Red Raider Alert
May 3, 2019
World Language Update
Did you know that SASHIMI is actually raw fish—and SUSHI does not contain raw fish? Did you know that CINCO DE MAYO is not Mexican Independence Day and that most Mexicans don’t even recognize it as a holiday? The French don’t say “Oooh-la-la” but rather “Oh-là-là” and when they do, they are more likely expressing their disappointment and annoyance rather than surprise or admiration? Maybe you didn’t realize that German is not only spoken in Germany but is an official language in 7 European countries!
Well, our World Language students are learning these cultural facts, as well as the language! Another misconception that some people have is that after 2 years of study, our students should be able to function in the language—imagine sending a toddler out into the world to communicate all on its own!? How many times have you heard someone say, “I took 2 years of ‘Spanish’ in high school and then went to Spain and didn’t understand a thing”? With two years of study, students get a foundation and a bit of exposure, but not quite enough to be self-sufficient---the magic begins to happen during the third year! With our new 8-period block schedule, we are encouraging our students to take at least 3 years, (even 4) of their language. Colleges are beginning to recommend 3 years of world language study and our AP language programs (4th year) have seen a huge success rate. Most of students at BHS take AP subject exams after only studying one year of the subject matter. With World Language, we get to work with the students for FOUR years. Our first year curriculum begins the training and we gradually build the students up to complete proficiency. As we look towards next year, please talk with your student about the importance of continuing their studies in World Language—it’s not too late to sign up! Students who pass the AP exam in a World Language will be nationally recognized with a Seal of Biliteracy and have a competitive edge over others who might not know another language. If your student has tried Spanish for two years and now wants to try something different, encourage them to sign up for French. Students who study 3 or more languages stand out on college/job applications. Students who study language at an advanced level will graduate from our schools by achieving the Bellingham Promise of becoming “multilingual readers and speakers.”
Thank you for your support!
The BHS World Language Team
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” Chinese Proverb
Souza Wins State!
Weekly Bulletin
Grief Support Group @ BHS
BHS is working with Our TreeHouse, a local organization, to start a BHS Student Bereavement Support Group. This is a grief support group for any student who has experienced a death and wishes to talk with others about their grief. The group will meet on Mondays at 2:15, in Student Services. Please pick up a pass in the Counseling Office to be excused to attend.
Raider Sports Report
Friday (4/26)
Baseball (JV): Squalicum 14 - Bellingham 0
Boys Soccer (Varsity): Bellingham 3 - Anacortes 0
(JV): Bellingham 4 - Anacortes 1
Saturday (4/27)
Boys Lacrosse (Club) vs Liberty AWAY @ Liberty HS 3:00
Track (Varsity): Ginger Mullins cleared a Personal Record (PR) 9-0 in the pole vault.
Monday (4/29)
Girls Tennis (Varsity): Bellingham 5 - Sedro Woolley 2
(JV): Bellingham 7 - Sedro Woolley 0
Baseball (JV): Burlington-Edison 16 - Bellingham 0
Boys Soccer (Varsity): Bellingham 4 - Lynden 1
(JV): Bellingham 5 - Lynden 0
(C): Sehome 1 - Bellingham 0
Tuesday (4/30)
Girls Tennis (Varsity): Bellingham 6 - Lynden 1
(JV): Bellingham 4 - Lynden 3
Wednesday (5/1)
Track (Varsity): Ginger Mullins improved her pole vault PR to 10-6!
Baseball (JV): Nooksack Valley 8 - Bellingham 2
Boys Soccer (JV): Bellingham 4 - Sedro-Woolley 0
(C): Bellingham 3 - Sedro-Woolley 0
Boys Lacrosse (Club): Bellingham W - Lynden L
Thursday (5/2)
Unified Soccer (Varsity): Squalicum 9 - Bellingham 4
Friday (5/3)
Girls Tennis (Varsity) North Sub-Districts AWAY @ BLHS 10:00
Saturday (5/4)
Soccer (Varsity): District Playoffs Bellingham vs. Liberty @ Civic 11:00
Girls Tennis (Varsity) North Sub-Districts AWAY @ BLHS 10:00