ESL (English as a Second Language)

In a typical year, Grier's student population includes students from 15 or more foreign countries. Since many of these international students arrive with basic levels of English proficiency, Grier has developed an ESL program which works with other academic departments to meet the needs of its students. ESL is an intensive and comprehensive program. However all students in ESL participate fully in the fine arts, math, physical education and extra-curricular offerings available at Grier. Cross-cultural guidance is offered by the teachers as an integral part of the program.

Four levels of English are taught by ESL teachers. Listening, reading, and writing skills are emphasized at all levels. ESL students are incorporated into mainstreamed academic classes as soon as language proficiency warrants.

ESL I/II (Grades 7-8)

The purpose of the course is to develop the students’ knowledge of American and English culture, and to develop their knowledge of the English language through the following skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. Throughout the year, the students complete additional activities with material from other books. They also watch movies which serve as a basis for discussion or a written assignment.

ESL II (Grades 9-12)

ESL II will help students become independent and competent users of the English language. The purpose of the course is to develop the students’ knowledge of American and English culture, and to develop their knowledge of the English language through the following skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking, with an introduction to the TOEFL test. Throughout the year, the students do additional activities with material from other books. They also watch movies which serve as a basis for discussion or a written assignment. They will also read at least three unabridged novels.

ESL III

Our ESL III course at the Grier School is a two-semester course designed to provide high intermediate high school students with an intensive review of the materials covered in level I and II, and to expand the language skills acquired thus far. Throughout the year, the students do additional activities with material from other books. They also watch movies which serve as a basis for discussion or a written assignment. They will also read at least three unabridged novels. A special focus will also be put on the practice of the TOEFL test and its particular requirements.

ESL IV

The ESL IV course is a two-semester course designed to provide advanced high school students with the necessary skills to function in a regular English class.  Students will practice expressing their thoughts naturally and effectively.  They will study from unabridged texts out of regular English high school textbooks. They will read two to three unabridged works of literature.

TOEFL iBT Course

This course for 11-12th grades is to be taken concurrently with ESL IV or for any international student with an iBT TOEFL score below an 80. This course’s purpose is to develop the necessary skills to improve the students’ TOEFL score in all four sections of the test (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). The course uses a variety of sources, all of the latest editions.  It is necessary that students continue practicing the concepts and exercises learned in class. Skills develop through repetition, and the time frame of the TOEFL class is restricted. Therefore, students should devote some time to independent study. The grade evaluates the effort the student puts forth during class (attention, participation, production). Mrs. Shaffer, the instructor, has taught the TOEFL iBT since it was introduced in the USA in 2005, and attended the TOEFL iBT workshop for educators offered by ETS (the creators of the TOEFL test) in 2009.

ESL WORLD HISTORY

For 9th - 12th grade ESL students (Levels I and II), this course covers the development of world civilizations from prehistory to 1500 A.D.

ESL COMPARATIVE CULTURES

For 7th - 8th grade ESL students (Levels I and II), this course covers the development of world cultures.

ESL LIFE OR EARTH SCIENCE

These classes are for Grades 7 and 8 respectively and cover the basic Sciences.

SUMMER ESL/TOEFL PROGRAM

International students who plan to enroll at The Grier School are encouraged or, in some cases, required to participate in our intensive, seven-week TOEFL/ESL summer program . Also, our TOEFL/ESL program is ideal for students who wish to enter the university system in the United States or Canada. The program includes five hours of instruction daily, afternoon/evening activities such as horseback riding, swimming, art, etc. Overnight trips to New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Ocean City, Maryland enrich the experience of the student.

FACULTY

Marie Shaffer has a B.A. and M.A. from Sorbonne University, France and chairs the ESL department. Marie-Pierre Shaffer was born and grew up near Versailles, France. After graduating from high school, she studied in London, U.K. for a year. She earned a B.A. in International Commerce in 1990, but rather than pursuing a career in business, she decided to make a childhood dream come true: becoming a teacher. She earned a M.A. in English in 1992, and her teachers certification (C.A.P.E.S) in 1994. Her ten year experience in France includes teaching English to children in kindergarten, children in a school for the disabled, and children from underprivileged neighborhoods.

Marie moved to the United States in 2000. Her first teaching position was at Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Altoona, Pa as an English teacher for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Ironically, the French teacher in that same school was American! Marie joined the teaching staff at the Grier School in 2002. She teaches ESL classes as well as TOEFL iBT classes since the test was introduced in the USA in 2005. Under her direction, the ETS accredited TOEFL iBT Test Center was created at the Grier School in 2007 and has been operating successfully ever since. In addition to teaching, Marie manages the TOEFL Test Center (See section above “Take the TOEFL iBT test at the Grier School”) and administers tests throughout the school year.

She is married to John Shaffer, a native of Altoona, and they have a son, Zane. She loves teaching at the Grier school, where the beauty of the campus and the diversity of the student body create an exciting work environment.

Karen Fulton has been teaching English, Drama and Film classes at Grier since 1993. She has lived her whole life in Clearfield, PA where she raised a family of three boys. Once her children reached elementary school, she decided to return to Penn State University and complete a degree in Secondary Education with an English Teaching Option. Shortly after receiving this degree, she came to Grier. She recently started a business from her home, "Evergreen Kennels and Karen's Dog Grooming." Ms. Fulton reports that she is thrilled to be enjoying two careers that she loves at the same time. She is a competitive golfer, a sport she loves until the course gets covered in snow!

Olivia Hallahan grew up in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.  She earned a B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from Penn State Altoona.  While pursuing her education, Olivia was actively involve in the athletic arenas playing both Division III Collegiate Volleyball for four years and Basketball for two.  After completing her college education, in three and a half years, she was a full-time substitute at Huntingdon Middle School teaching 6th grade Science for the past year and a half.  Olivia is in her second year of being the assistant high school girls' volleyball coach at Huntingdon Area High School.  In Olivia's free time, she enjoys traveling (especially to the west), hiking, playing sports, spending time with her family and friends, and taking care of her one year old German Sheppard, Nikita.  Lastly, Olivia is extremely ecstatic to be teaching at Grier this year as one of the ESL II and IV teachers.

Mrs. Shaffer in her classroom. TOEFL iBT is offered at least once a month.