About Our Program

Introduction
Overview (PowerPoint)
Elementary School Spanish Program (PowerPoint)
Glastonbury Board of Education Information
Federal Grants and Other Funding
Program Brochure
Our Staff
In the News
Events and Happenings
Exchanges

Reflections on the Russian Program
(Adobe Acrobat file)

Introduction

We in Glastonbury are fortunate to be able to provide a long sequence of language study. In this sequence not only do students develop superior listening and speaking skills but they also develop an international perspective so necessary for cultural and economic productivity in the twenty-first century.

Recently, much national attention has been given to the study of foreign languages. Educators, politicians and business people have called for increased language study in the elementary, secondary, and post secondary programs. No longer is language study being viewed as a pursuit for the academically gifted, but as a necessity for all Americans. The President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies has called America's linguistic incompetence "scandalous". The National Commission on Excellence in Education has said that our nation is at risk educationally and has encouraged the introduction of foreign language study in elementary schools. The College Board has insisted that foreign language study be a basic academic requirement.

All of this national attention comes at a time when international events fill our newspapers and television broadcasts. The future of our children and our students rests on the ability to solve world wide problems. Cultural sensitivity and linguistic competence open the doors to communication and to problem solving.

We should be proud that we in Glastonbury have made a commitment to the study of foreign language and we should encourage all students to partake of this opportunity.

Please click on the tabs above or the scroll down menu to help guide you through our site.  The Overview contains a brief description of the language program at Glastonbury, and in the Curriculum section, you will find the departmental philosophy, national and state standards, as well as sample unit and lesson  plans created by our staff. If you have questions about the curriculum, please contact your child's language teacher or Rita Oleksak, Director of Foreign Languages, at (860) 652-7954. If you would be interested in having Mrs. Oleksak and the teachers present an overview of the entire program, please call your building principal.