Language News

  What a fabulous year the American Association of Teachers of Italian-Midwest Chapter has had! Our current membership stands at 50 with an increased number of 16 from 2014. Four of these members are from Indiana and Ohio. There are ommittees currently in progress working on an Immersion Day scheduled for February, 2016, in collaboration with College of DuPage and to create a “Why Take Italian?” brochure for parents and students in the middle school. On November 7, 2014, the AATI-Midwest held its second annual Fall Conference, “Oltre ai Limiti,” with partial sponsorship by Italidea-Midwest. There were 39 colleagues from …

The Chicago office of AFS-USA is looking for host families who are willing and able to take in several Italian students this summer. AFS-USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world through independent, nonprofit AFS Organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.  We’ve been exchanging students throughout the world for more than 65 years. That’s six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators. Ilaria (17) …

  by Raffaella Lostumbo IC Catholic Prep’s “Ciao Italia” Italian club hosted another wonderful St. Joseph’s Day Table on March 19. Thanks to generous parental support, there was a large variety of Italian traditional foods, sweets, and beverages. Italian music provided a lively atmosphere for conversation and just plain fun. This event, held annually, is open to the members of the Italian club and their families. Alumni and Staff are also welcome to attend. This event offers the opportunity not only for the students to bond and have a good time, but also for families to socialize with other families. I …

High school Italian language instructors across the Chicago area are encouraging their students to sign up, study for and take the AP Italian exam. Students can register until mid-March either with their school testing coordinator or by visiting apcentral.collegeboard.com. A fee of $89 is payable by credit card. Seniors in Italian 4 are eligible. “Students who pass the exam can earn college credit,” AATI Midwest co-President Lyn Scolaro points out. “AP and Italian 4 students are enrolled in rigorous courses that require exemplary achievement that can benefit them as they continue their education.” (lyn.scolaro@d214.org)

I Ciceroni rang in the New Year at Porretta’s Banquets with plenty of food, music and conversation with a strong Italian flavor. Founded by language instructor Maria DiMarco to honor, maintain, practice and improve the Italian language skills of its members, the club meets the first Wednesday of every month at Nonna Graziella’s at Casa Italia in Stone Park. Speaking primarily in Italian, members enjoy dinner as DiMarco infuses vocabulary, grammar and culture lessons into the conversation. DiMarco also sends out a monthly communication filled with proverbs, poetry, lessons and news. (708-562-7915)