Exchange program at risk with elimination of German language at CHS

The Canton School Committee last week endorsed CHS Principal Jeff Sperling’s plan for the school’s 2025-26 program of studies, and while there are many new additions, there is a notable omission in the world languages offerings with the planned elimination of German.

Without a German language course, it raised the question of whether the German Exchange program — a 40-plus-year partnership with Bocholt that is believed to be the longest continuously operating program of its kind in existence — will be able to continue in future years.

According to Sperling, there have been some conversations about the program being organized between the two communities and not through the schools. “As we do not have a German program, there is no actual ‘exchange’ as that program (GAPP) is hinged on the language study, faculty advisor/coordinator, and a minimum number of travelers,” he said. “Even though our recent exchange did not meet those requirements, we felt compelled to follow through on the student visit.”

Sperling and School Superintendent Derek Folan told the committee that they have had problems finding staff to teach the language, and though there have been repeated efforts, student signup and interest has not been sufficient.

Among the course additions for next year at CHS is a new financial literacy course that will be offered through the Math Department, as well as an Application in Mathematics course for students in grades 11-12 with foundational needs. For the latter course, consideration will also be given to students in other grades with basic math needs as well as students new to the Canton Public Schools.

New courses to be offered by the English Department include Stories of Young Adult Experiences, Living Poets, Food and Travel Writing, and Building Communities Through Conversation. New electives in Performing Arts include Honors Music Theory, Learn to Jam, and History of Musical Theater.

Other new additions include “Project Lead the Way Capstone,” a new research-based science course with a focus on group problem solving, and a new honors level option in Wellness.

All of the new course additions are subject to student signup and interest.

In other news from the January 23 meeting:

* The first draft of next year’s school calendar was released to the committee with the first day for grades 1-12 scheduled for Tuesday, September …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 31 2025. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.