Italian Dual Language Programs: Join the Bilingual Revolution in New York!

Giada Gramanzini (June 08, 2018)

The event promoted by "In Italiano - Bilinguismo a New York" on June 13th at the Italian Cultural Institute in New York is addressed to all those who want to join the Big Apple's linguistic revolution

In view of the new school year, which will begin with new Italian bilingual PreK and K programs in public schools in New York, the Italian Cultural Institute [2]will open its doors on Wednesday, June 13th at 5.30pm, to all parents and teachers who want to join the great revolution born from the idea of two brave moms.

With their Dual Language Program [3], in force since next September at PS 242 in West Harlem, at PS112 di Bensonhurst and at PS 132 in Williamsburg, Stefania Puxeddu and Benedetta Scardovi-Mounie intend to show everyone that the Italian community exists and wants to participate actively in what the multicultural society New York has to offer, thanks also to the support of the Consulate General of Italy in New York [4] and the Italian American Committee on Education [5] (IACE).

AGENDA OF THE EVENT

Welcome

Giorgio Van Straten, Director, Italian Cultural Institute (TBC)

Introductory remarks

Francesco Genuardi, Italian Consul General

Berardo Paradiso, President of the Italian American Committee on Education

Presenters

Annavaleria Guazzieri - Director Education Office, Consulate General of Italy

Milady Baez - Deputy Chancellor of the Department of English Language Learners and Student Support at NYCDOE (TBC)

Panelists

Denise Gomez Desjardin - Principal of PS242, home of the future Italian DL program in Manhattan

Louise Verdemare - Principal of PS112 (Italian DL in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn)

Dr. Lolis - Principal of PS84 (Spanish and French Dual Language Programs)

Lucas Liu - CEC3 Multilingual Committee Chair - DOE

Fabrice Jaumont - Program Director for FACE Foundation, DL program expert

Ilaria Costa – Director of the Italian American Committee on Education (IACE) as Moderator

Program

5:30 - 5:45 - Networking

5:45 - 6:00 - Introduction by IIC Director Giorgio Van Straten followed by remarks from Consul General Francesco Genuardi and Berardo Paradiso

6:00 - 6:30 - Presentations:

Annavaleria Guazzieri

Milady Baez

6:30 - 7:00 Panel Discussion with Lucas Liu, Fabrice Jaumont, Principal Desjardin with Ilaria Costa (IACE) as Moderator

Q&A

7:00 - 7:15

A toast to the Italian DL program: “Brindiamo alla lingua italiana!”

7:15 - 7:30