Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? (Hello, how are you?)
The Rubidoux High School classroom bursts with chatter as students pair off to talk during class, a behavior that is routinely encouraged by their teacher. Why? Because these students are practicing their conversational skills in French.
Madame Arlette Ogiamien (also known as Madame O) teaches French I through IV (or Advanced Placement French) and is proud of how advanced her students have become.
“I think I’ve grown a lot since French I and - I feel pretty good in this class,” said Samantha Ilagan, a junior in Madame O’s French III class.
Many of Madame O’s students join her class as freshmen. By their senior year, students can become fluent in French and many have passed the AP French exam.
“I like the interactive stuff that we do, for example, some little flashcards that we have that are related to our vocabulary. And, I also like the fact that we are doing gestures to remember our vocabulary. That helps me personally because I’m more of a visual learner.” Samantha said.
Senior Dominic Ortega decided to study French to challenge himself and learn something unique.
“I already know Spanish, but learning a different language is more entertaining for me. Maybe I won't use it outside in our community, but it’s a good thing to learn a different language,” said Dominic, who is currently in AP French.
At this time, JUSD only offers French language courses at Rubidoux High where Madame O is the sole instructor.
Madame O also is the French Club’s advisor. The Club began eight years ago when she started teaching at Rubidoux. The club operates a French Café in which students learn how to prepare four different types of crepes which they sell to their peers.
“It’s really fun to help lead people in the right direction. It’s like a fast-food restaurant. Everyone’s helping each other so I think it's great teamwork,” said Dominic, the French Club President.
Many students who are enrolled in Madame O’s French class are also in the French Club. However, any student is allowed to join the club.
“I like the bond that it creates in students and the appreciation for the culture. They really enjoy the culture and the togetherness,” Madame O said.
Proceeds from French Café sales fund field trips for the French club students. They visit the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles and authentic French restaurants.
“They (the Getty Museum) have a lot of art that is specifically French. Students love to discover and to have fun going there,” Madame O said. “They (the students) love it, they look forward to it, and I love seeing that. They are so impressed by seeing the French tapestries at the Getty - to see that French goes beyond just a language. It’s also the culture and the art.”
Madame O is most rewarded by the progress of the students’ language capabilities.
“Seeing my students excited, that makes me really happy," she said. "Most importantly, I like to see the growth. Some of my students, day one, they knew absolutely nothing. They didn’t know how to say ‘hi, hello.’ Year four, they can have full conversations. They become fluent. They can communicate in French. I look forward to that.”
