MATTAPOISETT — From tango lessons to chowing down on Russian dumplings, students at Old Rochester Regional went on a journey of learning the week before school vacation, celebrating World Language Week.

Junior High Latin and Spanish students participated in a series of games and activities designed to recognize, honor and embrace diverse cultures from around the world and the languages spoken within those cultures.

These hands-on activities helped bring language learning to life, taking students away from classwork and providing them with an immersive educational experience while forging lifelong memories, school officials explained.

Early on, during the school’s celebration of World Language Week, the Latin and Spanish classes came together for a world tour of cultural experience, including tango lessons with Spanish teacher Beth Faria, introductory Russian lessons with Latin teacher Gina Tilley and cultural trivia games hosted by Spanish teacher Carla Cafarella.

Food was also part of the festivities for World Language Week. Students got the opportunity to prepare and enjoy traditional cultural dishes, including Russian dumplings, guacamole and homemade tortillas, during an after-school cooking session.

“World Language Week gives students an opportunity to learn about different cultures and to experience multiple engaging and exciting group activities,” said Tilley.

Faria agreed, applauding World Language Week as a chance for Old Rochester Regional Junior High School to flex their language learning muscles away from a textbook, whiteboard, or computer screen.

“World Language Week is a great way for students to put what they learn in the classroom into practice outside of the classroom,” said Faria.

In a twist on the school’s typical morning routine, volunteer students led classmates each day in the Pledge of Allegiance in different languages, including Latin, Polish, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Morning announcements during World Language Week also included cultural trivia questions meant to spark engagement and curiosity throughout the student body.

The week's highlight was a two-day “Goosechase” scavenger hunt, during which Latin and Spanish students teamed up to complete culture and language challenges throughout the school. Scavengers sang, danced, acted out various scenarios, and solved puzzles — all while wearing traditional Roman attire.

“World Language Week is such a nice change of pace,” said Cafarella. “Latin and Spanish classes combine for the week, and we finish with a two-day scavenger hunt that’s always great fun. There’s a lot of energy and laughter. This is a favorite week for our world language students, and it was a great way to wrap up learning before the February break.”

Principal Silas Coellner highlighted the positive impact of the week on the school community.

“This is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year for our world language students,” said Coellner. “It fosters collaboration, cultural awareness, and hands-on learning, all of which are essential to a well-rounded education. It’s great to see our students so engaged and excited to participate.”

Superintendent Michael Nelson commended the dedication of the school’s foreign language teachers for embracing World Language Week and described it as a meaningful and memorable experience for students.

“World Language Week is a wonderful example of how our educators bring learning to life in creative and impactful ways,” said Nelson. “This event not only strengthens students’ language skills but also deepens their appreciation for global cultures. It’s something many of them will fondly remember for the rest of their lives.”