Former World Languages Officer from Pittsburgh Public Schools Speaks to World Languages Committee

Nearly 29 people are serving on the Pine-Richland’s new World Languages Committee.

Dr. Mary Bucci, PR assistant superintendent of elementary programs, and PRHS world languages teacher Cecelia Kelly are co-chairing the committee.

The committee is made up of educators, business professionals, physicians and parents.

“We have gathered an impressive group of community members with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise,” said Dr. Bucci and Ms. Kelly. “Some have world language proficiency. Some are simply advocates for these experiences for our children.”

The committee met for the first time at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 in the DeWitt Blank Board Room in the Administrative Offices located behind the high school.

Speaker Dr. Thekla Fall, former World Languages program officer for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, spoke to the group. Following the presentation, the group discussed when to begin teaching world languages.

“We believe that studying another language helps our students to become viable competitors in our fast-paced global economy,” said Bucci and Kelly. “We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts and to learning more about this area with you.”

The committee is made up of:

Adriana C. Alatorre
Alexandra Batouyios
Wendy Compernolle
Gisella Del Frate
Donna Gillespie*
Susan Gavlik
Tracy Harris
Dawn Herbst
Madeleine Hombosky
Kate Hrach
Joseph A. Hudock
Terri Jones
Lillian Kampas
Constance M. Karrs
Kathia Kennedy
Lisa Knapp
Fadoua Loudiy-Smith
Geoff Mann
Eunice McCarthy
Christine Misback
Donna Nofsinger
Maria Osio
Stacie Patterson
Mary Anne Sanders
Mildred Sierra
Gisela Spallek
Donna Stephenson
Linda Huo Steranko
Kristin Szarell

*Serving as a consultant only.