The Italian Program at Palisade Park Jr./Sr. High School in New Jersey has been an invaluable part of the community, fostering cultural understanding and language skills among students. The faculty have dedicated themselves to protecting this program, and their passion is evident in our collective actions. With over 300 student and community signatures gathered and a strong presence at multiple Board of Education meetings, they have made their voices heard.

However, there is an urgent need to address the current limitations threatening the sustainability of this program. While students will still have access to Italian 3 and AP Italian in September, the critical entry-level courses, Italian I and II, have been slashed. Without these foundational classes, the continuation of Italian studies becomes implausible for future students.