CSN Goes Global

CSN parents who came to this week's Headmaster's Roundtable discussion were treated to a presentation by a few of our foremost faculty members as well as some exceptional students.  Dr. Watson first introduced Mrs. Parthena Draggett, Chair of the Department of World Languages and Culture, who reviewed our PreK3-12 curricular offerings in foreign languages, beginning with Spanish and now also Mandarin in the LS, adding French in the MS and Latin in the US.  She also explained the importance and advantages of learning a foreign language, for both a student's academic and professional careers.  Our curriculum not only develops speaking and comprehension skills but also delves into other cultures and compares them to our own.  Our students have a number of ways to show their accomplishments on their college applications, such as honor society memberships, statewide language competitions, and the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Mr. Brooks Fleming, US Dean of Academics, came next to explain CSN's Scholars Program, in particular, the Global Scholars Program in Social Science and World Languages.  Geared to students with a passion for this field of study, this program provides an avenue to exhibit academic excellence via concentrated coursework and research, academic team competitions, studies abroad and targeted community service.

Mrs. Cindy Preston, MS math teacher and Director of CSN's Global Exchange Program, then described our MS/US student exchange program with the American School of Valencia (ASV) and the Bavarian International School in Munich.  Not only does this program offer opportunities to travel overseas, meet students from other countries, and live with a host family, but it teaches young adults how to take responsibility for themselves, understand history, and connect with cultures different from ours.  Mrs. Preston introduced Via Lipman (CSN '23) and her ASV guest Naomi Berman, and Ruben Alonso from ASV and his host Sergi Guzman-Huesca (CSN '23), who spoke briefly about their experience as exchange students.  Fourteen ASV students are currently on campus, and our students will be traveling to Valencia in March.

Finally, we heard from Jerry Liu '20, one of our international students from China, and John Neumann '19, who as a CSN lifer has experienced all that our school has to offer in foreign language learning, international student exchange, and Global Scholarship studies.  All these students and the many others involved in our global curriculum will be wonderful American representatives and worldly ambassadors for the foreseeable future.