Modern language instruction begins in the sixth grade with an alternate day FLEX course designed to acquaint students with French, German, Italian, and Spanish plus the rudiments of Latin. After this sampling of languages, students can make an informed choice of which language to study formally from the seventh grade onward. At the end of the eighth grade, students take the NYS Proficiency Examination. Those who successfully complete this examination continue with the next level of language in the high school. For those students who are unable to take FLEX in 6th grade due to their receiving AIS services, we offer FLEX 7 on an alternate day basis. Students take 10 weeks of Italian and 10 weeks of Spanish, and then choose one of these languages to study formally from the eighth grade onward. These students take the NYS Proficiency Examination at the end of 9th grade and can then continue with the next level of language. At the end of Level III, students take the NYS Comprehensive LOTE Examination. Additional courses are available beyond the Regents level in the College Program, in conjunction with Adelphi University. Interested students are advised to consult with their guidance counselors for further information. Starting in September, 2007, we will be offering Mandarin Chinese I at the High School. This course will be offered to students who have completed a Level 3 Modern Language Class and passed the Regents Comprehensive Examination. Students will learn the fundamentals of speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese. Attention to the tone system and character writing will be introduced.