As school begins, one question strikes the Spanish department: who will bring back the Spanish club in the place of former Park Spanish teacher Leah Mark.

Spanish teacher Kristen Christiansen said the loss of Spanish club’s creator and former leader leaves the remaining teachers to pick up the legacy of the club. However, she said most of the details aren’t confirmed yet.

“We haven’t even picked a location,” Christiansen said. “It depends which Spanish classrooms are open and what teachers don’t need to prepare for the next day.”

Christiansen said anyone is welcome to join the club once the details are settled, whether or not students are enrolled in Spanish classes.

“Anyone at all that’s interested can come,” Christiansen said. “If they are just interested in Hispanic culture, or maybe they are native speakers and want to share that with other people.”

Junior Nick Kasic, who grew up learning Spanish at Park Spanish Immersion, said the renewal of Spanish club is worth its while.

“Well some kids who aren’t in high level spanish, are really interested in Spanish and want to learn more,” Kasic said. “Spanish club is a good idea for those who are really into Spanish and aren’t satisfied with just what they learn everyday in class.”

Christiansen said all of the club’s authentic Hispanic experiences enable all members to walk away having learned something despite their level of fluency.

“It’s a place where people can come together that maybe have a similar interest but at very different levels,” Christiansen said. “It gives an opportunity for kids that are studying Spanish to interact with kids whose families speak Spanish. Often times, this usually doesn’t happen because they are in different level classes.”

Christiansen said some of the activities in the club will count towards live culture credits for all Spanish students, which she said is another beneficial reason to get involved.

“We do things that are harder to do with a whole class. We will do more handicrafts, cooking, and depending on the interests of the group, we could even do some dancing or something musical,” Christiansen said. “Spanish club is definitely more hands-on. We will not be doing worksheets; we will be doing games, building things and all that stuff.”

Freshman Brita Bjorgaard said Spanish club has a positive effect on its members.

“Spanish club helps people communicate between Spanish levels, and if you go more, it would help you in class,” Bjorgaard said.

Since it is Christensen’s first time teaching Spanish club, she said she hopes to share her cultural lens to all who attend.

“I hope students come away with more of an appreciation with the Hispanic culture. In language teaching we talk about the culture triangle: we want students to learn it’s not all about the parties they have in other cultures. It’s looking at the things they create, the way they do things and the way they think about things,” Christiansen said. “It’s the products, the practices and the perspectives from another place, and that’s what we call a culture triangle. So in Spanish club, we hope to bring all those things in.”

For more information on the formation of the club, visit Christiansen in room B327.