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North Penn students showcase world-language programs; petition seeks ASL 3 course
Summary
Students from North Penn High School described classroom and travel experiences in world-language classes and asked the board to add ASL 3; the board praised students and acknowledged a petition reported to have 200 signatures.
Bridal Akas, the Spanish teacher and world language department chair at North Penn High School, introduced students who described how language classes have shaped academic and cultural opportunities for them.
"I truly believe that our students that walk through world language are among the best," Akas told the School Board during the district's student-spotlight segment. Students then took turns describing experiences in Latin, Japanese, German, French, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL).
Nico Ashanti, a senior who traveled to Japan with his class, said the trip expanded his cultural understanding and inspired new career ideas. "It felt like a second home, and it felt like I had more freedom when I was over there," he said. Junior Evan Tamauro said four years of German had increased his cultural awareness and prepared him for travel and future study.
ASL students pressed the board for course expansion. "I and many others really want this ASL 3 in the course selection now so we can take it during our senior year," said Zoe Tiger, a junior who told directors she is circulating a petition she said has 200 signatures. Madison Bowes, another ASL student, described using signing in daily life and while working at a retirement home.
Board members thanked the students for attending and acknowledged the petition. Directors said they would follow up with district staff; one director specifically thanked Zoe Tiger for her advocacy and noted they would retrieve the petition to review it.
The student-spotlight portion concluded with handshakes and brief remarks from directors. The board noted the district's Seal of Biliteracy initiative and encouraged community attendance at upcoming language-related events, including the Black History Oratorical Competition next Thursday at 6 p.m.
