Why is the district adding a Spanish program at the elementary school?
The original budget proposed increasing a part-time Spanish teaching position at the high school to full-time to provide enrichment at the elementary school. This proposal remains a part of the revised budget. Research shows that learning a second language at an early age helps students develop lifelong communication skills, and improves overall school performance and problem-solving skills. It also enhances students knowledge of English structure and vocabulary, as well as their appreciation of other cultures and a deeper understanding of their own. This program would be taught by a Masters level, native speaker, who would provide students in kindergarten through third grade with Spanish instruction for about 20 to 30 minutes each week, depending on grade level. In subsequent years, the district would plan to expand the program to fourth and fifth-graders. The program would tie in to what is being taught in the regular curriculum. Through music, art, movement and conversation, student
