A map of U.S. states with large Spanish-speaking populations. The darkest blue corresponds with the highest population.
Students at all five elementary schools participated in their first Spanish lesson last week as part of the developing World Language program.
Every grade level saw a presentation from the group of five elementary Spanish teachers. The students learned basic words “such as Hola, Gracias,” according to Hindley Principal Rita Ferri.
“The students then fastened their seat belts as they ‘visited’ several Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Peru,” Ferri said. It was an introduction to the cultures through their music, instruments and dances.
“The children and staff enjoyed the presentations and are looking forward to the program starting this school year,” said Mary Michelson, principal at Tokeneke school.
There were separate presentations at Ox Ridge for kindergarten through second grade, and for third trough fifth grade but the content was the same.
“I’m impressed by how hard working and focused these teachers are, as evidenced by pulling together this assembly,” said Luke Forshaw, principal at Ox Ridge. “I have observed them working in collaboration to develop curriculum and teaching methodologies with real intensity over the past few weeks.”
The Spanish program was approved as part of the school’s budget last February, though three members voted it down. Those opposed mainly argued that the short amount of learning time during the week would be a waste of resources.
The curriculum will continue to be developed over the next month and is supposed to grow into 45-minute classes once a week. The Board of Education is scheduled to receive an update on implementation during the October 23 meeting.
ydavydov@darientimes.com
