The French program at IHM begins in Kindergarten and continues through the eighth grade.
Students in Kindergarten, first and second grade attend French class once a week.
During that time, an introduction to French culture, simple conversation, counting and thematic vocabulary building takes place.
The third, fourth and fifth grades attend French class two times per week.
In these grades, there is a greater focus on speaking and comprehension.
Students practice dialogues and create their own role-play situations.
Grammar and verb conjugation are also introduced. The sixth, seventh and eighth grades attend French class three times per week.
These upper grades continue to focus on speaking French, but there is also greater emphasis on listening comprehension,
reading and writing with a more intensive concentration on grammar.
The objective for students in the upper grades is mastery of elements allowing them to take a high school placement test for
second year French.
All classes are exposed to aspects of French culture.
Mrs. Linda Fiorentino is the French teacher.
Mrs. Fiorentino received her dual Bachelor's degrees in French and Journalism and Mass Communications from the University
of Iowa. She lived in France for two years where she was a translator at Credit du Nord bank. Upon return to New York, she
has worked for several major French companies including Banque Nationale de Paris, France Quick and the Casino Supermarket
chain. Mrs. Fiorentino has traveled extensively in France and has hosted French exchange students in the United States. She
has two children at IHM and has been active on the PTA board.