Old Rochester Regional Junior High School students enjoyed making guacamole, homemade corn tortillas, and Russian dumplings during World Language Week, celebrated from Feb. 10-14. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Silas Coellner are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional Junior High School recently celebrated World Language Week with a variety of interactive and immersive cultural experiences.
In the week before February vacation, all Junior High Latin and Spanish students participated in a series of games and activities designed to recognize, honor, and embrace diverse cultures from around the world and the languages spoken within those cultures.
These hands-on activities helped bring language learning to life, taking students away from classwork and providing them with an immersive educational experience while forging lifelong memories.
Early on, during the school’s celebration of World Language Week, the Latin and Spanish classes came together for a world tour of cultural experience, including tango lessons with Spanish teacher Beth Faria, introductory Russian lessons with Latin teacher Gina Tilley, and cultural trivia games hosted by Spanish teacher Carla Cafarella.
Food was also part of the festivities for World Language Week. Students got the opportunity to prepare and enjoy traditional cultural dishes, including Russian dumplings, guacamole, and homemade tortillas, during an after-school cooking session.
“World Language Week gives students an opportunity to learn about different cultures and to experience multiple engaging and exciting group activities,” said Latin teacher Gina Tilley.
Spanish teacher Beth Faria agreed, applauding World Language Week as a chance for Old Rochester Regional Junior High School to flex their language learning muscles away from a textbook, whiteboard, or computer screen.
“World Language Week is a great way for students to put what they learn in the classroom into practice outside of the classroom,” said Faria.
In a twist on the school’s typical morning routine, volunteer students led classmates each day in the Pledge of Allegiance in different languages, including Latin, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Morning announcements during World Language Week also included cultural trivia questions meant to spark engagement and curiosity throughout the student body.
The week’s highlight was a two-day “Goosechase” scavenger hunt, during which Latin and Spanish students teamed up to complete culture and language challenges throughout the school. Scavengers sang, danced, acted out various scenarios, and solved puzzles — all while wearing traditional Roman attire.
“World Language Week is such a nice change of pace,” said Spanish teacher Carla Cafarella. “Latin and Spanish classes combine for the week, and we finish with a two-day scavenger hunt that’s always great fun. There’s a lot of energy and laughter. This is a favorite week for our world language students, and it was a great way to wrap up learning before the February break.”
Principal Coellner highlighted the positive impact of the week on the school community.
“This is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year for our world language students,” said Principal Coellner. “It fosters collaboration, cultural awareness, and hands-on learning, all of which are essential to a well-rounded education. It’s great to see our students so engaged and excited to participate.”
Superintendent Nelson commended the dedication of the school’s foreign language teachers for embracing World Language Week and described it as a meaningful and memorable experience for students.
“World Language Week is a wonderful example of how our educators bring learning to life in creative and impactful ways,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This event not only strengthens students’ language skills but also deepens their appreciation for global cultures. It’s something many of them will fondly remember for the rest of their lives.”
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Lillian Porter read the Pledge of Allegiance in Polish during World Language Week at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Latin and Spanish students at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School learn to Tango during World Language Week. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Students dressed like the Romans during the two-day scavenger hunt as part of World Language Week held at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Isla Wynn writes in Russian as part of World Language Week held at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Principal Silas Coellner participates in the “Goosechase” with students during World Language Week at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. (Photo courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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