LOTE Spotlight: Spanish Club

Written by Anna Claire Dykoski

Kayla Montiel carefully trims the edges of a brightly colored papel picado banner, focusing on each small detail as bits of paper fall onto the desk in Room C102. It’s 4:15 p.m. on a Monday, and the Spanish Club has just begun. Around her, artwork provided by Spanish teachers, Blanca Frisch and Kathy Serrano gives students a hands-on way to connect with culture while they create their pieces. As Kayla settles into her seat, the welcoming environment makes it easy for her to feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to learn.

Frisch explained that the Spanish Club is meant to celebrate and experience Latin American culture, welcoming all students regardless of whether they speak Spanish or are just interested in learning about it.

Serrano creates an inclusive space where students can explore traditions, build confidence, and feel comfortable expressing themselves beyond the structure of a regular classroom. 

“I see that the students that are going are more excited, asking more questions outside of the classroom,” Serrano said. “I had a student come, one of the sixth graders who was really excited. So they’re asking more questions that they’re not able to ask during class regarding the lesson.” 

Last year, only two language classes offered an after-school program, but this year all foreign language classes created clubs. The shift reflects an effort to make opportunities more consistent for students in every language.

“We started it this year because we decided that all the foreign language teachers were going to have a club,” Frisch said.

Students say the club not only builds language skills but also boosts their interest in learning. For many, it provides a space to practice speaking and explore the culture in a more engaging way outside the classroom. Montiel shared how their perspective shifts before and after attending each meeting.

“Before I go to the club I’m excited to learn more about the history and how to speak it to maximum and after I feel more confident about my Spanish,” Montiel said.

Originally, Frisch ran the Spanish club on her own, but with Serrano joining, the club has expanded its reach and activities. The partnership allows students from both classes to interact and collaborate more, creating a stronger sense of community.

“Since it’s both of us, they just want to [have] more unity in the Spanish club,” Serrano said. “So there’s two teachers maybe, her students can meet some of my students and vice versa.”