Taft ASL News
2nd Annual Taft World Languages Film Festival!
This year was the 2nd Annual Taft World Languages Film Festival where Honors ASL 3 students competed against AP French, AP Spanish, and Spanish Speakers 1 by creating a film in their target languages in a similar format to the Défi 48h Très Court Environment International Film Festival held in France every year. There are certain criteria that each team must include in the film, but instead of 48 hours, the students get 1 week. One, each group must stick to the theme. This year’s theme had to be about KINDNESS. Also, each group must include a Taft Buck, a character who changes their mind about something, and the phrase, “Wait, what?!”!
ALLISON, CALIN, MATTHEW, JUSTIN, TOBY, and VANESSA's film "Bullying," won Best ASL Interpretation, voted on by their ASL peers by having the best example of signing and grammar.
SAMMY, BEN, VIOLET, FRANCINE, and STEVEN's film "T-Buck," won Best Comedy and Most Likely to Encourage a Student to Take a World Language Course!
CLICK THE FILE LINKS BELOW TO WATCH ASL 4's FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS!
Gallaudet University / Washington, D.C. Field Trip 2024
Through the LAUSD CAP Program, I had the incredible opportunity to take my ASL 4 students, including our DHH Juniors and Seniors, on an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. During our visit, we explored Gallaudet University, the only Liberal Arts college for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the US. At Gallaudet, we immersed ourselves in Deaf culture, history, and the vibrant community, learning more about the unique experiences and perspectives of the Deaf/HH.
In addition to our time at Gallaudet, we visited various Deaf historical sites around Washington, D.C., further broadening our understanding and appreciation of the rich history of the Deaf community. Throughout the trip, my students were able to apply their ASL skills in authentic settings, communicating and forming connections with Deaf students and community members. It was truly a remarkable experience for all of us, and I couldn't have been prouder to witness my students confidently signing and fully immersing themselves in the language and culture. This field trip offered countless layers of learning, growth, and camaraderie, creating memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
Gallaudet University Field Trip Photo Album
1st Annual Taft World Languages Film Festival!
2024 was the first year of the Taft World Languages Film Festival where ASL 4 students competed against AP French, and Spanish Speakers 1 by creating a film in their target languages in a similar format to the Défi 48h Très Court Environment International Film Festival held in France every year. There are certain criteria that each team must include in the film, but instead of 48 hours, the students get 1 week. One, each group must stick to the theme. This year’s theme was to highlight a cultural difference between target culture and American culture. For ASL 4, Deaf culture versus hearing culture. Also, each group must include a book, a character that doesn’t understand the target language, and the phrase, “I can’t believe this is happening!” It was incredible seeing how each team approached this project. Even though they had the same criteria, each film was unique. We held a viewing party and students voted on their favorite films and what awards they should win! I'm happy to say that each of the 3 ASL teams won awards!
Team #1 won Best ASL Interpretation, tied for Best Acting (with a team from AP French), and Best Overall: Most Likely to Encourage Someone to Take a World Language Class!
Team #2 won Best Drama
Team #3 won Best Implementation of the Theme
CLICK THE FILE LINKS BELOW TO WATCH ASL 4's FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS!
Silent Weekend 2023
Silent Weekend is an extraordinary field trip opportunity for ASL students of all levels! During one weekend in March, students from Taft, and other various southern California high schools, gather in the beautiful setting of Big Bear, where they fully immerse themselves in sign language and Deaf culture. This unique experience encourages participants to turn off their voices and rely solely on ASL for communication throughout the entire weekend, even when exploring local shops and restaurants in The Village. This engaging event not only allows students to practice and refine their ASL skills but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Deaf community.
CLICK THE FILE LINK BELOW TO WATCH OUR HIGHLIGHT REEL!
Silent Weekend 2023 Photo Album
