Tuesday for Teachers Spotlight on the World Language Department

The World Language Department, which offers Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL),  engages in various projects throughout the year where students utilize their language skills to collaborate and communicate. Students are provided with two years of language development, allowing them to gain a solid foundation in their chosen language.

The teachers in this department bring extensive experience as interpreters and translators, with a deep understanding of both the practical and cultural aspects of language. They have worked in diverse settings, applying their skills in real-world scenarios. In addition to their professional expertise, they have studied and traveled abroad, immersing themselves in Spanish-speaking and Deaf communities. This hands-on experience enhances their teaching, providing students with a rich, authentic perspective on language and culture. The department celebrates achievements such as Teacher of the Year recognitions and contributions to the National Spanish Exam as writers, highlighting the dedication and expertise of staff.

Meet the Team

• Elizabeth Hasken (Department Lead)
• Ruth Coronado
• Julia Cruz

What’s Happening in the Department

• Spanish Curriculum:
  • Spanish 1: Students embark on a journey “traveling” through Spanish-speaking countries, exploring the diverse cultures, traditions, and customs of each region. This experience helps them gain a deeper understanding of the global Spanish-speaking world.
  • Spanish 2: Students apply their language skills to explore and present aspects of a Spanish-speaking city, including its culture, landmarks, and daily life. 
  • Spanish 3: Students study Hispanic food and healthy living, which culminates in an annual field trip to Jungle Jim’s. This experience allows them to explore authentic ingredients and learn about the culinary traditions of Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • AP Spanish: Students explore the role of technology in daily life and how access to technology in education varies across different Spanish-speaking countries.
  • AP Spanish Literature: Students study literary works that examine Spanish-speaking societies, analyzing how different cultures influence one another through historical literature. 
• American Sign Language (ASL) Curriculum:
  • ASL 1: Students practice communicating about their daily life in the present and are learning how to express the future tense to discuss upcoming events and plans.
  • ASL 2: Students explore the lives of the deaf and blind communities, gaining insights into their unique cultures, challenges, and communication methods.

Awards & Recognition

• Spanish Honor Society: Students engage in community through service projects allowing them to support Spanish-speaking communities while applying language skills in meaningful ways.
• Spanish Club: Fosters a love for the Spanish language and culture through fun activities
• ASL Club: Promotes awareness of Deaf culture through various activities in a social setting
• Student Awards: Each year, students win National Spanish Exam awards, showcasing their proficiency and dedication to the language

 

Tuesday for Teachers Spotlight on the Fine Arts Department

The Fine Arts Department includes Visual Art, Music, and Drama. Students have the opportunity to focus on one of these areas for two years and develop their skills and passion in their chosen field. The department is led by highly qualified teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and provide students with valuable mentorship and guidance.

Students will develop their technical skills, explore their creative potential, deepen their understanding of artistic expressions, and engage in hands-on learning experiences. Through projects, performances, and exhibitions, they will gain confidence and expertise to pursue their passion. 

Meet the Team

• Katie VonHandorf - Visual Art (Department Lead)
• Terry Wyatt - Band
• Chrisi Heinrich  -  Choral/Drama

What’s Happening in the Department

• Visual Art Curriculum:
  • Art 1, Art 2, Art 3: Students are developing their painting skills while preparing for an upcoming art show, where they will showcase their creativity and progress.
  • AP Art: Students continue to refine their skills while preparing their portfolios and submitting projects for their exam, showcasing their artistic growth and development.
• Band Curriculum:
  • Beginning Band: Students are building new music concepts and skills on their instruments while preparing for their spring concert performance.
  • Advanced Band: Performers are rehearsing pep band music for upcoming school sporting events while preparing for their spring concert performance.
• Choir Curriculum
  • Chorus:  Students are developing foundational vocal skills and new concepts while preparing for their spring concert performance.
  • Chamber Choir: Students in this audition-based class are honing their vocal skills while mastering challenging pieces for their upcoming performance.
• Drama Curriculum:
  • Drama 1: Students are exploring the ancient traditions of Japanese theatre, gaining an understanding of its unique styles and culture.

Awards & Recognition

• Visual Art Awards: Creative Leadership Award, Frida Kahlo Perseverance Award, Art Scholarships
• Band Award: Phillip Sausa Award
• Governor’s School for the Arts: A prestigious program that offers talented students specialized training in the arts, including visual arts, music, and theatre. This intensive program provides instruction from experienced professionals and artists, allowing students to develop the technical and performance skills needed for success. Students are selected based on a competitive application process designed to give them experience in the art field and showcase their work.

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Support Our Teachers – Donate Now

Your support of Tuesday for Teachers helps sustain and grow initiatives like these. By contributing to the Teacher Incentive Fund, you’re directly enhancing the resources available to educators like those in our Fine Arts Department, who inspire students to develop their technical skills, explore their creative potential, deepen their understanding of artistic expressions, and gain confidence and expertise to pursue their passion.

Click here to donate now and make a difference in the lives of our teachers and students!

Stay Tuned

Keep an eye out each month on the 3rd or 4th Tuesday as we spotlight another department at SHDHS. These features will highlight the amazing work our teachers and staff are doing to shape our students’ lives and provide updates on their achievements and initiatives.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and support the incredible teachers who make SHDHS a place of faith, learning, and leadership.
 

 

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Thank you,

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St. Henry District High School
3755 Scheben Drive
Erlanger, KY 41018
859.525.0255