Mepham High School Department of World Languages
Bienvenue! Benvenuti! ¡Bienvenidos! 欢迎 Huānyíng!
Department Events and Happenings.....
Welcome to the 23-24 School Year!
The Department of World Languages welcomes you! We are looking forward to a great year!
The French Honor Society donates to the Eastern Congo Initiative
The French Honor Society proudly made a $250 gift to the Eastern Congo Initiative to help empower women, support economic development and advocate for local communities in the French-speaking nation. After an informational session in February, with Mepham sophomore Branche Duval about the geopolitical challenges facing her home country, students were inspired to host a series of bake sales in order to fundraise for ECI. Junior Vladimir Mkrtchian was instrumental in organizing and promoting the events: "We wanted to start a global dialogue. My work with Branche and our consistent fundraising efforts were a huge accomplishment. But more importantly, our efforts served as a wake-up call—highlighting the generational strife in the Congo that most of our school was unaware of, invaluably broadening our school’s perspectives." The donation was made in honor of Duval's mother, Catty Khumon, who dedicates herself to humanitarian efforts and social change in the Congo.
Spanish classes particpate in "Tanque de Tiburones"
Students in Ms. Feld's Spanish 4 Honors class participated in their own "Tanque de Tiburones" (Shark Tank) to culminate what they had learned from the "El Comercio" (business) unit. For this project, students worked in groups to develop an innovative product to help solve problems in their everyday lives. It was fantastic to see the creativity and effort from the different groups. The products included a teleportation device, a carbon footprint tracker, a modern stress ball, a pill to help with nutrition, a mattress with a built-in alarm clock, and a suitcase that shrinks down in size! The class voted on winners and it was a fun time had by all!
La Serata Italiana!
On Wednesday, March 13th, the Italian Honor Society, under the direction of Ms. Montuori, held its 19th annual Italian Culture Night for the families of Mepham and local community members. The officers of the honor society, Myrofora Demetriou, Julia Grassi, Allison Yucht, Giselle DeLutri, Blair Stone, and Matthew Rutigliano, were the hosts of the evening and made a presentation on history of gelato which was the evening’s theme. While the guests enjoyed a family made Italian dinner, they also were treated to a musical performance by senior, Rachel Benson and an Italian poem recited by co-President, Myrofora Demtriou. To cap off the event, dessert included Italian gelato! A wonderful time was had by all!
Poster Contest Winners!
The WL department would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s World Language Week poster contest, the theme of which was, The Magic of Language.
1st Place - Leah Terra (Right)
2nd Place– Emma Stamm (Left)
3rd Place– Leah Weerth (Center)
These posters will advance to the district contest held at Brookside! Good Luck!
Mepham Celebrates World Language Week 2024
During the week of March 4, Mepham celebrated National World Language Week with a series of events and activities. Throughout the week, students voted on their favorite posters in this year’s poster contest, the theme of which was The Magic of Language. Each day, students watched a video about traditional dances from countries representing the department’s offerings and answered trivia questions. Students also created a mural with positive phrases, greetings or their favorite words in different languages. During the week, students participated in “Human Bingo” where they had to find people who accomplished different activities related to world languages and travel. In addition, the department sponsored a drive in conjunction with the BMUST Women’s Committee of various items to donate to the Community Cupboard and Bethany House.
Mrs. Hayes’ French classes explored language through music with Roxxem, an educational website that offers musical listening challenges in multiple languages. Her sophomore class participated in Manie Musicale, an international, bracket-style competition modeled after March Madness, where students vote on their favorite French song from a field of sixteen. French Honor Society held a bake sale on Monday to raise awareness and funds for the Eastern Congo Initiative.
The Mandarin Honor Society, under the direction of Ms. Qiu, created a dragon watercolor painting for the World Language hallway in honor of the Year of the Dragon. Students wrote their lucky phrases on each dragon scale for good luck. Mandarin Honor Society members also decorated the World Language display case to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
On Wednesday, the Spanish Honor Society, under the direction of Ms. Feldman and Ms. Lo Monaco, hosted a “Scattergories en español” event. Students worked collaboratively to score points by identifying objects, people, or expressions within a set of categories in the target language. Students used their skills acquired in their World Language classrooms, as well as their creativity, to compile as many words in Spanish in the time limit.
To celebrate World Language Week and International Women’s Day, Ms. Bursky’s classes watched a video about the history of women’s rights and then researched and created biographical posters about famous Hispanic women including Rosalía, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, and Rita Moreno. Students also honored important women in their life by identifying their best qualities and why they are inspiring.
Ms. Montuori’s Italian Honor Society researched traditional Italian dances and created informational posters about them to share with the Mepham community along the World Language hallway. Also, Wednesday, March 13th is the 19th annual Italian Culture Night. The honor society has been busy for weeks preparing for the night. This year’s theme is Gelato.
Ms. McNeil’s College Spanish classes researched famous Hispanic artists. They created presentations highlighting the artists’ lives and their artwork. They also attempted to “Mimic a Masterpiece” where they recreated a work of art by the artist they researched.
Thank you to the entire World Languages Department for inspiring students through these educational, spirited and fun activities!
Mepham's French Honor Society hears from a student about the conflicts in the Congo
In an effort to become more empathetic, aware and global citizens, students from Mepham's French Honor Society, LEO Club, Model U.N. and Equity Alliance attended a cultural presentation by Mepham sophomore Branche Duval, on Monday afternoon. Duval spoke about the rich culture of her home country, the Congo, a French-speaking nation in Central Africa, and the regional conflicts that has plagued it for years. Her moving and informative presentation was followed by a Q&A session in which many questions were asked about the steps we could take locally to have a greater impact worldwide. The Eastern Congo Initiative was identified as a humanitarian aid organization the clubs will fundraise for.
The Chinese Honor Society rings in the New Year!
The Mandarin Honor Society created a Chinese wishing tree in Mepham’s courtyard in which students wrote and hung all of their New Year's wishes and resolutions. In Chinese tradition, the wishing tree serves as a conduit for aspirations to blossom and flourish in the coming year. It is a celebration of optimism, unity, and the boundless possibilities that the future holds. Xīnnián kuàilè!新年快乐
World Languages celebrates the Holidays!
This holiday season, Mepham's French, Italian, and Spanish Honor Societies exemplified the spirit of giving.
Mepham's French Honor Society held a toy and clothing drive for the Ethical Friends of Children organization. This organization is an outreach program of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island that assissts children and their families by providing them with the winter and holiday items they need. The students were able to collect many toys and clothes for local children. Mrs. Hayes and French Honor Society would like to extend their thanks to all of the staff, students and families who donated.
Ms. Montuori and The Italian Honor Society fulfilled Christmas lists for eight children through the BMUST Community Cupboard Holiday Wish list program.
The Spanish Honor Society, under the leadership of Ms. Feldman and Ms. LoMonaco, kicked off the holiday season by Cartas de Agradecimiento (appreciation letters) to the staff/faculty at Mepham in Spanish. The letters were left in mailboxes on the Monday prior to Thanksgiving. Students enjoyed writing to their teachers, coaches, principal, and building staff. The Spanish Honor Society utilized money raised through various fundraising events to help fulfill holiday wish lists for families during the holidays. In an effort to spread some holiday cheer, members of the Spanish Honor Society, along with their advisors, went shopping at Target to purchase gifts for eight members of the Community Cupboard, along with two families through the Holiday All-star Wish list. Students enjoyed the afternoon selecting gifts to satisfy the desired registry, that will be shared with the families during the holidays!
French classes celebrate National French week 2023!
Students in Ms. Hayes' French classes joined their peers across the country to celebrate National French Week 2023. They had many opportunities to interact with the language and culture outside of the classroom. French music ranging from classical to pop to hip hop introduced the morning announcements each day. On Monday afternoon, a bake sale of croissants and macarons was hosted by the French Honor Society. On Tuesday, over 40 students participated in an art workshop about French Pointillism connected to Mepham's CommUnity Day. On Wednesday, students competed in a building-wide scavenger hunt to learn about Francophone countries and celebrities as well as the influence of French on the English language. The week wrapped up with the much-anticipated Trivia Contest sponsored by AATF (American Association of Teachers of French). The French Honor Society continues to host its month-long collection of books, toys, games and children's clothing to benefit Long Island's Ethical Friends of Children and wishes to say Merci to all who have already donated. C'est amusant!
World Languages Honor Society Induction 2023!
The Department of World Languages at Mepham High School held its annual honor society induction ceremonies on October 18th. During the induction, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish students were honored for their excellence in their studies of a world language. Special thanks to the students that led and participated in the ceremony: Allison Yucht, Myrofora Demetriou, Angelina Setteducate, Nolan Aronsky, Alexandria Rabasco, Sebastian Fu, Sanjay Persaud, Zaib Chaudry, and William Gallagher.
The induction included a beautiful Italian song sung by Alana Muniz and a photo montage created by Ms. Langevin that showcased highlights from the students’ language studies. A special thank you to our honor society advisors and induction planners Ms. Feldman, Ms. Hayes, Ms. Lo Monaco, Ms. Montuori, and Ms. Qiu!
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
French classes give a glimpse of life at Mepham!
Students in Mrs. Hayes' French 3 Honors class enjoyed the opportunity to create French-language videos showcasing "A Day in the Life at Mepham High School." This served as a culminating project for a unit on teenage life and school. After learning about a typical day at a French middle school, students teamed up to highlight their favorite spots around Mepham, including classrooms, the cafeteria, the library, the gym, the counseling center and the courtyard. Students took turns narrating and acting out scenes, depicting different activities around campus and giving advice for incoming high school students. Then, they edited their videos to add transitions, sound effects and even blooper reels! They had the opportunity to learn well while moving and creating. This activity strengthened their interpersonal intelligence by learning to communicate and collaborate with others on a group project. C'est amusant!
World Languages has a strong start to the school year!
The school year is off to a wonderful start for the Mepham World Languages Department! During the first week of school, students in Ms. Lo Monaco's AP Spanish classes enjoyed a team building jigsaw puzzle activity as an ice breaker. Upon completion, a special message from their teacher was revealed! Students in Ms. Feld's Spanish 4 Honors class chose their word of the year- a word in Spanish that they aspire to represent throughout the school year. Our teachers strive to make the classroom a warm and inviting environment where students enjoy learning language!
World Language Contest 2023!
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s World Language Poster Contest!
1st Place- Sofia Caba
2nd Place- Christiana Foufas
3rd Place- Zaib Chaudhary
These posters will advance to the district contest held at Brookside! Good Luck!
In addition, congratulations to the winners of this year’s World Language Poetry and Essay Contest!
1st Place - French 4H Essay- Isabella Dragovcic
1st Place - French 3H Poem- Clairevy Maingrette
2nd Place-French 3H Poem- Vladimir Mkrtchian
1st Place – Italian 2H Essay- Bianca Mayo
3rd Place –Italian 5R Poem- James Bickom
1st Place – Mandarin 4H Essay- Fiona Zheng
3rd Place - Mandarin 4H Essay- Melissa Hellman
3rd Place – Mandarin 3H Poem- Sebastian Fu
2nd Place – Spanish 2R Essay- Kelsey DeFreitas
2nd Place – Spanish 2H Essay- Christopher Dang
3rd Place – Spanish 2H Essay- Sofia Caba
2nd Place – Spanish 3R Poem- Brianna Litman
3rd Place – Spanish 3R Poem-Shohjahon Saidmurodov
1st Place – Spanish 5R Poem- Abigail Stein
2nd Place – Spanish 5R Poem- Sophia Errico
1st Place – Spanish AP Poem- Sonal Sandhu
World Languages Week 2023!
During the week of March 6, Mepham celebrated National World Language Week with a series of events and activities. Throughout the week, students voted on their favorite posters in this year’s poster contest, the theme of which was Language is a Path to ____. The WL department also hosted a spirit week with each day dedicated to a language or culture. In addition to wearing something that represented the country or flag colors, students watched a movie trailer in the language and answered trivia questions. In addition, the department sponsored a drive in conjunction with the BMUST Women’s Committee of various items to donate to the Community Cupboard and Bethany House.
A World of Difference, Model UN, and the World Languages Department teamed up to host Mepham’s first International Fair. Over 60 students representing 17 countries created interactive booths complete with informational boards, food cooked by students and faculty, and cultural artifacts. Several students and our very own Mr. Patten performed for the crowd. About 100 students and faculty and staff attended the event.
In class, Ms. McNeil’s College Spanish classes researched famous Hispanic artists. They created presentations highlighting the artists’ lives and their artwork. They also attempted to “Mimic a Masterpiece” where they recreated a work of art by the artist they researched.
Ms. Hayes’ French classes created Eiffel Tower replicas with spaghetti and marshmallows, played classic French card games, and learned about prominent French-speaking women in history on International Women's Day.
To celebrate women in history and International Women’s Day, Señorita Bursky’s students discussed the history of women’s rights around the world. Students researched famous Latina women and created posters about them and their impacts on the world! Students learned about the famous artist, Pablo Picasso and his various styles of painting. Students then created their own unique Pablo Picasso cubism drawings!
On Wednesday evening, Ms. Montuori and the National Italian Honor Society hosted the spectacular return of Italian Night. With Venice as this year’s theme, the honor society officers, Peter Mayo, Sonny Stellmann, Andrew Constantino, Abigail Maiello, Lauren Duany, Kristina Trupo, and Vivian Guo, presented an informational slideshow, read poems and Rachel Benson performed the song “Deh Vieni non Tardar” by Wolfgang Mozart. A delicious Italian meal was provided by local establishments and Mepham families.
To continue our celebration of World Languages Week, the Spanish Honor Society, under the direction of Ms. Feldman and Ms. Lo Monaco held a guacamole-making class on Thursday. Students learned how to make guacamole and then chose the best one! Thank you to all who participated and to our judges: Matthew Barsallo, Dylan Honerkamp, Lara Ismailescu, Alisha Marfani and Vincent Martinez. And a BIG congratulations to our winners: Mikhaila Hawthorne, Matthew Harillal, Lindsay Lopez, and Jaylen Rabell!
Special thanks to Ms. Partap, Ms. Parlagreco, Ms. Hayes, Ms. Feldman, Ms. Lo Monaco, Ms. Montuori, Ms. Qiu, and the entire WL department for a wonderfully spirited, educational, and fun week. See photos below!
Mandarin Students Excel in Contest!
Congratulations to Mandarin students, Cassidy Coveny who earned a Silver Award in the National Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools Essay Contest and Klarisa Zhou who was recognized for participation. Both students composed an essay in Mandarin about something they would change to make the world better. Thank you to Ms. Qiu for sponsoring her students in this national contest! Gōngxǐ!
Chinese New Year at Mepham!
On January 19th, the Mandarin Honor Society hosted a dumpling-making ELITE event in celebration of the Chinese New Year. In Chinese culture, dumplings mean wealth and prosperity, due to their traditional gold/silver ingot shape. Each year during Chinese New Year, Chinese people gather to make dumplings together just as the students did during this class. Thank you to Ms. Qiu for organizing this fun and engaging activity.
World Cup Fever at Mepham
The FIFA World Cup came to life in French classes at Mepham High School in colorful and cultural ways this month. Over the past 2 weeks, students have learned about the eight French-speaking countries playing in the tournament: Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, France, Morocco, Senegal, Switzerland and Tunisia. While watching portions of games starring Francophone teams live in class, students researched player biographies and did group presentations. Their research focused on the paths the players took in their early childhoods, that satisfied their purpose: l'amour du foot (love of soccer). The French Honor Society has also participated in SADD's Holiday Doors for a Cause, transforming advisor Ms. Hayes' class door to resemble a soccer field, highlighting the flags and jerseys of the French-speaking teams. The celebration of world cultures culminated in a spirited Watch Party on Wednesday, where dozens of students donned face paint and gathered to watch France face off against Morocco. Senior Ethan Diaz and vice-President of the French Honor Society attended the Watch Party: "The atmosphere was electric. It was cool to see all the kids together, cheering on this major game between two French-speaking countries. In the end, France won but it was a major moment for Morocco too, the first African and Arab team to advance to the World Cup semifinals." It was a proud moment for French students at Mepham too, as their language of study came to life in a fun, meaningful way. Special thanks to Ms. Hayes for coordinating these events!
Spanish Honor Society Gives Back!
This week, the Spanish Honor Society under the leadership of Ms. Feldman and Ms. Lo Monaco, utilized money raised through various fundraising events to help fulfill holiday wish lists for families during the holidays. In an effort to spread some holiday cheer, members of the Spanish Honor Society, along with their advisors, went shopping at Target to purchase gifts for twelve members of the Community Cupboard, along with a family of four through the Holiday AllStar wish list. Students enjoyed the afternoon selecting gifts to satisfy the desired registry that will be shared with the families during the holidays!
Italian Honor Society Brings Holiday Cheer!
In the spirit of giving back to the community, the Italian Honor Society sponsored 13 young people this holiday season. On Monday, November 28th, members and their advisor, Ms. Kristen Montuori, shopped for the holiday wish-list items for BMUST's annual outreach project to benefit the Community Cupboard. Thank you to the Italian Honor Society for this worthwhile and generous undertaking!
SHS Spreads "Attitude of Gratitude!"
The Spanish Honor Society sponsored an "Attitude of Gratitude" activity by commissioning Spanish language students to share a note of appreciation with a staff member. Students wrote letters in Spanish that were left in teachers’ mailboxes. The goal of these messages was to spread some joy and give students the opportunity to show their appreciation and gratitude to teachers and staff. The Spanish Honor Society wishes everyone Feliz Dìa de Acciòn de Gracias!
World Language Honor Society Induction 2022!
The Department of World Languages at Mepham High School held its annual honor society induction ceremonies on October 18th. During the induction, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish students were honored for their excellence in their studies of a world language. Special thanks to the students that led and participated in the ceremony: Allison Rosenthal, Alisha Marfani, Peter Mayo, Andrew Constantino, Parker Songco, Ethan Diaz, Noah Merhai, Muhammad Danish, and Samantha Nadler.
The induction included a beautiful French song sung by Riley Fried and a photo montage created by Ms. Langevin that showcased highlights from the students’ language studies. A special thank you to our honor society advisors and induction planners Ms. Feldman, Ms. Hayes, Ms. Lo Monaco, Ms. Montuori, and Ms. Qiu!
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
Spanish
Italian, French and Mandarin
Poster Contest Winners!
Congratulations to the winners of our World Language poster contest, the theme of which was Make the World your Home with Language! First Place- Alexandra Mulqueen, Second Place -Matthew Manno and Sierra Barbosa and Third Place- Zaib Chaudhary and Gianna Gomez. Thank you to all of the participants and to all of the students and staff that voted!
Félicitacions! Congratulazioni! ¡Felicitaciones! 恭喜！Gōngxǐ!
The Department of World Languages would like to congratulate the participants and winners of our sixth annual district-wide language contest. This year’s themes focused on the ideas of personal identification, communication and cultural awareness. We wish to thank all of our students who participated and the teachers who served as judges and helped make this event a success.
French AP Poem French Essay 4H
First Place- William Barlowe- Ms. Hayes First Place- Riley Fried – Ms. Hayes
Second Place- Cara Trenkle- Ms. Hayes French 3H Poem
Third Place- Surina Ramoutar- Ms. Hayes First Place- Gizzeth Chavarria- Ms. Hayes
Mandarin AP Poem Mandarin 4H Essay
Second Place- Brenna Camacho- Ms. Qiu Third Place- Bailey Marfisi- Ms. Qiu
Third Place- Julianna Rosenthal- Ms. Qiu Spanish AP Poem
Mandarin 3H Poem Second Place- Mark Thomas- Ms. Lo Monaco
Second Place- Stephania Calin- Ms. Qiu Spanish 3H Poem
First Place- Fiona Zheng- Ms. Qiu First Place- Liana Calderon-Lopez- Ms. Langevin
Second Place- Stephania Calin- Ms. Qiu Third Place- Leanna Trefcer- Ms. Feldman
Spanish 4R Essay Spanish 2R Essay
First Place- Justin Reyes- Ms. Langevin First Place- Kelsey Giordano- Ms. McNeil
Spanish 2H Essay
First Place- Joseph Mordoff- Ms. McNeil
Third Place- Samantha Raikos- Ms. O’Neill
Beret Making!
Ms. Hayes and the French Honor Society hosted a beret-making class on Thursday. Students learned about the history and evolution of the beret and took a virtual tour of Maison Laulhère, the only remaining traditional beret factory in France. Students then tried their hand at no-sew berets while listening to French music.
Salsa and Bachata Come to Mepham!
To continue our celebration of World Languages Week, the Spanish Honor Society, under the direction of Ms. Feldman and Ms. O'Neill, hosted a fantastic Salsa and Bachata class. Instructor and Mepham alumnus Anthony Mouras, gave step by step instructions to students and faculty for both dances of Hispanic origin. He also spoke about the history and evolution of each dance. A fun time was had by all! See photos below.
Italian Honor Society Learns How to make Mozzarella!
Ms. Montuori and the Italian Honor Society hosted a Mozzarella Making Class. Students and staff were treated to a fantastic tutorial from Agostino Fresh Mozzarella Co. to learn how to make fresh mozzarella. Then, each participant enjoyed an Italian panino with freshly-made ingredients. It was a fun, engaging and delicious learning experience!
French Honor Society Helps Haiti!
The French Honor Society sponsored a Battle of the French Classes fundraiser last week for Zanmi Beni, a Haitian children's home that provides medical, educational and recreational services for vulnerable and disabled children. Ms. Hayes' 10th-grade class was inspired by a podcast they watched as part of the news media unit, that spotlighted the work of Haitian human rights activist and founder Loune Viaud. Students raised over $500.00 and celebrated with a virtual meetup with Grand Avenue French teacher, Mr. Zawislak.
Mandarin Honor Society celebrates the Year of the Tiger!
This week, Mandarin students celebrated the Chinese New Year by decorating the hallways and classrooms with handmade lanterns and posters. In class, students watched authentic videos and made traditional red envelopes for gift giving. Special Thanks to Ms. Qiu and the Mandarin Honor Society students for the beautiful decorations that adorned the World Language wing! 新年快乐 Xīnnián kuàilè! Scroll through the photos below!
Italian Honor Society Spreads Holiday Cheer!
The Italian Honor society continued its tradition of helping the community by doing some holiday shopping for those in need. On Wednesday, December 1st, the NIHS officers and advisor, Mrs. Montuori bought holiday gifts for members of the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard. The group bought gifts for 11 children that ranged in age from 1 - 10 years old. Each gift was on a Holiday Wish list that included clothing, toys, and makeup.
Mepham Celebrates National French Week!
To celebrate National French Week, 11th and 12th-grade French students researched and created an informational poster series about famous people, places, food and music across the Francophone world. Some countries highlighted were Belgium, Haiti, Martinique, Canada and Algeria. All French students participated eagerly in the annual National Francophone Culture Trivia Contest. Congratulations to the top students Amanda Ali, Brooke Armstrong, Kim Balnis, Ethan Diaz, Allison Rosenthal, Sarah Koenig, Amokrane Aouchiche and Will Barlowe. They qualify to move on to the nationwide finals round next month, for a chance to win a $200 cash prize! On Friday, 10th-grade students participated in a Scavenger Hunt created by the upperclassmen, to help them learn about the interesting facts and culture of French-speaking countries. Finally, students listened to morning announcements throughout the week about famous French inventions, cuisine, and geography. Special thanks to Madam Hayes for organizing the week’s activities!
World Language Honor Society Induction 2021!
The Department of World Languages at Mepham High School held its annual honor society induction ceremonies on October 27th. During the induction, French, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish students were honored for their excellence in their studies of a world language. Special thanks to the students that led and participated in the ceremony: Jake Braglia, Gianna LaSpina, Amelia Mandato, Victoria Konyk, Leanne Gazsy, William Barlowe, Lucas Aronsky, Adith Jacob, Jenna Ancona, and Taina Nieves.
The induction also included a photo montage that showcased highlights from the students’ language studies. Thank you to Ms. Langevin for creating a beautiful montage. A special thank you to our honor society advisors and induction planners Ms. Feldman, Ms. Hayes, Ms. Montuori, Ms. O'Neill and Ms. Qiu!
Congratulations to all of the inductees!
French, Italian and Mandarin
Spanish
W.C. Mepham High School
2401 Camp Avenue
Bellmore, NY 11710