Dual Language Program
The Dual Language Program is an option for incoming kindergarten students throughout the Newberg School District. The program is a good fit for native English speaking families that support learning a second language at home. The program celebrates and builds on heritage language for native Spanish speakers.
About the Program
The Dual Language program began in the 2013-2014 school year at the kindergarten level. An additional grade level is added to the program each year. The class of students will consist of a 50/50 split of native English and Spanish speakers. The program will deliver Spanish instruction 90% of the day in Kindergarten and 1st grade, moving to 50/50 Spanish/English instruction by 5th grade.
The class will follow the Oregon kindergarten curriculum. Students will learn to read, write, and speak in Spanish through songs, poems, and games.
The Dual Language Program is held at Edwards Elementary, 715 E. 8th Street in Newberg. School hours are 7:40 a.m. -2:10 p.m. except for late start on Wednesday from 8:40 a.m. -2:10 p.m. Transportation is not provided and is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, the Dual Language Program will also expand to Mountain View Middle School, 2015 N. Emery Dr. in Newberg. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the transition to middle school.
Students will receive breakfast in the classroom each morning and a fresh fruit or veggie snack, all at no cost, thanks to a federal grant.
The Dual Language program is open to all students in the Newberg School District. Selection is by enrollment lottery in April. Enrollment will be offered to families in lottery-number order and a waiting list established. There is no tuition.
Program Goal
Students in dual language programs are presented with the social and cognitive benefits of bilingualism. The program sets out to accomplish the following goals:
- Develop high levels of proficiency in Spanish and English
- Help students achieve grade level academic performance in Spanish and English
- Take advantage of the optimal window of learning a second language during the primary years
- Develop bilingualism, bi-literacy and bi-culturalism
- Give students an edge in high school, college, and the workplace
- Obtain a biliteracy seal on high school diploma
- Appreciate cultural diversity
- Maintain heritage language
- Strengthen home connections
- Create 21st century global citizens
Contact
Nicole Love, Principal
503-554-5050