Mrs. Shopinski's Classroom: Where Language and Culture Come to Life
In a delightful blend of cultural exploration and hands-on learning, Mrs. Shopinski's German and Spanish classes have engaged in exciting activities celebrating the richness of German and Mexican traditions.
In a delightful blend of cultural exploration and hands-on learning, Mrs. Shopinski's German and Spanish classes have engaged in exciting activities celebrating the richness of German and Mexican traditions. From creating tombstones for famous deceased Germans to indulging in the festive spirit of Oktoberfest and immersing themselves in the colorful world of Dia de los Muertos, the students have embraced a unique educational journey.
For Mrs. Shopinski's German students, the celebration of Oktoberfest added an element of joy and festivity to the classroom. With a backdrop featuring the picturesque town of Rothenburg, students immersed themselves in German culture, capturing memories in a photo booth and decorating wooden hearts with traditional German phrases. These decorative hearts are a cherished part of the Oktoberfest experience and are typically made from gingerbread. Additionally, students crafted pretzel necklaces and participated in a lively game of Oktoberfest Bingo.
Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, marked the next stop on this cultural journey. In honor of this vibrant Mexican tradition, Mrs. Shopinski baked homemade Pan de Muerto, a traditional sweet bread commonly enjoyed during the holiday. To further enrich their understanding of Dia de los Muertos, the Spanish class participated in a virtual escape room, allowing students to solve puzzles while delving into the intricacies of the Mexican celebration.
Students in the advanced German 3 and 4 classes celebrated All Souls Day by creating tombstones featuring information about notable deceased figures from German history. To create an element of intrigue and mystery, Mrs. Shopinski displayed the tombstones throughout the auditorium with the lights off and eerie music playing. Students were tasked with using flashlights to explore the monuments and answering questions based on the information provided. This innovative approach to learning provided a thrilling experience while expanding students' knowledge of historical figures.
Mrs. Shopinski's innovative and immersive teaching methods broaden her students' cultural horizons and make learning a fun and engaging experience. The combination of hands-on activities and traditional celebrations leaves a lasting impression on her students, fostering a deeper appreciation for German and Mexican cultures.
"Art motivates, inspires, and encourages us to view the world through a different lens," says Rosanne Coty '85, a talented local artist whose career has spanned across the United States...
Ella Kennedy ’25 shares her experience studying abroad in Chile. Discover how her experiences in Chile, marked by courage and curiosity, have ignited a passion for foreign languages and exploring diverse cultures:
In a delightful blend of cultural exploration and hands-on learning, Mrs. Shopinski's German and Spanish classes have engaged in exciting activities celebrating the richness of German and Mexican traditions.
Marian High School's annual STEM Night was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to be inspired by accomplished women in the fields of engineering, healthcare, computer science, and statistical analysis
Marian senior Isabella Denipoti is a remarkable young woman deeply involved in her community. At Marian, she has been a member of the field hockey, ski team, the Spanish Honors Society, and the Mind and Heart Literary Magazine team. However, her initiative, HalloWINaSmile, is what truly sets her apart.
7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.
Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.
An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.