Born on the West Coast and growing up in San Diego, California, Deana Sobel Ledeman may seem to have been far removed from a cozy, Upper West Side, Manhattan apartment, but that's exactly where this award-winning cartoonist and children's book author created some of her fondest childhood memories and developed a love for children's literature. During visits cross-coast to her parent's native New York City as a child, Lederman spent time at her grandmother's apartment, reading books such as the Madeline series (the children's classic by Ludwig Bemelmans) in a nook in the room where her own mother grew up. "In New York City, you just feel so alive," she recalled.

"That joyfulness that we experience in childhood, I still really enjoy that feeling. I've kept that with me as I grow older."

Indeed, New York City—and cities in general—have been a major source of inspiration in Lederman's work since she began penning comics as a student at UC-Berkeley and later professionally on the East Coast. This love of cities and the spirit of exploration and discovery they spark, especially in children, continues with the suite of three children's books this author and illustrator has recently published with TBR Books. The poignant yet whimsically rendered books provide a way for parents to talk to their kids about the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown. 

Now translated into three other languages, the trilogy of Masks!, The Sewing Lesson and Noah Henry: A Rainbow Story all take place in an urban setting. They deal, respectively, with kids experiencing the reopening; non-traditional families making sacrifices for essential workers; and a real-life quarantine phenomenon that took place in Brooklyn, NY. Noah Henry, whose protagonist is named after the two young sons of a friend of Lederman's residing in that New York City borough, chronicles a story of inspiration and hope coming from le confinement. In the book, a child sees rainbows drawn by other kids on their windows throughout the neighborhood, made as a sign of better times to come when everyone could all be together again. 

Reported by the international press, the practice of kids placing rainbows on their windows actually began in Italy and Europe at the outset of school closures there, but soon spread to the U.S. and Canada. In Brooklyn, Lederman's friend experienced this happening through the eyes of her young boys. "Whenever we face times of adversity, there are really inspirational stories that come out of it," observes Lederman, writer and illustrator of this book trilogy. She spoke to me of inspiration from her own family history, where one set of her grandparents escaped Europe during World War II and her grandfather on the other side of her family served as an American fighter pilot.  

Returning to the present, the author cites the importance of and difficulty faced by essential workers and "even people sitting at home and sewing masks for everyone," the central subject of The Sewing Lesson. Despite the crises so far in 2020, she states, "There's a lot of greatness—the right kind of greatness—happening." Lederman's trilogy, known as Rainbows, Masks and Ice Cream, is her latest artistic and literary contribution to the world, this one particularly for families, during the current moment of uncertainty. This trio was drawn not with pen and ink or oil paints (usually her media of choice), but on an iPad. This mother of two children, who is also a former member of the New York City Department of Education's communications team, noted that the digital device was ideal for sketching and creating while she was caring for her youngsters. Her older son, Aiden, even helped her do a read-aloud of Noah Henry in a YouTube video recorded soon after the book, the first written of the trilogy, was finished. The clip was later shared online by both the National Children's Museum and the Minnesota Children's Museum.

While all three are focused on life as lived by children and families throughout the world amidst a global pandemic, shutdown and calls for greater respect for people of color, Lederman's series of children's books seeks to fill a much-need role in contemporary literature and public discourse. The author, reflecting her stories and current times, wonders "if these stories are so timely, how long will they be relevant?" "And it seems, I'm starting to think, they might be relevant for longer than I originally thought. Because, even once things get better, we will probably want to remember what happened."

Finally, she hopes her books provide a means, later on, to look back on our present situation and come away with insights and understanding: "There will be things we learn from this time that we don't realize right now. We'll have much more perspective." For children and families the world over, in different languages, these stories offer a way to explore difficult themes while celebrating life and keeping alive the joyfulness that every child deserves.

Article written by Andrew Palmacci for NewYorkinFrench.net on July 1, 2020

Order the books on TBR Books

Upper East Side, NYC — Back in March 2020, we obtained the opening of a brand new French Dual Language Program (DLP) for school year 2020/2021 in New York City, District 2. The Department of Education's second district includes most of Lower Manhattan, Midtown and the Upper East Side. Two French dual language Pre-K classes will therefore open for the 2020-2021 school year at District 2 Pre-K Center, located at 355 East 76th Street in Manhattan, which promotes high-quality early start education and bilingual education. 40 kids from different socioeconomic and ethnolinguistic backgrounds will benefit from this FREE BILINGUAL PROGRAM (English-French), the first of its kind in the Upper East Side. Every kid deserves a top-quality early education and the benefits of a dual language education are endless. Construct an identity through two languages and two cultures is a challenge that parents and bilingual kids can now take up more easily here in NYC District 2.

I am thankful to Aneesha Jacko who accepted to tell me a bit more about her background and excitement about this new opening. Aneesha Jacko is the Early Childhood Director for the District 2 Pre-K Centers, the one on 76th more particularly. She worked for over 20 years in Early Childhood Education. She has worked for years as an Early Childhood Educator with the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. ‘I started 20 years ago , I am a 20 year veteran!’, she told.

As an Early Childhood Director since 2015, she focuses on nurturing the love of learning which she defines as predominant among the values she - along with her team - considers as essential in early education. To sum it up, Aneesha Jacko defines her motto as: ‘Inspire learning, building relationships and thriving.’, she said.  New York City Pre-K for All Dual Language programs provide instruction in two languages: English and a target language. The goal is for children to experience high-quality early learning in both languages.

What attracted you to bilingual education in the first place? And the French Language?
‘I started to learn French in elementary school, and I believe it was critical feature in my love for the language, culture and my overall academic achievement. The opening of this Universal Pre-K (UPK) French Dual Language Program (DLP) is special to me. To integrate a new language has so much value, appreciation and perspectives. I also worked on Early Childhood and expanding Pre-K for All in NYC with Council Member Ben Kallos. I, as a leader, am very excited to bring this experience and opportunity to our community’. The culture of learning is something meaningful to her. To succeed, she and her staff, are very aware of the key role of the families and aim at connecting this learning environment to them as partners.

How would you describe District 2 Pre-K Center situated on 76th ? How you and your team intend to develop this culture of learning?
‘through the creation of meaningful opportunities for children to investigate and construct their knowledge of themselves and the world around them’. ‘I pride myself in the strength of my team. And I look forward to working with the parents. Right now, we need to be very resilient. And I would love to co-create this French Dual Language Program with parents, to know their expectations. I know how important the families are in the process. I am thrilled and I cannot wait to start this journey together!’, she said.

In this attempt to keep in touch with the families and get them involved, a website has recently been created: District 2 Pre-K Centers: https://www.district2prek.org
Job Opportunity at District 2 Pre-K Centers: https://newyorkinfrench.net/profiles/blogs/job-opportunity-nyc-district-2-french-dual-language-program-upper
- The following link is a recent webinar called The Bilingual Revolution Webinar Series recently organized by The Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the US, hosted by author and Education Attaché Fabrice Jaumont: https://frenchlanguagek12.org/11838-watch-bilingual-revolution-webinarsonline
- For more information on our work: NYC District 2 - French Dual Language Program https://www.facebook.com/groups/593786378077031
- More information here: https://benkallos.com/press-release/french-dual-language-pre-kindergarten-launch-upper-east-side-response-demand-parents

We are currently working on the establishment of a Multilingual School K-8 in East Village for school year 2021/2022. If interested, please do not hesitate to join us!

Catherine Remy is one of the parents spearheading the creation of French dual-language programs in Manhattan. This article was written for NewYorkinFrench.net on July 1, 2020.

by Andrew Palmacci

I recently sat down for a Zoom conversation with authors Agathe Laurent and Sabine Landolt to hear about the making of their new book, Can We Agree to Disagree?, which tackles the challenges, complexities and, yes, struggles of Americans working with the French, and vice-versa, in companies in both countries. Its format is to treat different work-world themes in sections, seasoned with real-life quotes from professionals of both nationalities on the ground. Underlying the authors' work is the idea of facilitating cross-cultural communication and understanding between professionals from and on both sides of the Atlantic. It's truly an unconventional attempt to bridge the disconnect between cultures.

The authors want to encourage companies, and specifically, HR departments, to support employees in this discovery of the other culture. To go beyond on-boarding and 1 shot workshops, but to foster consistent and in-depth cultural knowledge, to stimulate creativity on how to get there. Ms. Laurent and Ms. Landolt hope their book will whet their readers' appetite to learn more from the real-world experiences that they have organized into a highly accessible format.

They state that their ultimate goal for Can We Agree to Disagree? is to allow individuals to open their minds and work better with their colleagues from either France or the U.S. So, certainly, professionals working in multi-national and -cultural organizations and leaders within these organizations will benefit from paging through this new entry in the business and intercultural communication literary conversation.

Laurent and Landolt's conviction, based on insight they have gained from their own extensive careers and their own thorough research for this book, is simple, but one that is often forgotten: "we should all stay humble and avoid judging when we don't know the other person, their culture."

The book, through the authors' well-devised and vetted interview methods, looks to promote "cultural understanding beyond stereotypes" in the words of these two women.  Normally, they have found that people in a work situation don't understand the reactions of someone of the other culture to one's own cultural mores and attitudes. They insist that you can't extrapolate your own country's working process to another's. Intriguingly, the authors consider feelings and emotions to be an important--maybe the most important--of working through cross-cultural misunderstandings.

As the quotes from French and American professionals working with people of the other nationality form the savory meat of this book, the reader will feel the intensity of the emotions expressed in its pages. Laurent and Landolt noticed that the people they were interviewing felt uncomfortable. A broad spectrum of emotions was triggered in the participants on examining their work with members of the other culture. For some, they really didn't want to work with the other again.

Can We Agree to Disagree? is purposely not a linear read. It's a "mosaic". It features topics that matter to people, to professionals. Chapters connect and refer back to each other, are multi-layered and full of subtleties. It's a book for sensitive people who appreciate the "other" and want to learn par guise de an aesthetically pleasing layout, design, printing, all of which any reader will find in this tome.

Reaching understanding for better working relationships between people of different nationalities, cultures, and really humans of all stripes, is what the two authors of Can We Agree to Disagree? are after--and this is work they genuinely and passionately enjoy.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can We Agree To Disagree?: Exploring the differences at work between Americans and the French: A perspective on the cultural gap and tips for successful and happy collaborations.

By Agathe Laurent and Sandrine Landolt

A compelling collection of anecdotes about French and American professionals on their experiences working together. This book reveals the risks of misjudgments. It provides tips and tricks to foster mutual understanding.  Its goal is to spark curiosity, encourage professionals to adopt the best methods from both cultures, and to better work together.

Release Date: June 15, 2020
Available in: Paperback, Hardcover, and soon, eBook
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Tbr Books (June 15, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1947626485
ISBN-13: 978-1947626485
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.3 x 10 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces
Price: $23.99
Order Now

I have known Blake Ramsey for almost 10 years when he started teaching in French bilingual programs in New York City. I have watched him grow as an educator, impressed by his consistency and professionalism, as well as his dedication to French dual-language education. He has now embarked in a new mission, carrying the torch of French dual-language education even further, and joining the team at Fort Greene Preparatory Academy in Brooklyn for what promises to be one of the best French dual-language middle school programs in an American public school. Below are his answers to my questions.

Tell us a little bit about your background and interest in dual-language education and the French language:

Having extensively studied, worked and lived in France for about half of my life, French and American English run through my veins. My first encounters with the joys of  bilingualism happened when I was a young child. My father was an Emmy Award winning newscaster which brought many possibilities to meet new people and explore unique places, above all,  France.  My opportunity to become bilingual was rare, especially being from Atlanta, Georgia originally. In the 80s and 90s bilinguals who were not of Spanish speaking origin were few and far between. My bilingualism set me apart, gave me confidence, and has been my link to the closest people in my life. I cultivated my language as an adolescent by frequently  returning to France, and then as a young adult teaching in two Parisian High Schools, and studying in both Nantes and Paris, France at Université de Nantes  and Université de Paris 3; La Sorbonne Nouvelle, respectively.  

As a professional, it has been my mission to make bilingualism accessible to all. I want to change what used to be considered rare into a right. After finishing back-to-back masters degrees in History and Foreign and Second Language Acquisition at NYU, I was ready to dive right into the work. I first started at PS 58 in 2011 after meeting Marie Bouteillon, the founding French Dual Language Teacher of the first French DLP in NYC. I worked at PS 58 for 5 years teaching 4th and 5th Grade French Dual Language. I subsequently served in District 13 at PS 133 for 2 years as a 5th Grade French Dual Language Teacher and Literacy and French Dual Language Instructional Coach. 

Expansion for French Dual Language Immersion proved difficult to ensure, so I set out to help create a pathway for families at the Boerum Hill School for International Studies. I had the distinct privilege collaborating with the magnificent Sarah Brooks who is also BHS’s  founding French teacher. At BHS, I served as the Language Acquisition Instructional Coach, French Dual Language Coordinator and I taught 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th Grade French Dual Language and Foreign Language classes. 

You will be joining Fort Greene Prep's community in the Fall as their first French Dual Language Coordinator, what was it that attracted you to this new project and this school?

Indeed,  I am thrilled to return to District 13 to serve under the leadership of Principal Paula Lettiere. It is an honor to be the founding French Dual Language Coordinator and Teacher in what will be my 4th school with the New York City  Department of Education. When I initially reached out to Principal Paula Lettiere in March on the eve of the lockdown, my goal was to offer any support I could to her community as a collaborative partner.  After speaking with her about her ideas for the program,  I made sure to  ask her if she had any openings. She described what I have been dreaming of for ages. She has both her head and heart in the right place and truly understands how the brain processes both information and emotion.  She is a phenomenal pedagogue with over 20 years of experience working with virtually every setting imaginable. Even more impressive to me is the fact that she is the founding Principal of Fort Greene Preparatory Academy and is embarking on her 12th year as Building Leader.  She has high expectations and big ideas for both students and teachers with a strong sense of practicality. 

Principal Lettiere is committed to providing a true Dual Language experience for her students, families and teachers.  She understands how to start not only programs, but also entire schools. As previously mentioned,  She is the founding principal of Fort Greene Preparatory Academy.  She knows that you have to start small, and that in order to break the rules, you first need to learn the rules. Therefore, the program design at Fort Greene Preparatory is based on research-based practices. As a French Dual Language Team, we want to equip our teachers and students with what they need to experience success.  Principal Lettiere understands the necessity of reducing the margin of error as much as possible in order to intelligently and intelligibly reflect on best practices, so that next steps truly improve upon the initial ones. 

What is the vision and the approach behind the new French dual-language program and how is the program going to be structured and who will teach it?

We are calling this initiative, “Carrying the Torch.” The expression means, “fighting or striving for a particular belief or movement to make sure it is not forgotten and continues to grow stronger.”  This is our approach at Fort Greene Prep as we are committed to providing a true continuation for French DLP into Middle School. With 8 years of elementary DLP experience and 2 years in Middle School, I will serve as both French DLP Coordinator and Teacher, bringing my experience and invaluable  lessons I’ve learned along the way. 

I am not completely starting the Francophone movement in the school community as there is already an existing  Francophone microcosm.  I will be joined by Mr. Avram Kline who is a trilingual (Spanish, French, and English)  Language Arts Teacher with over 15 years of experience.  Our School’s Guidance Counselor is also Francophone and a certified French teacher.  Finally, Principal Lettiere’s husband’s family is Canadian, so there is a personal tie to French within her own family. 

With regards to how we are “carrying the torch,” my recipe for the successful integration of any Dual Language Program into an existing school community is through carefully blending the Goals of Dual Language Education and the School’s Mission and Vision. Below is my simple, three-step process.  

1. Start with The Goals of Dual Language Immersion:

The goals of dual language are for students to develop high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both program languages, to demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, and to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of diverse cultures. (Center of Applied Linguistics) 

2. Incorporate the School’s Mission and Vision: 

Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is committed to providing an education of excellence that allows each student to develop intellectual independence, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility towards others both within the school and throughout the larger community.

The school will graduate future leaders, decision-makers and innovators empowered to solve the problems of the 21st Century. To meet this challenge, a rigorous inquiry-based curriculum will push students from foundational knowledge towards the problem solving and critical thinking necessary for success in college and beyond.

3. Articulate the Mission and Vision of the School’s Dual Language Program; 

At Fort Greene Prep, our French Dual Language Program aims to serve students who have completed a (K-5) DLP for their continuation of speaking and learning in two languages. Our program is also designed to serve Students with Special Needs and English Language Learners whose language proficiency meet our eligibility criteria. As a French Dual Language Team, our goal is to ensure a rigorous inquiry based curriculum that  builds confidence in our students, so that all learners feel empowered to take intellectual risks in order to grow both inside and outside of the learning community.  We believe that learning in language immersion is optimized when student interest, sense of value, and comfort zone are top priority when designing curricula. Our experience has shown us that this is achieved through thematic units of study,  application of Equity in education and the usage Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.

Our program has the mindset of “strength through stability”.  Dual Language Programs must have a target language and a partner language across subject area(s).  At Fort Greene Prep, for every subject area taught in French, there is a partner language class taught in English. Additionally, we have tight horizontal alignment.  Our students will have equal access  to the target language and partner languages classes at the same frequency for the following subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science with support in Math. Moreover, Dual Language Programs must have sensible vertical alignment so that students have the chance to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy once they are eligible.  Fort Greene Prep’s DLP is based on the existing vertical alignment of Core Content Areas, and incorporates language objectives, just like in the elementary school setting. 

What are some of the advantages that you foresee in a dual-language education at the middle school level?
My experience as a Dual Language Educator has shown me the amplitude of life-skills students acquire, even exclusive of the second language itself.  Indeed, overall I have seen a huge difference in students’ tolerance of frustration heightened.  Their organizational skills tend to be increased; DLP students are able to locate overarching themes that act as “connective tissue” between two seemingly unrelated concepts with greater ease. Students' problem solving skills are more advanced in autonomy. Finally and arguably, most importantly for Middle School,  Dual Language Students tend to be more resourceful and emotionally resilient than their monolingual counterparts.  Adding on a language doubles the amount of opportunities to experience success. At an age where human beings are going through rapid developmental change, the aforementioned skillsets make the experience much more manageable and balanced.  

How can interested parents find out more about the program and sign up?
We are still accepting candidates for our incoming 6th grade cohort.  We are offering seats every day. Interested applicants should apply to the school’s wait list on www.myschools.nyc. After which, Principal Lettiere can locate the applicants who meet our eligibility criteria to then formerly offer a seat. 

Download a presentation of Fort Greene Prep’s new French Dual Language Program: Carrying the Torch

Join Blake Ramsey Principal Paula Lettiere, and myself on Wednesday, June 17 at 3:30 via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92659088300?pwd=K0ZwTTJWODBIRFlLeUIwcVg1K0gyUT09

"Carrying the Torch An Interview with Blake Ramsey about Fort Greene Prep’s new French Dual Language Program." Conducted by Fabrice Jaumont for NewYorkinFrench.net, June 15, 2020

Cover Photo: Daryan Shamkhali

Related article: New French Dual Language Program at Fort Greene Prep Academy

Passage par le Sénégal et l'Université Cheick Anta Diop de Dakar pour une discussion sur l'éducation plurilingue avec le professeur Mbacké Diagne, Directeur de recherche au laboratoire Linguistique et Grammaire anglaises et africaines .

La situation des langues au Sénégal est représentative du bain linguistique dans lequel les nations africaines évoluent. La place des langues nationales dans les systèmes scolaires, comme le Wolof et le Pulaar entre autres dans ce cas-ci, est encore inégale vis-à-vis de la place qu'occupent les langues internationales telle que le français, l'anglais ou l'arabe. Cette situation est au cœur des débats actuels tant elle est liée à la réussite scolaire des élèves, aux questions identitaires et au développement économique du pays.

Retrouvez les épisodes sur iTunes, Spreakers, FrenchMorning, CALEC ou sur NewYorkinFrench.net

NYC District 2- French Dual Language Program-

UPPER EAST SIDE

Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is excited to announce the launch of our French Dual Language Program beginning in September 2020 with one section of grade 6.  Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is a public middle school located in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.  Our program has specifically been designed to provide continuity for students who are attending established French Dual Language Programs being offered in our Brooklyn Elementary Schools.

Read More about the School: New French Dual Language Program at Fort Greene Prep Academy by Fabrice Jaumont

We are seeking an experienced, certified French Dual Language Teacher to coordinate the launch of the program and facilitate learning for our first cohort of students. The French Dual Language Teacher is responsible for the education of assigned students and will create a flexible program and class environment favorable for learning and personal growth. The teacher will teach literacy skills and identified content subjects to students through the use of both the French language and English language in a 50/50 model.

The ideal candidate will have excellent language and communication skills in both French and English, including familiarity with online teaching and communication systems.  Ideal candidates will be collaborative, inclusive, and strong builders of culture and relationships within the school, among students and their families, and within the larger community. A strong knowledge of the stages of language acquisition, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, social-emotional development of adolescents, and differentiation techniques is preferred.  Teachers who are dynamic and creative thinkers are encouraged.

Applicants may submit resumes, cover letters, and digital teaching portfolios to:

Principal Paula Lettiere at plettie2@schools.nyc.gov

Art in my Window: An Ideal Exhibition at home with Hervé Tullet

Can an exhibition take place in a shoebox? In a museum? In a window? Of course! Anything’s possible. 

Children, families and art-lovers of all ages are invited to add color and joy to the world as part of “The ideal exhibition with Hervé Tullet.”

Created in 2018 by Hervé Tullet and Tobo Studio, the Ideal Exhibition is a project in which the acclaimed children’s book author and artist, shares his inspirations, reflections, creative process, and advice for budding artists to create their own exhibitions at home. Since its inception, the project has inspired a multitude of exhibitions of all sizes throughout the world, from Los Angeles to France, Italy, Switzerland, and beyond. 

We are happy to invite you to participate in Art in my Window: An Ideal Exhibition at home with Hervé Tullet, a series of online events designed to guide all generations create a virtual collective museum during the confinement. Together, let’s build a collective museum and create artworks to display in your windows for our neighbors to see and enjoy ! 

These events have been developed in partnership with Herve Tullet, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Bayam and La Petite Ecole NY . 

The highlight will be a live online flower workshop lead by Hervé Tullet on Saturday, April 25 at 11:30am. 

-       Mornings workshops with La Petite École New York

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 am EST, join La Petite Ecole New York  facebook page for a creative workshop for children to create large works of art together to decorate their windows and shine some color onto our world. Themes and dates are as listed below for next week, more informations here

 Tuesday April 21: “Drawing Factory/ Trash workshop” Wednesday April 22: “Totems” Thursday April 23 : "Mosaique/ Windows/ Taches”

-       “Bored Dom Dom Dom” – Hervé Tullet’s ‘stuck at home’ mini-series 

This will make you smile, give you ideas and inspire you to take on art in a new and relaxed way. 

A daily meet-up not to be missed beginning on April 14 at 3 pm on Bayam and Herve Tullet's Facebook page 

-       The Giant Workshop

On April 25 at 11:30 am EST, Hervé Tullet, in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and La Petite Ecole New York, will host a live workshop to create giant flowers. The live will then be re-shown for three days on the Bayam site, April 25-April 27.

 Get your materials ready! 

-       Paper: set up a big piece of paper on the floor or on a wall, or keep a  stack of papers close by to use throughout the workshop

-       Paint or markers: Hervé’s favorite colors are blue, red and yellow. Feel free to add whatever colors you like best.

 Post your artwork on Instagram with hashtag #artinmywindow and tag @expo_ideale_herve_tullet, @lapetiteecolenyc, and @frenchcultureus @bayam_fr for a chance to have it shared! 

District 13 in Brooklyn and Superintendent Kamar Samuels are committed to creating long term options for increasing the quality of Middle Schools by serving the needs of the community. The creation of the French Dual Language Program at Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is a centerpiece of this strategic plan. Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is located in close proximity to existing elementary French Dual Language programs at PS 20 and PS 133. Principal Paula Lettiere is one of the most experienced principals in District 13 and has created a school whose focus is serving the needs of all students. Fort Greene Preparatory Academy has an experienced quality staff that has developed a rigorous academic program. The school is poised and ready to expand to its next phase of serving the community.

Here is a virtual tour of the school:

And here is the recording for a meeting that took place on April 22, 2020 with Superintendent Kamar Samuels, Principal Paula Lettiere, Fabrice Jaumont and a group of parents and educators to discuss the opening of Fort Greene Preparatory Academy's French Dual Language program in September 2020.

https://zoom.us/rec/share/zP5bdujU6ThIWdLUz3vnUf4cHI3Caaa80XQX_vtfy0-r0L1aggPHsyvlroKZgcWf?startTime=1587588948000

Paula Lettiere is the founding principal of Fort Greene Preparatory Academy. As a graduate of Pratt Institute, she was proud to have the opportunity to open a school in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Principal Lettiere started her educational career in gifted and talented education and aimed to create a school that would set such high expectations for all students in a supportive environment. Her strongest belief is that middle school is a time of exploration, discovery, and creativity that enables young people to become who they are meant to be. Fort Greene Preparatory Academy is designed to answer this challenge by offering a range of experiences for children in the Arts, STEM, Languages, and Humanities that includes Regents level course work.

Storytime in French with Dame Hiboux (aka Mrs Owls in French!) :-)
Pendant la période de confinement, Véronique Hiboux enchante petits et grands avec ses histoires en français !

Check out this other video: Les histoires de Mme Hiboux

Frantastique propose des cours de français personnalisés : orthographe, grammaire, conjugaison, syntaxe et expression écrite. Chaque jour, un courriel avec les aventures de Victor Hugo explorant l'univers de la francophonie. Les cours sont humoristiques, pratiques et s'adaptent à tous les niveaux (à partir de 15 ans).

Bénéficiez de 2 mois de cours gratuits (offre sans engagement) : https://www.frantastique.com/partner/new-york-in-french/26879

 Le COVID-19 nous confine à la maison; cela ne veut pas dire que nos horizons intellectuels doivent l'être: au contraire, c'est peut être le moment d'explorer de nouveaux horizons, en français. Nous avons compilé pour vous une liste de ressources disponibles sur le net: elles sont toutes gratuites, de façon permanente ou temporairement.  Il y en a pour tous les goûts, quelque soit vos intérêts et votre âge:

• Pour ceux qui parlent le français et veulent un accès plus large a des supports en français ici aux Etats Unis
• Pour ceux qui l’apprennent la langue et qui veulent la vivre non seulement en classe mais a travers les films, la presse, la littérature ou même le yoga ou les pilates.
• Pour ceux qui l’enseignent et sont toujours à la recherche de ressources authentiques et variées 

 -------------------

The COVID-19 is keeping us inside our homes; it doesn't mean that we have to confine our minds; at the contrary; it is the perfect opportunity to explore new horizons, in French. We made a best off list of free ressources in French that are online and free right now. No matter what you are looking for:

• If you are a french speaker and want access to a wider range of resources in French
• If you are learning the language and want to do it outside of the classroom through movies, articles, books or even a Yoga or a Pilat class.
• If you are teaching it and always looking for new authentic materials.

  Cliquez ici pour accéder à la liste la plus à jour: nous l'actualisons regulièrement.
Click here to access the most updated list
 Profitez-en et aidez nous à l'alimenter en nous envoyant vos suggestions!  

• CULTURETHEQUE  (Institut Français) gratuit jusqu’au 30 Mai
  70000 ressources numériques en français: livres, films, presse, documentaires, musique..
•  TV5 MONDE
  Les ressources rangées par dossier:
  
• APPRENDRE AVEC TV5 MONDE
  Le lien vers l’application (téléchargeable sur téléphone) pour les élèves qui veulent aller plus loin:
  
• TV5 AFRIQUE
  des vidéos, de l’info, des reportages, des mini-séries.
  
• UN JOUR UNE ACTU
  L'actualité à hauteur d'enfants !
• PODCASTS EN FRANÇAIS
  • French avec nous
  • ActuFLE
  • Français Facile
  • Okapi
  • Salut l’info
  • Révolution bilingue
•  RADIO
  • Radio France Internationale

• COMPILATION DE L’ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE
• FILMS EN FRANÇAIS SUR NETFLIX
• FILMS EN FRANCAIS POUR LA FAMILLE
• FILMS POUR ENFANTS
• BRAIN POP 
• LISTE DE L’AATF
• JEUX ET ACTIVITÉS
• BAYAM
• OCCUPER LES ENFANTS: LISTE COLLABORATIVE DE PARENTS 
• LIVRES POUR ENFANTS 
• 150 GRANDS CLASSIQUES DE LA LITTÉRATURE FRANÇAISE
  De  Molière a Victor Hugo et Alexandre Dumas en passant par Balzac. 
• RESEAU CANOPÉ
  Scolaire, artistique, enseignement morale et civique, éducation aux médias

MANUELS EN FRANÇAIS DISPONIBLES GRATUITEMENT EN LIGNE

• VIRGULE (EFBA)
  La collection VIRGULE, cahiers d’activités FLAM  (Français Langue Maternelle) conçus par l'association FLAM de San Francisco  constituent une méthode complète d’enseignement du français destinée à des enfants francophones résidant à l’étranger qui ne sont pas inscrits en école française d’immersion à temps plein.
• HACHETTE
  Hachette FLE propose un accès en ligne gratuit pendant de 3 mois aux manuels numériques classe de la collection pour adolescents.
• CLE INTERNATIONAL
  Ressources gratuites pour vos cours à distance
  CLE International  propose un accès en ligne gratuit aux manuels numériques classe de la collection pour adolescents.

UNE CLASSE DE YOGA , DE ZUMBA OU DE  PILATES  EN FRANCAIS.

Avec nos remerciements à Agnès Tounkara et au French Heritage Language Program pour cette compilation

 Download these ebooks for free on TBR Books with coupon code CALEC

The Other Shore

The Bilingual Revolution

The Clarks of Willsborough Point – The Long Trek North

La Révolution bilingue

The Gift of Languages: Paradigm Shift in U.S. Foreign Language Education

La revolución bilingüe

Die bilinguale Revolution

El regalo de las lenguas

La Rivoluzione bilingue

Rewolucja Dwujęzyczna

Frantastique : Bénéficiez de 2 mois de cours de français gratuits (offre sans engagement). Cliquez ici.

Apprenez le français FLE (Français Langue Étrangère) avec un e-mail, une histoire et une correction. Suivez les aventures de Victor Hugo explorant l'univers de la francophonie. Les cours sont drôles, pratiques et avec une grande variété d'accents. Nos cours sont adaptés à partir d'un niveau post-débutant et pour les plus de 15 ans.

Bénéficiez de 2 mois de cours gratuits (offre sans engagement) :

En validant le formulaire, vous acceptez nos conditions générales d'utilisation et vous consentez à notre politique de confidentialité (qui s'engage à respecter votre vie privée !). Comme nos leçons vous sont envoyées par e-mail, vous en recevrez de notre part, mais vous pourrez vous désinscrire à tout moment.
Comment ça marche ?
1 - Chaque matin, une leçon personnalisée avec des contenus écrit, audio et vidéo.
2 - Une correction immédiate avec votre score du jour et des explications.
3 - Un parcours pédagogique qui s'adapte à votre profil en revenant sur vos erreurs.
4 - En fin de formation, un diplôme avec des statistiques de niveaux, progression et participation.

https://www.frantastique.com/partner/new-york-in-french/26126

Storytime in French by Mme Hiboux (aka Mrs Owls in French!) :-)
Pendant la période de confinement, Véronique Hiboux enchante petits et grands avec ses histoires en français !

More to come soon!!!!

Upper East Side, NY- Today the New York City Department of Education and Council Member Ben Kallos announced the creation of two French dual language classes to the Pre-K center located at 355 East 76th Street. Council Member Kallos worked with the Francophone community including immigrants from Canada, Africa, and even France itself to gather more than two hundred families that pledged to send their children to a French dual language program in Manhattan. The classes will open in September 2020 with Pre-K applications for the French dual language classes are now open through March 16, 2020.

The Department of Education will run these classes using a side-by-side instructional model where it will have one Early Childhood certified teacher who is fluent in French, and who has or will have a Bilingual Extension alongside a second Early Childhood certified teacher. Currently the Department of Education is seeking more dual language certified teachers who can apply online and email prekduallanguage@schools.nyc.gov for information.

“We are pleased to continue expanding our Pre-K Dual Language programs to serve as many children in New York City as possible, and thank Council Member Kallos for his ongoing partnership on early education,” said Josh Wallack Deputy Chancellor, Early Childhood and Student Enrollment

“I hear so many languages spoken in my district from every corner of the world and now we are working with the Francophone community to address a need in the neighborhood as we hope to increase the overall diversity of our schools,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Deputy Chancellor Josh Wallack for his ongoing partnership in expanding early education opportunities, the French Consulate for supporting the Francophone community, and especially to Stephane Lautner and Catherine Remy who worked closely with my office to put meetings together and organize hundreds of other parents.”

“On behalf of France I want to thank Chancellor Richard A. Carranza for opening the first French Dual Language Program in District 2. This program will not only provide a bilingual education to French Speaking families but also support multiculturalism that is a central feature of New York City’s identity. Let me express my deepest gratitude to Councilmember Ben Kallos whose continued support to this endeavor has been critical. The commitment of the French speaking parents who dedicated countless hours to this French Dual Language program has been truly inspiring and Stéphane Lautner and Catherine Remy deserve special credit for making it happen,” said Anne- Claire Legendre Consul General of France in New York

"Parents across the nation - from all socioeconomic and ethnolinguistic backgrounds - are asking school systems to provide bilingual dual language education. It is a great thing to see New York City embrace this approach and offer dual-language education in French and a dozen other languages."
Fabrice Jaumont, PhD. Education Attaché of the Embassy of France and Author of The Bilingual Revolution.

“The parents of this community had a vision and a desire for bilingual education for their children. The establishment of this Dual Language French UPK program is the culmination of two years of groundwork, involving over 150 families in New York City coming from countries all around the world, interested in having their children learn French. The personal stories of the parents, told during the meetings with the Department of Education and Council Member Kallos, showed the critical link of language in the maintenance of culture, heritage, and identity. The success of this program was possible thanks to the strong partnership and support of Deputy Chancellor Wallack his team at the DOE, Council Member Ben Kallos and his staff, and Maud Maron and the Community Education Council. The guidance of Anne-Claire Legendre, Consul General of France in New York and Fabrice Jaumont of the Embassy of France was invaluable,” said Stephane Lautner parent organizer and local resident.

In December 13, 2019, Council Member Kallos joined Community Education District Superintendent Donalda Chumney in a meeting with dozens of parents Stanley Isaacs Center. Following the meeting Council Member Kallos worked with organizers to host a petition when more 200 parents pledged to send their children to a French dual language program. When Council Member Kallos shared the results of the petition, Department of Education requested a meeting with the Francophone community, held again at Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center on Tuesday, March 3rd. The meeting was led by Council Member Ben Kallos, Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood and Student Enrollment Josh Wallack, the Education Attaché of the Embassy of France Fabrice Jaumont, Community Education District 2 President Maud Maron, and Stephane Lautner with attendance by the Executive Superintendent for Manhattan Marisol Rosales and Community Education District 2 Superintendent Donalda Chumney. At the March 3rd meeting French speaking parents from New York City, Canada, Africa, and even France itself made their case for a French dual language program to a receptive Department of Education.

The results of the petition and pledge found:

Year of Birth     Number of Children

• 2016           50
• 2017           31
• 2018           28

“As a multilingual learner and an educator, it is an honor to partner with families across District 2 and Council Member Ben Kallos to launch this French Dual Language Pre-Kindergarten Program, which will enrich the learning opportunities for all our students,” said Marisol Rosales Executive Superintendent for Manhattan.

“The creation of this French dual language pre-k is thanks to the determined and passionate advocacy of the many parents who insisted that dual language instruction is vitally important—both because it provides a 21st century skill and because it helps children remain connected to their multiple heritages and cultures ,” said Community Education Council 2 President Maud Maron.

Council Member Kallos has worked closely with the New York City Department of Education since 2014 to bring Pre-K for All to the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, following reporting by WNYC that Yorkville, Lenox Hill and Roosevelt Island had 2,118 four-year-olds and only 123 Pre-Kindergarten seats. Some of the ways his office has done this include identifying parents with four-year-olds who pledged to send their children toPre-K for All, working with schools and providers to become Pre-Kindergarten locations, and working with the Department of Education through the application process to open more seats in the 5th Council District on the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. The Upper East Side has added Pre-k seats each of the past five school years and now has a capacity of 2,056 seats.

[Note: for zip codes 10021, 10022, 10028, 10029, 10044, 10065, 10075, 10128, 10162]

Families seeking to add the French program to their application, can search for 02Z128 on MySchools to locate the program. For families that have already applied and are seeking to update their application they can:

• Log into their MySchools.nyc account and re-submit their application, if they applied online
• All other families can call 718-935-2009 to update their application

Découvrez l'édition printemps/été 2020 du French Education Guide : un annuaire détaillé Etat par Etat des écoles et programmes bilingues français aux Etats-Unis. Conçu à l’attention des parents cherchant à scolariser leurs enfants en français aux Etats-Unis, ce guide vous aidera à choisir l'école bilingue qui répond le mieux aux besoins de vos enfants.

=> Accédez au guide des écoles
=> Accédez au site du magazine France-Amérique

The work to establishing a new public Dual Language Preschool program and the #bilingualrevolution continues this week. Meeting this Tuesday with Councilman Benjamin Kallos, Deputy Chancellor Josh Wallack, CEC2 President Maud Maron, Superintendent Donalda Chumney, and Fabrice Jaumont, and a group of parents in District 2 led by Stéphane Lautner to discuss the path forward.

Part of the conversation on Tuesday will be focused on challenges around finding a NYS dual language certified teacher & early-childhood education certified teacher, as well as identifying a path forward after UPK into a K-5. District 2 covers almost all of Manhattan under 96th Street (with the exception of the Upper West Side and Lower East Side). Dual-language education is a public good that should be offered to all students. Dual-language programs can positively transform a school, a community, even a city like New York.

The meeting is on Tuesday 3/3 at 6PM at Stanley Isaacs community center, 415 East 93rd Street.

PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY ATTENDING THE EVENT.

For more information, contact Stéphane Lautner : j.stephane.lautner@gmail.com

OVER 100 MILLIONS STREAMS
500 SHOWS PERFORMED inclu. Reeperbahn (DE, Eurosonic (NL), Great Escape Festival (UK)
1 FRENCH MUSIC AWARD: Les Victoires de la Musique for best new live show
GLOBAL COMMERCIALS SYNCH: The most famous luxury brands have chosen their music for their campaigns
ARMANI “SI” starring Cate Bkanchett
YVES SAINT LAURENT “ROUGE VOLUPTE” starring Kaia Gerber
LACOSTE “FRENCH PANACHE”, the genderless perfume
GIORGIO ARMANI “LIP MAESTRO” lipstick web campaign

Following to having Hyphen Hyphen on Levi’s Music Project in 2018, the brand chose the band to DJ at their Coachella Pool Party, along Snoop Dogg.

In 2016, those who did not know them yet would discover Hyphen Hyphen on the prestigious Victoires de la Musique stage for an explosive performance of the single « Just Need Your Love ». The group had just won the Best New Live Act Award. A logical coronation for the young 25-year old French artists, who have become masters of the art of embracing the crowds during intense concerts – Hyphen Hyphen has a track record of several hundreds of dates in the biggest venues and festivals.

“HH”, the newest chapter of Hyphen Hypehn’s discography is composed, but also entirely produced by the band. Not a surprise coming from those Art school graduates designing also their own artworks, shows and music videos.

An impetus and a wild strength are across all the new compositions of the trio. “HH” is a grand, lively album; one in the form of a slap (and we’re asking for it again); free in the way it draws on all the genres.

It draw equally as well on the groove of RnB as it does on the immediateness of pop or the trance of UK House. A logical eclecticism for a group whose musical hall of fame brings together artists as varied as Kanye West and Chopin, Destiny’s Child and B.B. King. A great album too, in the way it puts together lyrics rich in meaning.

Hyphen Hyphen do dance for sure, but with their heads full of everything which has made up this zeitgeist: sexual freedom, a quest for intoxication and feminism.

Althought the group took sole responsibility for the production of its album, Hyphen Hyphen was also alble to surround themselves with the best: “HH” was recorded in the Parisian studio of the Air musicians (Atlas studio), where the group was able to make the most of a vast choice of synthesizers and the participation of the drummer, Zoé Hoochberg.

To perfect her voice, now capable of remarkables acrobatics, Santa called on the talent of the American Guy Roche, the regular vocal coach of the greats (Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguillera, etc.).

The mixing of the album was entrusted to Maxime Le Guil, already behind albums by Justice, Radiohead, and Morrissey, and the mastering was entrusted to Vlado Meller (an impressive CV – from Kanye West to Frank Ocean, by way of Michael Jackson).

Strengthened by this star casting and the immense talent of its authors, HH is an album that is at once powerful and uncategorisable, which goes straight to the heart.

NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES

5/10 @ Drake Underground – Toronto, Canada- Tickets
5/11 @ Le Ministère – Montréal, Canada – Tickets 
5/12 @ Baby’s All Right – Brooklyn, NY – Tickets 
5/14 @ Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA – Tickets 
5/16 @ Moroccan Lounge – Los Angeles, CA – Tickets