COMMACK SCHOOLS

Middle school students visited Burr and Sawmill intermediate schools on Monday to promote the world-language programs available once the fifth graders arrive at CMS next school year.

Fifth graders and their families will make their selections for one week beginning this Wednesday from among French, Italian and Spanish.

The middle school students — eighth graders currently studying French and Italian — explained why they made their particular world-language choices when they were in the fifth graders’ shoes. The reasons included having family members who speak the language and an appreciation for the culture.

Once Commack students reach high school, they also will be able to choose American Sign Language electives.

On Monday, the middle school students played trivia games with the fifth graders, challenging them to identify famous personalities with French and Italian connections based on clues. They also played word games with the fifth graders, explaining French words including bon voyage (have a good trip) and bon appétit (have a good meal) and Italian words including la ballerina (dancer) and la scuola (school).

The fifth graders also watched videos made by high school students explaining the field trips and other cultural experiences available once the French and Italian students reach CHS.

When the fifth graders returned to their classrooms on Monday, they received printed information on the world-language options as well as an Eifel Tower key chain and Italian bracelet and sticker.