Juan Diego Academy Update: 2018-19
HRRSJDA
The Pioneers!
Dear 5th Grade Parents (Juan Diego Academy Pioneers!),
I am excited to tell you about the amazing plans we have for our Juan Diego Academy pioneers next year! This is a fantastic time for the group as they transition into middle school. Over the years, they have made such great progress in Spanish and we feel it is very important to continue their language acquisition, while also making sure they are fully prepared for the next step...high school. Our students will not only be prepared for high school in the traditional curricular areas, they will be ready to add a third (or fourth) language to their skill set in high school! We have received word from a few families that they are looking at making the transition to a public middle school. We want to make sure that all families have the information necessary so that they can make an informed decision that is in the best interest of their child. With this in mind, here is our plan for the model next year:
5th and 6th Grade will be combined into one dual language classroom with numbers not to exceed 25 students.
Students will continue with a one day English and one day Spanish instruction model (50/50).
Students will engage in much more project-based learning, building their critical thinking skills and collaborative learning.
5th - 8th graders will be involved in the electives program created this year, with such amazing opportunities as: yearbook/photography, Hispanic dancing, kitchen/cocina, drama, and many others. Next year, we are making plans to add technology classes, as well.
The students will either have a single bilingual teacher or we will have a team teaching situation with one teacher in English only and another in Spanish only.
We feel that this will be a fantastic model on many fronts. First off, the kids will have the opportunity to continue their Spanish language acquisition at a level available only in dual-immersion programs, putting them ahead of their peers in English-only schools, as well as providing them a rich cultural experience. Secondly, the larger class size will allow the students greater opportunities to engage in collaborative activities, mentoring, and more differentiated learning, working to their highest potential. Thirdly, they will be able to engage with other grades for electives to increase their education in the arts, culture, technology, and so much more.
I am happy to meet with any parent one-on-one to discuss this further, but I wanted to make sure that you had the opportunity to read and digest the information as you begin to make plans for your child’s education in the 2018-19 school year. I will also be discussing it further at the State of the School on January 25th. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. We believe that this will be an amazing model which allows your child to be ahead of the curve in so many ways. All of our kids deserve the best education that is available to them. At Holy Rosary/Juan Diego, that is our commitment to you and we thank you for being a part of the community!
Have a wonderful 3-day weekend!
Blessings,
Katie Dempsey