INFORMATIONAL

 This memorandum announces the week of March 6-12, 2000, as National Foreign Language
Week.  Governor James Gilmore has issued a Certificate of Recognition calling 
attention to the observance of Foreign Language Week in Virginia.  A copy of the 
certificate is attached.

Virginia's foreign language students and their teachers have much of which to be 
proud.  The summer residential Governor's Foreign Language Academies continue to 
provide opportunities for outstanding language students to study the languages and 
cultures of other countries.  The Foreign Language Standards of Learning are being 
revised, and a draft copy of the document is available on the Internet at 
http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Language. Foreign language enrollments in 
Virginia's schools continue to grow, and many of Virginia's foreign language teachers
are active participants in professional opportunities within the state and the 
nation.

Please share this information with your foreign language teachers and encourage them 
to initiate activities appropriate for celebrating National Foreign Language Week.  
They may wish to make copies of the Governor's proclamation for display in their 
classrooms.

Copies of this memorandum and a list of suggested activities for Foreign Language 
Week will be sent to the foreign language contact person in each school division and 
to the foreign language department chairman in all middle and high schools.  Please 
feel free to distribute it to others as necessary.  Further information may be 
obtained from Dr. Linda Wallinger, foreign language and ESL specialist, at 
lwalling@pen.k12.va.us or (804) 225-2593.

JLD/LMW/pbc

Attachment

C:	School Division Foreign Language Contacts	
        Middle and High School Foreign Language Department Chairpersons