French Club activities are open to all students who are enrolled in a French class at AHS. Students do not need to join the club and there is no list of members. Typically there is one activity per month. Activities may vary from year to year. Here is a sampling of regular French Club activities.
In the fall, a scavenger hunt is held. Students go out in small groups with lists of items to obtain from homes in a designated neighborhood. The students are not allowed to speak English and have to rely on gestures and use of the dictionary to communicate. Following the scavenger hunt, the students return to South Campus for prizes and refreshments.
The annual trip to the Folk Fair is held in November. On the Friday before Thanksgiving, students travel to State Fair Park in West Allis where they have the opportunity to watch ethnic dances, visit cultural exhibits and try foods that are typical of the many nationalities of habitants of the Milwaukee area.
In the winter, the club usually sponsors a French movie night. Participants enjoy French food while watching a movie in French. Movie selections include subtitled French movies or dubbed versions of popular American films.
French students may enjoy an immersion experience by attending a Concordia Language Village trip or an Immersion Day Trip to Chicago. Students improve their French and their understanding of the French speaking world through musical, art and food activities.
French Club celebrates Mardi Gras in January, February or March (depending on the calendar) by making masks and listening to a variety of French music. A Mardi Gras king and queen are chosen according to a French tradition: the person who finds a special "bean" in their piece of cake becomes the reigning royalty.
In the spring, AHS students may participate in the regional competition of the French pronunciation contest. Students who earn "A" ratings qualify for the state contest in May.
In April, French III and above students are initiated into the French Honor Society. To be eligible for membership students must have an A- average in French, a B- average overall and have participated in at least 3 French Club activities. Current Honor Society members conduct the initiation ceremony.
In May, the French Club sponsors a dinner at a French restaurant in the area. Students have the opportunity to sample authentic French dishes and desserts.
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