ZPS Spanish Immersion
Program Newsletter: 2024 Vol 2
Happy New Year! Hopefully, this message finds you and your family feeling rested and recharged after all of these snow days! Our mid year edition of the ZPS Immersion Newsletter aims to answer some questions on your minds and share upcoming opportunities!
New Opportunities for Middle Schoolers!
Recently, a program update went out to families to share the expansion of our program to afford equitable access to coursework at both middle schools. As you might imagine, we have gotten many questions about this change for the 2024-25 school year. Here are some helpful details:
What if my child's older sibling already attends Cityside?
- ZPS will honor family requests. Look for information coming soon to support families in sharing these types of preferences.
I was looking forward to my child having exposure to other students in middle school. How will they have this opportunity if they are staying with elementary classmates?
- Our middle school programming is considered "maintenance", meaning students only spend 2 hours a day in Immersion classes. Students at both buildings will have the opportunity to mix with new classmates during the other four hours of the day.
Will there be an opportunity to ask addition questions in person?
- Yes! Each middle school will host a "Step Up" night that will include additional information related to the Immersion Middle School experience with opportunities to get questions answered.
- Your building principal or district curriculum directors are always willing to connect with individuals via email, by phone, or in person meetings.
I appreciated the opportunity for both elementary programs to come together in middle school. How will this change benefit my child?
- Moving students to middle school with their elementary cohort allows for a more seamless transition and continued connection to peers within and outside of the Immersion program.
- Enrolling students in both middle schools allows the district to balance class sizes and resources, creating a more optimal learning experience for all students.
- Access to extracurricular activities in middle school will be more easily accessible.
- Feedback gathered during our Strategic Planning process highlighted the importance of equitable access to programming at all levels.
How Can I Support my Child at Home?
One of the themes that came through in our program survey was our families desire to learn more ways to support their SI student. Each newsletter will focus on ways you can help!
Authentic Experiences:
Look for those opportunities where your student's Spanish language would be invaluable! If you're going to a restaurant where they are speaking Spanish, request your server speak to your student for ordering. There are many volunteering opportunities in our community with migrant farmers and through churches where Spanish speakers are requested and valued.
New Staff Introduction
Lauren Fuller, 1st Grade Teacher at New Groningen
2024 Elementary Cultural Celebration
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 26! Our elementaries will be hosting this annual event on the same evening at our high school campus. This is a highlight of the year as our students share their learning around Spanish speaking cultures using song, dance, art, and of course food! Look for more details coming soon!
New Course Offering
Our high school team is busy working to develop an AP Spanish Literature course. Based on interest, this class could be offered as soon as next fall. This course, in conjunction with AP Spanish Language, offers students opportunities to earn college credit in high school.