South Iredell High French Department Named “Exemplary”
Statesville, NC - The French Department at South Iredell High School was recently recognized as Exemplary by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF). This prestigious award was bestowed to the department in March and recognizes the outstanding quality of the French program. South Iredell is one of five schools in the nation to receive this award in 2022. The school has increased its enrollment in French throughout the past four years. The program at South Iredell uses innovative and creative teaching methods, gives standards-based assessments, and offers numerous cultural activities beyond the classroom. The school participates in the AATF National French Contest and inducts students into the National French Honor Society, with many honorees annually. Its teachers show excellent preparation and enthusiastic dedication to their work.
In the congratulatory email from the association, Sister Mary Helen Kashuba, who serves as the chair of the Exemplary Program Committee commended the South Iredell department.
“We were impressed with all the work that you have done to strengthen and expand the French program at South Iredell High School, and to build a strong IB program,” stated Sister Kashuba. “It is evident that you have inspired your students to appreciate French and use it in the future.”
The work of this department is due to educators Bonnie Estes and Dawn Kolodziej. They each have been teaching at South Iredell High School for over 15 years. Ms. Estes and Ms. Kolodziej have used a variety of clubs, field trips, activities, and camps to continue to draw students into the program. The department, with the support of the school administration, hosts National French Week in November, where students create posters, participate in cultural trivia and taste French food. Additionally, french students have participated in other programs and activities to continue broadening their foreign language skills.
When asked about the work of the department, Ms. Estes replied, “It takes a village to grow a program and keep it vibrant.”
Thank you, Ms. Estes and Ms. Kolodziej for keeping this program vibrant.
American Association of Teachers of French (AATF)
The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) was founded in 1927 and is the largestassociation of French teachers in the world with close to 8,000 members. The association offers
enrichment and support to teachers. They also recognize high achievement in teachers and students.
