Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program

Benito Juarez Elementary School is pleased to offer a 90/10 Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program! 

All students will participate in our 90/10 Dual Language Program to become bilingual, bi-literate, and multicultural learners. Students will not be allowed to enter the program after December of first grade unless they are newcomers to the country or transfer from a Spanish Immersion School and can pass a Spanish assessment. No exceptions will be made. To be eligible for our Dual Language program, families must commit to staying at the school for 6 years (K-5th) or, through 5th grade if your child enters after kindergarten. If you know of an impending move or the potential for an impending move you are, unfortunately, not eligible. A six year commitment letter must be signed during registration. Juarez does not offer an English-only strand available for those not interested in Spanish Immersion. 

The goals of Dual Language Programs are:

1. Students will develop high levels of proficiency in English and Spanish.

2. Academic performance for native Spanish speakers and non-native Spanish speakers will be at or above grade level in both languages.

3. All students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

A key Spanish Immersion program goal is to have all students reading on grade level in Spanish and at the intermediate level in English oral language by the end of 2nd grade. When students reach this goal they can successfully transfer their reading skills into English reading. Once students learn the non-transferable skills, many can reach grade-level proficiency levels in English by the end of 3rd grade. Students who do not reach this goal need interventions in Spanish to strengthen and support their Spanish reading skill levels so that they can successfully transfer their reading into English.

Attendance Matters

As the proud principal of our wonderful elementary school, I wanted to take a moment to emphasize the crucial role that regular attendance plays, especially since our students are enrolled in our Spanish Immersion Program.
In our unique language immersion environment, the primary model for acquiring the target language is the teacher. Our dedicated educators are committed to providing an authentic and immersive experience in the Spanish language, creating a vibrant learning atmosphere for our students. However, achieving fluency in a second language requires consistent exposure and practice.
Given that our school community is not predominantly Spanish-speaking, the classroom becomes the hub for language acquisition. Your child's attendance is key to maximizing this linguistic immersion. Regular participation ensures that they receive the full benefit of our engaging curriculum and the invaluable opportunity to interact with their peers and teachers in Spanish.
As we strive to nurture a supportive and inclusive environment, each day of attendance contributes significantly to your child's language development and overall academic success. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community among our students, creating lasting friendships and enhancing their cultural awareness.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, but we kindly request your cooperation in prioritizing attendance and punctuality. Together, we can empower your child to excel in our Spanish Immersion Program, providing them with a strong foundation for future academic and personal achievements.

 For more information on the benefits of Dual Language programs:

 www.cal.org/twi/toolkit/PI/Basics_Eng.pdf

2020-2021 Virtual Open House Presentation

 


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