arias for sharing this cultural experience with students! See photos below.
Thank you to Sra. O'Connor and Sr. Arias for sharing this cultural experience with students! See photos below.
ITALIAN CLASSES RECOGNIZE ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH
ITALIAN CLASSES RECOGNIZE ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH
In recognition of Italian Heritage Month our school librarian, Ms. Poplawski and Italian teacher, Mrs. Crocitto collaborated to create a fun and informative cultural lesson for students. Mrs. Crocitto and Mrs. Poplawski co-taught the lesson in the library with each of them featuring their expertise in Italian culture. Students worked in cooperative groups that rotated from table to table to learn about Italian food, fashion, pop culture icons-musicians, artists, athletes, and more!
In recognition of Italian Heritage Month our school librarian, Ms. Poplawski and Italian teacher, Mrs. Crocitto collaborated to create a fun and informative cultural lesson for students. Mrs. Crocitto and Mrs. Poplawski co-taught the lesson in the library with each of them featuring their expertise in Italian culture. Students worked in cooperative groups that rotated from table to table to learn about Italian food, fashion, pop culture icons-musicians, artists, athletes, and more!
Thank you to Mrs. Crocitto and Mrs. Poplawski for going above and beyond to create a great lesson for our Italian students.
Thank you to Mrs. Crocitto and Mrs. Poplawski for going above and beyond to create a great lesson for our Italian students.
See photos below.
See photos below.
MAMS ET GAMS ENSEMBLE AU MATCH DE HOCKEY!
MAMS ET GAMS ENSEMBLE AU MATCH DE HOCKEY!
On Thursday, April 11, over 100 French students and their parents from Merrick Avenue Middle School and Grand Avenue Middle School came together with their teachers Madame Schleith, Madame Hayes and Monsieur Zawislak to enjoy an evening of French and hockey at the NY Islanders-Montréal Canadiens game at the UBS arena.
On Thursday, April 11, over 100 French students and their parents from Merrick Avenue Middle School and Grand Avenue Middle School came together with their teachers Madame Schleith, Madame Hayes and Monsieur Zawislak to enjoy an evening of French and hockey at the NY Islanders-Montréal Canadiens game at the UBS arena.
The evening started with a Meet and Greet with 4 time winning Stanley Cup Islander Hall of Famer, Denis Potvin. Students engaged with Denis Potvin in French by asking him questions and learning about his hockey career. C'était très intéressant!
The evening started with a Meet and Greet with 4 time winning Stanley Cup Islander Hall of Famer, Denis Potvin. Students engaged with Denis Potvin in French by asking him questions and learning about his hockey career. C'était très intéressant!
Students, parents, and teachers then enjoyed a lively game between the Montréal-Canadiens and the Islanders. Students rooted for their favorite team, took pictures with the Islander’s mascot, Sparky, and some even grabbed a t-shirt. The UBS arena honored the evening by including the names of our schools on the Jumbotron.
Students, parents, and teachers then enjoyed a lively game between the Montréal-Canadiens and the Islanders. Students rooted for their favorite team, took pictures with the Islander’s mascot, Sparky, and some even grabbed a t-shirt. The UBS arena honored the evening by including the names of our schools on the Jumbotron.
A big MERCI to Mr. Zawislak for organizing this fun event for French students and their families. Whether students and their family rooted for the islanders or the Montréal-Canadiens, a great time was had by all.
A big MERCI to Mr. Zawislak for organizing this fun event for French students and their families. Whether students and their family rooted for the islanders or the Montréal-Canadiens, a great time was had by all.
World Languages Poster Contest Winners Announced!
World Languages Poster Contest Winners Announced!
Congratulations to this year’s winners of the annual World Languages Poster Contest. Participants created original posters based on the theme “The Magic of Language”.
Our third place winner is Arianna Bautista, our second place winner is Isabel Zeigler, and congratulations to our first place winner Iris Su. Iris’s poster will now move on to the district-level contest.
Thank you to all of the students who submitted their beautiful artwork!
Scroll down to see pictures of the winners and their posters.
1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture as it marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The holiday lasts 15 days.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture as it marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The holiday lasts 15 days.
In Chinese culture, there are twelve animals that represent the different years, and each year is associated with a specific animal. This year is the Year of the Dragon. In class, the students learned about the culture surrounding the dragon. Students also participated in a variety of activities to celebrate the holiday: they made dragons and lanterns to display in the hallway, did paper cutting, and practiced calligraphy. The students made red envelopes for their favorite teachers and friends in the building, and received red envelopes from their teacher, Ms. Han. On Friday February 9th, students will get to try traditional dumplings and noodles to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
In Chinese culture, there are twelve animals that represent the different years, and each year is associated with a specific animal. This year is the Year of the Dragon. In class, the students learned about the culture surrounding the dragon. Students also participated in a variety of activities to celebrate the holiday: they made dragons and lanterns to display in the hallway, did paper cutting, and practiced calligraphy. The students made red envelopes for their favorite teachers and friends in the building, and received red envelopes from their teacher, Ms. Han. On Friday February 9th, students will get to try traditional dumplings and noodles to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
A special thank you to our Mandarin teacher Ms. Han for planning these wonderful Lunar New Year traditions for her students.
A special thank you to our Mandarin teacher Ms. Han for planning these wonderful Lunar New Year traditions for her students.
See pictures below!
新年好
新年好
French Students Design GAMS French Program Emblem
French Students Design GAMS French Program Emblem
To recognize National French Week, Mr. Zawislak’s French students were given the challenge of designing an original emblem for Grand Avenue Middle School's French Program. The illustrated designs had to bridge school spirit and French culture. Each class voted for their favorite emblem, and the top four winners were put to a final vote this week. This year's winning design was created by Sophia Handley, 7th grade. Her design, showcasing Grand Avenue School colors and a playful croissant, will be turned into stickers and be featured on Mr. Zawislak’s Google Classroom sites and webpages. Bon travail, Sophia! You can see the winning emblem below.
To recognize National French Week, Mr. Zawislak’s French students were given the challenge of designing an original emblem for Grand Avenue Middle School's French Program. The illustrated designs had to bridge school spirit and French culture. Each class voted for their favorite emblem, and the top four winners were put to a final vote this week. This year's winning design was created by Sophia Handley, 7th grade. Her design, showcasing Grand Avenue School colors and a playful croissant, will be turned into stickers and be featured on Mr. Zawislak’s Google Classroom sites and webpages. Bon travail, Sophia! You can see the winning emblem below.
French Students Celebrate National French Week!
French Students Celebrate National French Week!
Mr. Zawislak's French students celebrated National French Week with daily announcements, special events, Le jour des crêpes and the Grand Avenue French Olympics, and an emblem-making contest!
Mr. Zawislak's French students celebrated National French Week with daily announcements, special events, Le jour des crêpes and the Grand Avenue French Olympics, and an emblem-making contest!
Mr. Zawislak and Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ms. Norton co-planned a cultural cooking experience for students-making crêpes. Students learned about how crêpes are prepared, including how to set up a propeer mise en place. Mr. Zawislak taught everyone how to give the recipe's directions in French and then the students put Ms. Norton to work as they told her what to do. In small groups, students were each assigned a role in prepping the crêpes - slicing fruit, adding chocolate syrup and toppings, and clean up. The final treat was eating the delicious crêpes that everyone had helped make.
Mr. Zawislak and Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ms. Norton co-planned a cultural cooking experience for students-making crêpes. Students learned about how crêpes are prepared, including how to set up a propeer mise en place. Mr. Zawislak taught everyone how to give the recipe's directions in French and then the students put Ms. Norton to work as they told her what to do. In small groups, students were each assigned a role in prepping the crêpes - slicing fruit, adding chocolate syrup and toppings, and clean up. The final treat was eating the delicious crêpes that everyone had helped make.
The fun continued later in the week with the Grand Avenue French Olympics! Students took part in an intense trivia competion with Ms. Levy serving as the judge and scorekeeper. Ms. Owens was also part of the fun as she took photos of the event. Congratulations to our winners:
The fun continued later in the week with the Grand Avenue French Olympics! Students took part in an intense trivia competion with Ms. Levy serving as the judge and scorekeeper. Ms. Owens was also part of the fun as she took photos of the event. Congratulations to our winners:
1st: Team Belgium
1st: Team Belgium
2nd: Team Switzerland
2nd: Team Switzerland
3rd: Team Canada
3rd: Team Canada
A special thank you to Mr. Zawislak for planning the fun week for his students and to Ms. Norton, Ms. Levy, and Ms. Owens for their help and support!
A special thank you to Mr. Zawislak for planning the fun week for his students and to Ms. Norton, Ms. Levy, and Ms. Owens for their help and support!
See photos below.
See photos below.
World Languages Contest Winners Announced!
World Languages Contest Winners Announced!
The Department of World Languages would like to congratulate the winners of our annual district-wide language contest. Middle school students submitted entries in our poster and comic strip categories. Thank you to the entire World Languages department for judging and to the faculty, staff, and students who submitted votes for the poster contest. We wish to thank all of our students who participated and the teachers who helped make this event a huge success. See a list of winners below.
The Department of World Languages would like to congratulate the winners of our annual district-wide language contest. Middle school students submitted entries in our poster and comic strip categories. Thank you to the entire World Languages department for judging and to the faculty, staff, and students who submitted votes for the poster contest. We wish to thank all of our students who participated and the teachers who helped make this event a huge success. See a list of winners below.
Félicitacions! Congratulazioni! ¡Felicitaciones! 恭喜！Gōngxǐ!
Félicitacions! Congratulazioni! ¡Felicitaciones! 恭喜！Gōngxǐ!
Grand Avenue Poster Contest
First Place: Emerson Urtheil, Mr. Doherty
Second Place: Sarena George, Ms. O’Connor
Third Place: Robert Laino, Ms. Crocitto
District-Wide Poster Winners
Second Place: Emerson Urtheil, Grand, Mr. Doherty
Third Place: Sarena George, Grand, Ms. O’Connor
French
Comic 7th Grade
1st Place: Lily Mach, Mr. Zawislak
2nd Place: Ryan Bachman, Mr. Zawislak
Comic 8th Grade
1st Place: Sasha Karafin, Mr. Zawislak
2nd Place: Samantha Smolin, Mr. Zawislak
3rd Place: Dana Stone, Mr. Zawislak
Italian
Comic 7th Grade
1st Place: Shaylah Matamoros, Mr. Zawislak
2nd Place: Vincent Cannizzaro, Mr. Zawislak
Spanish
Comic 8TH Grade
1St Place: Landon Borets-Liberov, Ms. O’Connor
Mandarin
Comic 7TH Grade
1st Place: Sophia Atela, Ms. Han
2nd Place: Aidan Cheung, Ms. Han
WORLD LANGUAGES WEEK
WORLD LANGUAGES WEEK
POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
It is time to announce the winners of this year’s World Languages poster contest. Our first place winner is Emerson Urhteil (Spanish, Mr. Doherty), second place goes to Sarena George (Spanish, Ms. O'Connor), and our third place winner is Robert Laino (Ms. Crocitto) . These winning posters will now compete in the district vote at Brookside.
It is time to announce the winners of this year’s World Languages poster contest. Our first place winner is Emerson Urhteil (Spanish, Mr. Doherty), second place goes to Sarena George (Spanish, Ms. O'Connor), and our third place winner is Robert Laino (Ms. Crocitto) . These winning posters will now compete in the district vote at Brookside.
Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who participated!
Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who participated!
See the winners and their posters below.
See the winners and their posters below.
FIRST PLACE: EMERSON URTHEIL
FIRST PLACE: EMERSON URTHEIL
GAMS 1st Emerson Urtheil.pdf
SECOND PLACE: SARENA GEORGE
SECOND PLACE: SARENA GEORGE
GAMS 2nd Sarena George.pdf
THIRD PLACE: ROBERT LAINO
THIRD PLACE: ROBERT LAINO
GAMS 3rd Robert Laino.pdf
WORLD LANGUAGES WEEK
WORLD LANGUAGES WEEK
MARCH 6-10 2023
MARCH 6-10 2023
Grand Avenue celebrated World Languages Week with a variety of activities. Students, teachers, and staff voted for the top three posters in the annual poster contest. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 13th and first place will move on to the district-level competition at Brookside! There were hundreds of entries guessing each day's Mystery Speaker during the morning announcements. World Language students participated in trivia games, a spelling bee, target language game day, and a collection for the Community Cupboard. Mandarin students solved riddles on Chinese lanterns, and six lucky students won a Chinese prize for their guesses! This year our students also created a unique "Hello mural" to welcome everyone to the building in many languages. Volunteers helped create the mural which is on display in the main office hallway. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Grand Avenue celebrated World Languages Week with a variety of activities. Students, teachers, and staff voted for the top three posters in the annual poster contest. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 13th and first place will move on to the district-level competition at Brookside! There were hundreds of entries guessing each day's Mystery Speaker during the morning announcements. World Language students participated in trivia games, a spelling bee, target language game day, and a collection for the Community Cupboard. Mandarin students solved riddles on Chinese lanterns, and six lucky students won a Chinese prize for their guesses! This year our students also created a unique "Hello mural" to welcome everyone to the building in many languages. Volunteers helped create the mural which is on display in the main office hallway. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Scroll down to see photos!
Scroll down to see photos!
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