Spanish Immersion

[Suzan Antin]

Good news!  The school board voted last night to formalize the current status quo of allowing Aycock SI graduates to be reassigned to Grimsley for continuation of high level Spanish studies, as is currently the case.  Additionally the wording of the motion was that transportation was "not guaranteed," which is a bit different from "with no transportation provided," which was the wording of the previous reassignment policy.  One board member suggested an immersion transportation hub from Jones, and I think that transportation may be more cooperative now about helping parents find existing bus stops that can be utilized.

 

Thanks to all of you who emailed, called, spoke at the public hearing, and spoke at that long, long board meeting last night.  It did make a difference.

 

Superintendent Green's motion also indicated that staff would investigate ways to strengthen the high school program down the road.  They are very cautious about committing funding for any new program because they are worried about budget, but I did find that part of the superintendent's comments encouraging.  He did make reference to his new strategic plan and how second languages would fit into the global studies part of the plan, so please do take the time to go on the GCS website and give your input about the strategic plan and the importance of having a strong, well-planned K-12 foreign language program.  One board member made a comment about teaching the languages of our enemies to enhance our ability to defend ourselves.  I personally have no problem with teaching more languages and have no problem with teaching the less commonly taught languages but I do think that first we need to support and develop the programs that currently exist. 

 

The link to comments for the strategic plan jumps around on the GCS website.  It has been on the home page and it has been on the link to the Board of Education - go to the District tab on the home page, then Board of Education.  then Strategic Plan 2016.

 

One more FYI - we have Spanish Immersion in Greensboro which could easily be enhanced at the high school level to make a truly outstanding program with fairly minimal effort and investment in my opinion.  Kirkman Park's Spanish Immersion program probably needs to feed to a High Point middle school and high school.  High Point has a Chinese program that feeds to High Point Central.   Those existing programs could be strengthened and could form the basis for a strong language component for the new strategic plan.

 

I think one thing that we have learned is that we have to speak out and let the community know what we see in Spanish Immersion that is valuable, and sometimes we have to educate others about things that are right under their noses. 

 

I am going to start cleaning my house and preparing for Thanksgiving.  One of the things for which I am thankful this season is the wonderful Spanish Immersion community!  You are the best.   Please comment on the strategic plan -  and enjoy your holiday.

 

Best regards,

 

Suzan Antin