AATF Ohio News

  Mary Townsend, Kettering Fairmont High School, AATF Ohio Vice President

French Immersion Weekend for Teachers

Not an English word was spoken as two dozen dedicated French teachers from across Ohio gathered at Mohican State Park, near Loudonville, September 19-21.  The convivial immersion weekend began Friday night with the traditional soupe estivale.  Highlights included a hike through the woods, rounds of pétanque and a delicious meal à la française with authentic ingredients, wines and cheeses. Teachers enjoyed some of our great state’s nature and beautiful weather as they gathered around the campfire, sharing new technologies, assessments, and discussing a host of educational acronyms including AP, OTES, SLOs, IPAs and more.

National French Week Contests – Le Français: une langue à multiples visages

This year, the national office is offering two contests for French students. The first is an essay contest based on the theme; “French: A Multifaceted Language.” The essays must be written in English. Grades 3-5 have a maximum of 150 words; grades 6-8 have a maximum of 250 words; grades 9-12 have a maximum of 350 words and the university level has a maximum of 500 words.

The second contest is a video/animation contest using Glogster, Animoto or embedded web tool or shareable app of the student’s choice.  Please visit the AATF site to find a list of suggested web tools.  The video/animation must relate to the contest theme. The minimum length is 30 seconds; maximum length 2 minutes.  Each entry must be the original work of a current French student or group of students whose teacher is an AATF member for 2014.  Limit five entries per school.

All essay submissions must be submitted by email to essay@frenchteachers.org.  Each participant will receive certificates from AATF. Students may enter both contests. The deadline for entry is November 15, 2014. For further information on these contests, please go to www.frenchteachers.org/nfw/contests.htm for complete instructions and uploading directions.  Visit http://nfwposter.blogspot.com/ to view past submissions.

If you have special events from your own French week celebrations, please submit them to me through the OFLA website so we can promote the good work you do with your French students!

NEW: AATF Excellence in French Award

The AATF has established a new award to recognize excellence at all levels of French studies.  There is no deadline for this award.  The nomination form is posted on the AATF website.  This award is in addition to the AATF Outstanding Senior in French Award.