This year I have signed up for two language classes, and to my surprise I have two new teachers with incredible backgrounds and talent. There are four new language teachers, and I believe they will make significant contributions to the Fox Lane community. They are Cecile Fielder (French), John Horan (Latin), and Monica Roda (Spanish), and Ignazio Stracquadanio (Italian).

Ms. Fielder is from Le Massif Central in France; she studied at De Paul University in Chicago. Last December she came to the United States for teaching opportunities. Ms. Fielder is an experienced teacher and has taught not only high school students, but also college students. She was attracted to the School because she saw inat languages are very important to the Fox Lane community.

Ms. Fielder believes that the school "is very supportive of its new teachers.' She has many goals fo. tier students this )ear. One is ,o understand the French culture along with speaking the language well. Ms. Fielder said she truly enjoys how "people take care of you" at the school. I believe she will be a great asset to the French Club, which raises funds for scholarships. Her outside interests are all outdoors, such as camping and bird watching. She will have plenty of opportunities in this area.

Mr. Horan received a master's degree at University of Oregon. He first started to teach college students at Willamette University for a semester. From there, he taught Latin at Elizabeth Seton High School for three years. Mr. Horan moved to the East Coast and his goal was to live in the New York area. Mr. Horan said that when he was interviewing for the job he was very impressed with the professionalism of the school and was "astounded" at the strength of the language department.

Mr. Horan said he does not feel that it is difficult to fit into the Fox Lane community, adding "soon it will he like home." He finds it a challenge to be the "new kid on the block," but he knows that with hard work and "engaging all the students." he will succeed, he said.

Mr. Horan is part of the American Classical League, which is for teachers and helps develop the junior Classical League, which is known throughout the United States. The Junior Classical League is an organization that is a subset of the American Classical League. It is a Latin club that pursues the interest of Roman civilization. Mr. Horan is trying to establish an junior Classical League at Fox Lane, which will begin a unique experience at the school.

Mr. Horan has large shoes to fill with Mr. Caffrey gone. He was a very popular teacher and was a favorite of many students. I know that Mr. Horan will create his own legacy.

Mrs. Roda started teaching in her homeland, Argentina. She has always loved teaching and began her career at the age of 18 teaching Spanish. Mrs. Roda earned her master's degree in education first at Argentina National University. After she emigrated to the United States, Mrs. Roda earned another master's degree, at SUNY-New Paltz Mrs. Roda, who taught at Yorktown High School for seven years said she was attracted to Fox Lane High School because of its diversity. She feels that language unites people and wants to make language fun for her students. She said she loves Fox Lane High School because "there are all kinds of kids from different backgrounds and they manage to work together."

Being new is a challenge, but with friendly colleagues, it makes the transition so much easier, she said. Mrs. Roda loves to read, go to the theater and travel. Most of all, she said, she enjoys spending time with her five children. traveled teacher who loves children. Mrs. Roda, an experienced teacher who loves children, will be very busy this year teaching and advising the Spanish Club.

Mr. Stracquadanio received a master's degree at New York University. He first began his teaching experience at Kingspike Middle School and Kingspike High School on Long Island. Mr. Stracquadanio said he was attracted to Fox Lane because of its excellent Italian program and reputation. He plans to contribute to the Italian Club throughout the school year. He said his goal is to motivate the students to learn and appreciate the Italian culture and civilization. Mr. Stracquadanio, a native-speaking Italian, says he wants "the students to take ownership of learning."

Replacing Mr. Tripodi will he a big task, but Mr. Stracquadanio says he has quickly felt the friendship of his colleagues and the results of his teachings. He has varied interests such as reading, running and teaching.