Page 13 - Fall 2019 Newsletter

that people can respectfully disagree. She said,

"one of the greatest things I can do is enhance a student's understanding of people."

As for her classroom style, Traci wants to ensure that her students can authentically communicate in the foreign language. She
says,

"we still conjugate the heck out of verbs."
Traci Storti She explained that this is the "old style" of instruction with a focus on grammar translation. The current trend is "immersion"

and many newer teachers do not incorporate the "old style" techniques in their curricula. She, however, has married the two
teaching philosophies and has found it to be successful for her students.

Another technique that she incorporates is bringing Spanish
speaking individuals into the classroom. She thanks the
involvement of several Border Patrol members and other
local Hispanic volunteers that take their time to meet with
her classes. They provide unique feedback to the students
who get the chance to speak in front of native speakers of the
language. Traci Storti challenges her students and encourages
them to excel. This is evidenced by their participation in
the Maine Seal of Biliteracy Program. According to the
Maine Department of Education web site, the Maine Seal of
Biliteracy is "an award that recognizes student achievement
in language learning. Students who are proficient in English
and an additional language may earn the Seal of Biliteracy by
demonstrating their skills on an approved assessment. Students
Students earning the first ever Seal of Biliteracy awarded at HHS: receive a seal affixed to their diploma and an indication of
Gabriella Guiod '19, Jamie Brown '19, Alexander Wilde '19, Rhetta Vega receiving the Seal of Biliteracy on their high school transcripts.
'19, Jillian Haggerty '19 and Meghan Schneider '19.
This award elevates the study of languages and gives students an
edge for their college applications and professional careers."

Traci explained that the assessment includes reading, writing, listening and speaking. She proudly declared that 6 of her four-
year students passed each individual criteria. They were able to wear special garb with their gowns at graduation. The program
helps with college placement and awards credits if they pass.

An article on the University of Southern Maine web site about the program's recognition ceremony states that this honor was
newly-established in the Spring of 2019 by the State Department of Education awarding it for the first time to graduating
Maine high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and another language. The article continues
saying, "the Department of Education was determined to encourage native English speakers to expand and challenge
themselves to study a culture and language unfamiliar with them."

The recipients of the Maine Seal of Biliteracy are eligible for at least six free language credits at every University of Maine
System institution and those attending USM may be awarded up to 8 credits.

Traci's road from Houlton High took her to Saint Anselm College and on to Fordham University where she earned her degree
in English. She is also certified in English as a Second Language. Traci credits teachers such as Allison Wiggin and Betty Stone
with inspiring her. She also noted that Evelyn Putnam instilled in her a love of grammar. She is also exceedingly proud of her
three children who she notes are subject to her rule of a mandatory 4-year program of Spanish. This has meant that they have
had to endure being in a class with their friends while their Mom is the teacher. Daughter Anessa, 18, is now a Sophomore at
Johnson &; Wales. Son, Alexander, 19, is a Freshman at Brown. Daughter Teadora, 13 is currently a Freshman at Houlton
High and is just getting started in the Spanish program. Both Anessa & Alex participated in the trips abroad and both went on
to be chosen as Rotary Youth Exchange students. Additionally, Anessa earned the distinction of Second Honor Essayist, while
Alexander was Valedictorian of his class. Traci Storti is a Houlton High alum who is giving back daily to the current HHS
student body. We are very proud of her and thank her for her dedication to the school and the students.

www.houltonalumni.com PAGE 13