Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, French students at Jones will have the opportunity to engage in a new version of an ongoing pen-pal system with teenagers from France. 

“Way back in 2005, I actually taught English to students in France. I made friends with the people at the school there, and one of my goals was to start a pen pal/exchange program with our students,” said French teacher Tory Waterman. “When I came back to Jones, I remained in contact with my colleagues there and the pen-pal system began.” 

The program initially provided students the chance to travel between America and France to engage with other cultures and students.

“Between 2007 and 2014, Jones students could travel to France, and we had students from the south of France stay here,” said Waterman. “We would get to spend spring break in the opposite country.”

This version of the system unfortunately came to an end due to complications with location.

“Eventually, all my friends in France moved to other countries, and we were not able to do the pen pal thing,” said Waterman.

This year, students will be able to exchange letters with French students once more, but the opportunity to travel to France has been removed. 

“One of my friends moved back and contacted me and said she wanted to start it again, but for now, only as a pen pal thing,” said Waterman. “We won’t necessarily be exchanging or traveling anywhere.”

This pause on the program’s travel aspect is due to obstacles with the pandemic and administration.

“We stopped partially because of COVID, but also because things have just gotten a lot more difficult as far as bureaucracy since the pandemic,” said Waterman. “Everything that needs to be done in order to get a trip approved by CPS, such as the paperwork, has gotten much more complicated.” 

The new version of the program welcomes students from all French classes to participate. 

“All of the French students at Jones can participate. French 1, 2, 3, 4, all the way through AP,” said Waterman. “Students from both my class and Madame Callan’s class can engage.”

Jones French students are currently in the process of applying to become a penpal, hoping to be paired with a similar student from France.

“We all have to fill out a form, and it lets us give all of our information so we can be matched well with a French student,” said Gabby Prus ‘26. 

Students aim to experience new culture, opportunities, and excitement through the pen pal system. 

“I think this is a really fun thing we get to do,” said Regina Rodea ‘26. “I’m excited to make new friends through the program, and it will definitely help me better understand French, both the language and the culture.”

Engaging in the pen pal system will bring students new perspectives and knowledge about French culture.

“It helps to learn to read, write, listen and speak- the main aspects of learning a language, but it also helps to break down cultural barriers. People always come to me and tell me that all French people hate Americans, and vice versa, and that’s just not true,” said Waterman. “I think having the opportunity to be one on one with someone, especially someone of a similar age, is really beneficial.” 

As the program continues to evolve, there is hope that students will once again be able to travel between countries.

“It’s still a possibility to travel, it’s not completely ruled out. I know the students would like it, so we’ll see,” said Waterman. 

Students are looking forward to a school year filled with new connections and growth in French knowledge.

“I’m really excited about the pen pal program,” said Prus. “I think it will be a really fun aspect of French class this year.”