Language learning isn't just for non-English speakers
Bob Dohr
Language learning in Milwaukee's suburban schools not only involves English as a second language. There are also a host of world language classes students can take.
Most districts offer the usual suspects: Spanish, German and French. Several also offer Chinese.
But there are some not-as-common languages sprinkled in, including Latin, Hebrew and American Sign Language.
American Sign Language, considered a foreign language, is part of the curriculum in the Greendale School District.
A total of 135 students in grades nine through 12 are enrolled in either ASL 1 or ASL 2 this school year, according to the district. The course is taught in person at Greendale High School. (Other districts in the area, such as Sussex Hamilton, offer an online ASL course.)
ASL 3 will also be available at Greendale starting in the fall.
ASL as a world language debuted in Greendale in fall 2018 after a district parent approached then Director of Curriculum Kim Amidzich.
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Hebrew is taught at Nicolet High School, which has strong ties to the Jewish community in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, said Nicolet Superintendent Greg Kabara.
"We offer Hebrew based on tremendous support from our community and their desire to continue the language and culture of a significant portion of our population," Kabara said. "Hebrew is a part of our school history and a source of pride in our diverse community."
Nicolet has offered Hebrew since at least as far back as 1970, Kabara said, save for a stretch in the 1980s when Russian was offered instead.
About 20 to 30 students take the classes (from Hebrew 1 to Hebrew 5) each year.
And if you're up for learning Latin, the Elmbrook School District is where you want to be.
Between 150 and 200 Elmbrook students are enrolled in a Latin course each year, according to Elmbrook Director of Secondary Curriculum Lisa Rettler.
It's been offered in the district for more than 30 years.
She said the study of Latin and its application to English increases students' grammar proficiency and understanding of vocabulary.
"We have many students interested in the health science career cluster, and Latin aids in understanding medical terminology required for those fields," Rettler said. "In addition, Latin builds historical, literary, and cultural competencies that complement other curricular areas."
Contact Bob Dohr at 262-361-9140 or bob.dohr@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BobDohr1.