World Languages
Gresham High School Department
World Languages students build communication skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness through Spanish, Japanese, and Heritage Spanish courses.
World Languages Department Mission
Our mission is to empower students to acquire attitudes, values, and skills that enhance cultural communication. We want to inspire our students to be open to other cultures within their community and engage our diverse student population to ensure that all students have the opportunity to become global citizens.
World Languages Pathways
The chart below shows possible course sequences for students interested in Japanese, Spanish, Heritage Spanish, and AP language study.
| Year | Japanese Option | Spanish Option #1 | Spanish Option #2 | Heritage Spanish Speaker Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Japanese 1-2 | Spanish 1-2 | Spanish 3-4 | Heritage Spanish 1-2 |
| Year 2 | Japanese 3-4 | Spanish 3-4 | Spanish 5-6 | Heritage Spanish 3-4 |
| Year 3 | Japanese 5-6 | Spanish 5-6 | Spanish 7-8 | Heritage Spanish 5-6 |
| Year 4 | AP Japanese | Spanish 7-8 | AP Spanish | AP Spanish |
View Pathway Notes
- Students planning to take the AP test during senior year are encouraged to begin World Language study during freshman year.
- Two years of study with a C or higher are required for university admission.
- Students with prior Spanish or Japanese knowledge must seek instructor approval before starting above Spanish 1-2 or Japanese 1-2.
- Heritage speakers of Spanish are encouraged to begin with Heritage Spanish 1-2.
World Languages Course Information
Students can explore Spanish, Japanese, Heritage Spanish, and advanced language opportunities. Use the dropdowns below to view current course options.
Spanish Courses
Spanish 1-2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Spanish 3-4 (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Spanish 5-6 (Grades 11, 12)
Spanish 7-8 (Grades 11, 12)
AP Spanish (Grades 11, 12)
Note: Each course earns .5 elective credit each semester. Students with prior Spanish knowledge should seek instructor approval before starting above Spanish 1-2.
Japanese Courses
Japanese 1-2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Japanese 3-4 (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Japanese 5-6 (Grades 11, 12)
AP Japanese (Grade 12)
Note: Each course earns .5 elective credit each semester. Students with prior Japanese knowledge should seek instructor approval before starting above Japanese 1-2.
Heritage Spanish Courses
Heritage Spanish 1-2 (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
Heritage Spanish 3-4 (Grades 10, 11, 12)
Heritage Spanish 5-6 (Grades 11, 12)
AP Spanish (Grades 11, 12)
Note: Heritage speakers of Spanish are encouraged to begin with Heritage Spanish 1-2.
Department Staff Members
World Languages staff support students in Spanish, Japanese, Heritage Spanish, and advanced language study.
Tara Hieggelke
World Languages Department Chair
Currently Teaching
- Japanese 1/2
- Japanese 3/4
- Japanese 5/6 + AP
Brian Malan
World Languages Teacher
Currently Teaching
- Spanish 3/4
- Spanish 5/6
- Spanish 7/8
- AVID 11
Damon Messer
World Languages Teacher
Currently Teaching
- Heritage Spanish 1/2
- Heritage Spanish 3/4
- AP Spanish Lang
Important Dates and Student Recognition
Check back throughout the school year for World Languages updates, testing opportunities, student recognition, and important department deadlines.
Important Dates
Month Day, Year
Event Title
Add a short description of the event, deadline, test date, or opportunity.
Month Day, Year
Event Title
Add a short description of the event, deadline, test date, or opportunity.
Seal of Biliteracy Recipients
Seal of Biliteracy
Student Name
Language earned / grade level / school year.
Department Awards
Award Name
Student Name
Add grade level, course, or short recognition note.
Announcements Archive
Month Day, Year
Announcement Title
Add the announcement text here. This is a good place for older updates you still want available.
Gresham’s Sister City Association
Gresham-Ebetsu
GESCA is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization based in Gresham, Oregon. Gresham’s sister city is Ebetsu, located in Hokkaido, Japan.
Learn More About Gresham-EbetsuThe Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy
World Languages Announcements / Information
Students can learn more about Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy testing opportunities, language credit, graduation recognition, and the benefits of demonstrating bilingual skills.
Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy Slide PresentationHelpful Links and Resources
Use the links below to access World Languages resources, course information, and related student opportunities.
Explore Language. Connect With Culture.
World Languages courses help students communicate across cultures, prepare for college and career opportunities, and better understand the communities around them.