WORLD LANGUAGES

The National French Contest/Le Grand Concours is an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French.  In April, 2023, over 43,000 students across the nation took part in the Grand Concours National French test.

Silver medals for scoring in the top 15% in the nation:

• Michelle Ganza Twizere (level 1)
• Bobby Kostko (level 3)

Bronze medal

• Melissa Mora Robles (level 2)

Mention d’honneur awards

• Mary Hottinger
• Rebecca Brown
• Alex Haran
• Alex Korwin
• Miranda Elvin
• Sophia Martin

Result of the 2023 National Italian Exam

Gold

• Sandra Montes

Silver

• Sloan Petersen
• Andrey Munoz
• Carolyn Rinaldi,

Bronze

• Ava Norton
• Molly Maltempi

Merito

• Dani Ferree
• Karlie Nicolae
• Alex Krohn
• Gino Lagani

The National Latin Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, is a 40-question, multiple-choice test with a time limit of 45 minutes, offered to students on seven levels. There are questions on grammar, comprehension, mythology, derivatives, literature, Roman life, history, geography, oral Latin and Latin in use in the modern world. 

The philosophy of the National Latin Exam is predicated on providing every Latin student the opportunity to experience a sense of personal accomplishment and success in the study of the Latin language and culture. In the National Latin Exam, students are not competing with their peers on a comparative basis but are evaluated solely on their own performance on the exam. The basic purposes of the NLE are to promote the study of Latin and to encourage the individual student.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has voted to place the National Latin Exam on the Advisory List of National Contests and Activities. 

2 0 2 1   A W A R D S

Of the Hoban students who took the 2021 National Latin Exam, 17 earned awards. Each year over 139,000 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and foreign countries take the exam.

Beginning Latin Exam awards

• Freshman James Bordenkircher, Magna Cum Laude

• Freshman Jack Doucet, Magna Cum Laude

• Freshman Annie Fuhrer, Magna Cum Laude

• Freshman Ingrid Kovalik, Magna Cum Laude

• Freshman David Rojas, Cum Laude

• Sophomore Ryan Yovachin, Magna Cum Laude

Intermediate Latin Exam awards

• Sophomore Jack Folk, Magna Cum Laude

• Sophomore Robert Klockner, Cum Laude

• Sophomore Maddie Svenson, Magna Cum Laude

Intermediate Reading Comprehension Exam awards

• Junior Sawyer Huckabee, Gold Summa Cum Laude
• Junior Jude Yovichin, Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Advanced Prose Exam awards 

• Senior Alaina Lah, Gold Summa Cum Laude
• Senior Simon Monsour, Gold Summa Cum Laude
• Senior Jonathan Popa, Gold Summa Cum Laude
• Senior Alex Wong, Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Advanced Reading Comprehension 1 Exam

• Senior Owen Kovalik, Gold Summa Cum Laude

Advanced Reading Comprehension 2 Exam

• Senior Isabelle Hahn, Magna Cum Laude

Each year students of all levels of Spanish take the National Spanish Exams. Scores are converted into percentiles. Each percentile indicates the percent of scores in the same sampling that are equal to or below it. A percentile of 50 represents the national average.

Of the 47 Students from Hoban who took the 2022 National Spanish Examination this year, five earned a silver and four earned a bronze medal along with 15 students earning honorable mentions. 

• Premio de Oro: Students scoring at or above the 95th percentile
• Premio de Plata: Students scoring from the 85th to the 94th percentile
• Premio de Bronce: Students scoring from the 75th to the 84th percentile
• Mención Honorífica:  Students scoring from the 50th to the 74th percentile

Results for the 2023 National Spanish Exams:

PLATA (Silver Medal):

• Zahlea Sularte (SpIII)

BRONCE (Bronze Medal):

• Leo Bates (SpIII)

• Kylene Coyle (SpIII)

• Alex Lin (SpIII)

• Frederick Schultz (SpIII)

HONOR (Honorable Mention):

Spanish I:

• Sarak Cook

• Ethan Cooper 

• Colin DiNicola 

• Grace Freiman 

• Mason Helmick 

• Memo Keppler 

• Leah Kubick 

• Savanna Murphy 

• Drew Rasmussen 

• Anne Sejba 

Spanish II:

• Jonah Branz 

• Johanna Ciborek 

• Syvannarae Finsley 

• Maya Flavelle 

• Rachel Greer 

• Sevanna Hamad

• Ellie Marks 

• Jonathan McDaniel

• Madison Mintz

• Rocio Morales

• Lyris Pickett

• Kalira Pryer 

• Marialis Sandoval

• Emma Shircliff

• Cassidy Wren

Spanish III:

• Sa’Kyah Collins 

• Campbell Miller 

• Giovanni Reza-Landino

This is an introductory course with an emphasis on communication. Students will learn the basic structures of the language and common usage vocabulary. Grammar and vocabulary will be presented and practiced through text and workbook assignments that focus on the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Cultural topics will also be explored, so that students begin to understand and appreciate both similarities and differences between their own culture and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The use of technology (iPads, the Internet, etc.) will be integrated as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills and accessing cultural information. 

Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061101

This is an advanced course for above average freshmen. There is an emphasis on understanding and speaking Spanish. Students learn the basic structure of the language and common usage vocabulary through continual conversational practice and homework assignments. Grammar and vocabulary will be introduced in context and acquired through direct reading and writing with the use of visuals to reinforce and to evaluate proficiency in Spanish. Culture and customs of the people from the countries where Spanish is spoken will be presented on an informal basis by viewing and creating videos pertaining to topics studied as well as using the Internet to compare and contrast. 
Prerequisite: Students must take a placement exam in order to be considered for this course.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061103

Building on the structures in the first level, continual emphasis in class is given to understanding and speaking Spanish. Grammar and common usage vocabulary will be expanded through directed reading, writing, and homework assignments. A more formal approach to culture is begun. Students will use the Internet and other resources to obtain information and report their findings to the class. The iPad is utilized as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills, and accessing information.
To enroll in Spanish II, students must have a teacher recommendation based on the student’s ability to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts from Spanish I. To enroll in Honors Spanish II a student must have a teacher recommendation, based upon students’ work ethic, participation and grades.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061202 / 061203

Advanced courses reinforce the understanding and speaking skills from the earlier levels of Spanish and provide continued emphasis for independent use of the language through comprehension of speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish. A more formal approach to grammar is presented along with the introduction to the reading of short stories, novels, and poetry. Students study the history and culture of Spain and Latin America. The iPad is utilized as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills and accessing information on cultural topics.

To enroll in Spanish III, a student must have a teacher recommendation and demonstrate an understanding of the content of Spanish I and Spanish II. ACC Honors Spanish III requires a teacher recommendation based upon students’ grades, work ethic, and participation in Spanish II.

Three Advanced College Credits (ACC) are available for ACC Honors Spanish III students. To receive (ACC), students must meet eligibility criteria, complete course requirements, and pay tuition according to the policies and procedures established by St. Louis University. Families are responsible for this cost. ACC credits transfer to many universities. Check with each university regarding their policies regarding transfer credits.

Prerequisite: Grades 11 and 12. Teacher recommendation.

Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061301 / 061302

This advanced level course is offered to students who have successfully completed Spanish III or CCP Spanish 101 (Honors Spanish III) and have a teacher recommendation. Emphasis is given to exclusive use of Spanish in class. There is an emphasis on developing communication skills focusing on writing and speaking, in order to prepare students for advanced study at the university level through discussions, and readings of literary and historical material. Students will use a variety of technology tools to master their understanding.  Four College Credit Plus (CCP) credits are available. Prerequisite: Spanish III, CCP Spanish 101 (Honors Spanish III)

Two Semesters                  Credit: 1 Unit                            Course No: 061403 

Independent Study.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061501

In this introductory course to the study of French, students begin to develop the abilities to speak, read, write, and listen in French. In addition to textbooks, multi-media is used to enhance the students’ introduction to the French language and culture. Students learn to research information through the use of authentic materials by accessing the Internet, and creating presentations. Students learn about French speaking people in various parts of the world. By studying similarities and differences, the students begin to understand people from a different culture and develop communication skills.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 062101

Building on the structures learned in French 1, students continue to develop their listening and speaking skills through further study of linguistic structures and vocabulary. More emphasis is placed on reading about cultural and contemporary people and events. Writing skills are developed through guided paragraphs and the creation of PowerPoint presentations. Students use e-textbooks, multi-media and websites. Speaking is encouraged as French is used more in class. To enter the honors section, a student must have a teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 062201 / 062203

Students develop intermediate-level reading, writing and speaking skills. Short literary excerpts, cultural readings and websites are used to strengthen reading skills. The course develops students’ writing skills through continued study of grammar, guided paragraphs and presentations. French is used in class for discussions as well as grammatical explanations. To enter the honors section, a student must have a teacher recommendation.

Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 062301 / 062302

Building on the structures learned in French I, students continue to develop their listening and speaking skills through further study of linguistic structures and vocabulary.  The content and instruction of the course continues to focus on the five fundamental elements of second language learning: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cultural awareness.  The acquisition of communicative skills continues to be emphasized in French II as well as reading about cultural and contemporary people and events. Writing skills are developed through guided paragraphs and presentations. To enter the honors section (where students have additional vocabulary, more challenging reading assignments, extended writing and speaking requirements, and elevated requirements on rubrics), a student must have a teacher recommendation.  

Two Semesters       Credit: 1 Unit     Course No: 062201 / 062203 

Independent study 
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 062501

This course is an introduction to the Latin language, history and culture of ancient Rome, with particular focus on the cities of Pompeii and Alexandria. Language structures are learned by the reading method. Grammatical features in this course include morphology of nouns, active verbs in four tenses and two moods, adjectives, pronouns, dependent clauses and participles. Emphasis is on basic vocabulary, translation and comprehension as a preparation for the ultimate goal of reading classical Latin literature.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 063101

During the first semester of this course, the reading and comprehension skills developed in Latin I are reinforced and expanded. The historic and cultural focus will be Roman Britain and life in the city of Rome. New grammar includes dependent subjunctive clauses, passive verbs, indirect statements, gerunds and gerundives. During the second semester, students will begin the transition to unadapted Latin readings. Prerequisite: Latin I    Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 063202

This advanced level course is offered to students who have successfully completed Spanish III or Honors Spanish III with a B average or better and have a teacher recommendation. Emphasis is given to exclusive use of Spanish in class. There is an emphasis on developing communication skills focusing on writing and speaking, in order to prepare students for advanced study at the university level through discussions, and readings of literary and historical material. Students will use a variety of technology tools to master their understanding. They will continue to develop their writing skills through weekly journal assignments.
Prerequisite: Grades 11 and 12. Teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 061402

Students develop advanced reading, writing and speaking skills. French is used solely in class. Students study more complicated readings from French literature, newspapers, magazines and website articles. Writing skills are advanced through activities and advanced grammar studies. Listening skills are heightened through the use of videos, news clips, TV shows, etc.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 062402

Honors Latin III and Honors Latin IV are advanced courses in Latin language and literature. Grammar and vocabulary are reviewed and extended. Literature content alternates from year to year. Prose readings may include selections from Phaedrus, Eutropius, Caesar, Sallust, Cicero, Pliny, or Livy; poetry readings include selections from Ovid, Vergil, Catullus, Martial and Horace.

Advanced College Credit (ACC) Honors Latin III students may earn three college credits. ACC Honors Latin IV students may earn six college credits. To receive ACC, students must meet eligibility criteria, complete course requirements, and pay tuition according to the policies and procedures established by St. Louis University. Families are responsible for this cost. ACC credits transfer to many universities. Check with each university regarding their policies regarding transfer credits.

Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 063301 and 063401

Beginning Italian is an introductory course for freshman, sophomore and junior students. The emphasis is on understanding and speaking the Italian language. It aims to help learners use Italian effectively in situations they may encounter, whether on a visit to Italy or when meeting Italians in this country. Students will learn basic vocabulary and the structure of the language and will practice it in class and in homework assignments. Grammar and vocabulary will be introduced through the use of a textbook, workbook, oral presentation, directed reading and writing assignments as well as through the use of technology, such as the iPad and Smartboard. The culture and customs of the Italian people will be informally presented. 
Two Semesters                        Credit: 1 Unit                        Course No: 064101

Building on the structures and vocabulary learned in Italian I, Italian II gives more emphasis to the use of the language in specific and expanded contexts. Grammar and vocabulary will be also expanded and reinforced through reading, writing, listening activities as well as homework assignments. Additional emphasis is placed on cultural and contemporary topics related to Italy and Italians. Honors Italian II will further expand new and previous learned concepts at a faster pace.  Teacher recommendation is required for the honors sections.  Prerequisite: Italian I

Two Semesters                      Credit: 1 Unit            Course No: 064202 / 064203 

This course is designed to reinforce previous concepts and expand on them.  Students are expected to develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and demonstrate higher proficiency levels especially in oral presentations, more complex sentence structures and use of new terminology. Students will also expand their cultural knowledge through reading of authentic material, website searches, short stories and present-day Italian material. They will as well improve their writing skills through guided activities and paragraphs. Italian is mainly used in class for discussions and grammar explanations. To enroll in Italian III, a student must have a teacher recommendation and demonstrate an understanding of Italian I and II contents.  To enter the honors/CCP course (involving a faster pace and more challenging assignments and requirements) a student must have a teacher recommendation based on students’ grade, work ethic and participation in Italian II. CCP Italian 101 is available for four college credits.

Two Semesters                Credit: 1 Unit              Course No: 064303 / 064305 

This advanced course is offered to students that have successfully completed Italian III or CCP Italian 101 (Honors Italian III) with a B grade or higher and have received a teacher recommendation.  Students will continue to develop their linguistic skills and will focus on reading more complex texts, writing longer compositions/ papers and creating cultural presentations at higher proficiency levels. Emphasis is given to more complex grammar structures and civilizations topics.  Italian is solely used in class. CCP Italian 102 is available for four college credits. Prerequisite: Teacher’s recommendation/ Italian III/ CCP Italian 101 (H Ital III)

Two Semesters                          Credit: 1 Unit                Course No: 064406