[IT] Prima Sezione Bilingue Inglese-Italiano di New York

Ho di recente visitato la prima sezione del programma inglese-italiano di New York nella scuola pubblica PS 112 Lefferts Park a Bensonhurst. Ho incontrato la preside Louise Verdemare, Joseph Rizzi e Jack Spatola, venerati leader della comunità, e ora anche campioni dell’istruzione bilingue italiana. Come presidi scolastici, sia Jack che Louise sanno come ispirare una intera comunità e ’navigare’ per il complicato sistema scolastico – una rara sintesi di capacità da leader e che può fare una grande differenza. Ho anche visitato la classe pre-K di Holly Dell’Avanzi, ed è stato molto emozionante sentire questi bambini interagire in inglese e italiano.

Continue reading “[IT] Prima Sezione Bilingue Inglese-Italiano di New York”

New York’s First Italian Dual Language Program

I recently visited the first New York City’s first Italian Dual Language program at PS 112 Lefferts Park in Bensonhurst. I met with Principal Louise Verdemare, Joseph Rizzi and Jack Spatola, revered community leaders, and now champions of Italian dual language education. As school principals, both Jack and Louise also understand how to inspire a community and maneuver the school system – a rare combination of leadership skills that can make a huge difference.  I also visited Holly Dell’Avanzi pre-K class, and it was very touching to hear these children learn in English and Italian.  Continue reading “New York’s First Italian Dual Language Program”

Life as a Bilingual: a Conversation with Francois Grosjean

On September 23, I spoke with Professor François Grosjean, world-renowned psycholinguist and specialist on bilingualism at Albertine Bookstore in New York.

The conversation provided insight on bilingualism, the importance of speaking two languages as well as the advantages and disadvantages that come along. Parents and teachers had the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts on the subject after the conversation.

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Making a wish for more bilingual education in schools

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago I received the Medal of Honor from the Committee of French-speaking Societies in the United States for services rendered to the French community through the Bilingual Revolution. I was also listed as one “who makes other people love France” by French business magazine Les Echos. I am deeply touched by these distinctions, but the truth is, it could not have been possible without the robust effort of parents, teachers, donors, and the unwavering support of the French Embassy and FACE Foundation.  Continue reading “Making a wish for more bilingual education in schools”

The Medal of Appreciation of the Committee of French Speaking Societies

On December 12, in a ceremony presided over by M. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France and M. Bertrand Lortholary, Consul General of France, Dr. Gérard Epelbaum awarded the Committee’s Medal of Appreciation to Alain Dupuis, a war veteran, and to me for my efforts in the creation of bilingual education programs in public schools – a more peaceful battle – and for my services to the French community. Continue reading “The Medal of Appreciation of the Committee of French Speaking Societies”

First Bilingual Education Fair of New York

French Morning launched the first Bilingual Education Fair of New York in partnership with Hunter College, The French American Foundation and the French Embassy on October 11, 2014.

Bilingual education is booming! More and more parents understand the benefits of a bilingual education for their children. More and more options are now available all over the city, in both private and public education. The Bilingual Education Fair of NY was the premier event for all interested in this movement that’s changing the face of so many schools in the city and the country. Continue reading “First Bilingual Education Fair of New York”

[video] Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century”

How do you identify yourself? Are you American? French? Mexican? Latino? African? Haitian? Canadian? Quebecois? As the world becomes increasingly integrated and interconnected, cultural identity has taken on new meaning and importance. The ability to understand our own culture and the cultural heritage of others is essential for our shared humanity. It is also a powerful asset in a world that is increasingly more interconnected and competitive.

On Saturday, April 12, we examined these topics at the Lycée Français de New York with leading educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and practitioners from around the world. The conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century” explored cultural identity and diversity, and how best to prepare our students for success in the future. You can watch the video of the different panels below. Continue reading “ Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century””

[FR] [video] A New York, le français retourne à l’école – Radio Canada et TV5 Monde

Dans cette classe de maternelle de P.S. 110 – The Monitor School, une école primaire de Brooklyn, les enfants suivent un enseignement bilingue, avec des classes autant en français qu’en anglais. Laura Sutton, l’enseignante, leur apprend à lire et à compter en français le matin et en anglais l’après-midi. Les deux tiers de ces enfants, qui ont entre 5 et 6 ans, sont des petits Américains anglophones, les autres sont d’origine francophone. Continue reading “[FR] A New York, le français retourne à l’école – Radio Canada et TV5 Monde”

[IT] “I Vantaggi del Bilinguismo: Come Creare una Sezione Bilingue Nella Vostra Scuola Pubblica” in i-Italy

Come ho aiutato la comunità italiana di New York a creare suo primo sezioni bilingue inglese-italiano.

“Il 3 aprile alle ore 18.00 presso il Consolato Generale d’Italia, 690 Park Avenue, New York ci sara’ un incontro dedicato ad una nuova iniziativa volta alla creazione di sezioni bilingue inglese-italiano nelle scuole pubbliche di NY: “I vantaggi del bilinguismo: come creare una sezione bilingue nella vostra scuola pubblica”. Continue reading “[IT] “I Vantaggi del Bilinguismo: Come Creare una Sezione Bilingue Nella Vostra Scuola Pubblica” in i-Italy”