World Languages

     

     

     

    Department Phone: 240-740-0387
         
    Ms. Cristina Buitrago Ms. Beatriz DelOlmo-Fiddleman

    Ms. Christine Eddy

    Long-Term Sub
    Ms. Lois Laclef Mr. Juan Alfonso Lopez-Navarro Ms. Rosana Martínez
    Ms. Heidi Muñoz Lago Ms. Suzel Ribiere  Ms. Yuen Wang
    Mr. Frédéric Yoro    

      Maryland Seal of Biliteracy

    Registration for the Seal of Biliteracy 2023-2024

     

     Useful Links

    AP Spanish Literature Webpage
    Website for practice in vocabulary acquisition

    Resources for Parents and Students

      MCPS World Language Curriculum and Instructional Program

      Resources by Language

      High School Course Descriptions

      World Languages Offered at B-CC HS

    Language Laboratory Initiative

    When school doorsfor the 2004-2005 school year, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School was the first high school in Montgomery County to offer students a highly interactive, state-of-the-art language learning system. The 32-person Language Lab in Building C houses high tech teacher and student workstations, complete with computer monitors, recording devices, headsets and software.

    The language learning system is controlled from a central console or computer, with work stations at each student desk. From the central console or computer, the teacher controls what the students do and see. The students can listen to the teacher or to a recording (tape or CD). In addition, because the teacher computer is attached to the school network, there is access to DVDs or the Internet to listen to foreign language (or English) television and radio to work on listening comprehension.

    With close to 90% of our students studying at least one foreign language and more than 100 ESOL students enrolled in English classes, B-CC students had little time to speak or be coached by their teacher for more than a few minutes during each class period. The Language Lab dramatically changed that. Students are able to practice self-recorded oral drills, engage in paired conversations, and hear voice playback, gaining greater confidence and linguistic fluency. Teachers are able to design more individualized lesson plans.

    The Language Lab was truly a collaborative effort of many. Under the leadership of former Principal Katy Harvey, in the fall of 2003, teachers from the Foreign Language and ESOL departments identified the educational need, helped to research equipment options, and worked to ensure that the lab was designed to enhance B-CC’s language programs.

    The B-CC High School Educational Foundation When you click on the link to the left, a second browser window will be opened up. Close that window when you are done to return to the B-CC site. approved an initiative in November 2003 to raise the $75,000 needed to purchase the system (which includes all equipment, cabling, furniture, software, and in-school teacher training) at the end of the school year, for use beginning in the 2004-2005 school year.

    B-CC parents spearheaded the fundraising campaign, and working with Foundation board members and community leaders, they organized a film festival, an "Antigues Road Show" and a summer beach book sale. Hundreds of B-CC parents, future parents, grandparents, friends, faculty, and alumni generously responded to the requests for individual donations. So did area foundations, businesses, realtors, and B-CC's student organizations.