At Plainfield East High School, the French Club brings together students of varying French abilities, from beginners to fluent speakers, under the guidance of club advisor and French teacher Madame Toni Tortorello. Meeting throughout the school year in the French classroom and at school events, the club is designed to extend language learning beyond academics through cultural activities like food tastings, holiday celebrations, and games. The goal is to create a welcoming space where students can experience Francophone culture firsthand, build confidence with the language, and connect with others in a relaxed, engaging environment that makes French feel more real and meaningful.
The French Club at Plainfield East High School is designed to be more than just an after-school activity; it is a way for students to experience French culture through an immersive lens. The club brings together students of all French-speaking levels and even includes students who are not currently enrolled in French classes. Tortorello created the club as a way to extend learning beyond the classroom.
“The main goal of the French Club is to provide a social opportunity for students who take French (and even those who don’t!) to interact with other French students from other levels while also learning about Francophone cultures,” Tortorello said. “I look at French Club as a cultural bridge.”
Rather than focusing on traditional academics, the club highlights Francophone culture through interactive activities such as La Chandeleur, Mardi Gras, the Olympics, cheese tastings, and baking La Bûche de Noël. These events allow students to connect with French traditions in a fun and memorable way.
“I want to provide a space where the French language comes alive through food, film, and conversation, making the Francophone world feel accessible and relevant to their daily lives,” Tortorello said.
She also hopes students leave the club with more than just language skills.
“Beyond just learning how to speak French, I want them to understand the ‘who’ and the ‘why’ behind French-speaking cultures across the Francophone world,” said Tortorello.
The club also helps students build confidence when interacting with new cultures.
Tortorello said she hopes students “gain the confidence to engage with a different culture without fear of making mistakes” and develop a broader global perspective. She believes these experiences help students become more open-minded and adaptable.
Since joining Plainfield East, she has made several changes to strengthen the club, including adding student leadership roles like president, vice president, and social media chair, as well as ensuring there is at least one event each month.
“I think the most rewarding moment is when students show up and are actively excited about what we’re doing for that day’s event,” Tortorello said. “Especially during events like the Bûche de Noël competition, where students proudly shared their creations.”
While some events have small turnouts, others, like crêpe-making nights and soccer games with the Spanish Club, garner significant attendance.
Despite the challenges, Madame continues to encourage involvement, knowing the impact the club can have.
“It builds empathy and adaptability,” Tortorello said. “In a globalized world, the ability to appreciate different customs and viewpoints is a skill that is just as important as any academic grade.”
The French Club serves as a space where students can enjoy cultural experiences, build confidence, and connect with others in a relaxed environment.
It is more than just learning French; it is about understanding people, broadening your perspectives, and engaging in the world beyond the classroom.
