December 2008
Dear
Parent or Guardian,
Each
year I enjoy offering to my students the possibility of participating in the
National French Contest to be held [local date] at the [School name]. Last year there were over 110 public
and private schools in our Eastern Mass AATF Chapter who participated in this annual Concours sponsored by the American Association of Teachers
of French. That translates to some 6300 students in Grades 1-12 participating in
both the FLES (elementary) Levels and the secondary levels.
[NOTE:
the following paragraph may be personalized, depending on the level of
Concours.]
Our
[XX] graders will take the Level [X] test. It consists of 70 multiple-choice items (60 items for levels
3, 4, and 5) covering 1 listening comprehension, 2 vocabulary 3 grammar
in-context, and 4 readings; all in keeping with a [XX] French curriculum. Prior to the test we will review one or
two recent Level [XX] tests so that students are familiar with the format and
expectations. I will also share
with them the language specifications expected of them.
The
Grand Concours tests are developed annually by the American
Association of Teachers of French as a motivational, extracurricular
activity/contest for students of French. The Grand Concours is on the list of approved tests
published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
The primary goal of the contest is to stimulate more students to begin and
continue with their study of French as well as to recognize and reward
individual student achievement.
I
encourage all my students to experience the Concours. It is but the first of many similar
written examinations that they will face in the future, and the experience
alone of participating, I think, has merit. There is no failure nor are there
negative consequences to the test.
There are certificates and prizes for those earning National and Chapter
recognition as well as certificates and prizes for high scorers on the local
level. The certificates of
Achievement awarded by the Concours are often used by
students on College applications when noting Academic Honor Recognition. The
certificate and level lists not only the score and place but
the percentile that the student has received.
School lists must be compiled by the December break for the March __ testing date. I would appreciate your prompt return of the registration slip found below if you would like your son or daughter to participate in the Grand Concours 2009.
Please
sign and return this form along with the $ [amount due] payment in a sealed
envelope. This serves as your
sonŐs/daughterŐs official registration.
Checks should be made out to [name of school or teacher]. Note: This is the only time that
students may register for the March Concours.
Sincerely,
French
Teacher, GradesÉ
_________________________ has my
permission to participate in the 2008 National French Contest.
(StudentŐs
First and Last Name)
Enclosed is a check for $ [amount due]
made out to the [payee].
______________________________
Parent/Guardian