Huge Crowd at Dual Language Family Night
A huge crowd turned out to celebrate the Huntington School District’s dual language program at this year’s Family Night. More than 500 parents, students and family members from Jefferson, Southdown and Woodhull schools enjoyed the festive evening, which included food, dance, music and bilingual cultural presentations by the children.
Families involved in the dual language program brought food that represented their heritage, which everyone was then able to sample. “The number of families attending the Dual Language Family Night demonstrates their commitment to this program,” said Carmen Kasper, director of foreign language, ESL and bilingual programs for the district.
Ms. Kasper said the district’s dual language program has been a success. “We are all extremely pleased with the results. Our students are performing well academically while they are learning a second language.”
After the meal, students from kindergarten through fifth grade from the three schools put on an entertaining show in the Huntington High School auditorium. Presentations were made by the ten dual language classes in two languages. Each class represented a different Spanish speaking country. Students shared interesting facts about their respective countries. The youngsters topped off their performances with either a song or dance.
To cap off the special night, the first graduating cohort of students, who are now in fifth grade, were recognized with a framed certificate for their participation and dedication to the program. Each year, teachers and students put in hours of hard work and preparation to create a memorable show. The huge turnout was evidence of the program’s growing support, organizers said.
Providing instruction for this year’s dual language program were teachers (at Jefferson School) Rosa Lanoue (kindergarten), Mariana Irigoyen (first grade), Wendy Delgado (second grade), Lucy Marotta (third grade), (at Southdown School) Frances Poy (kindergarten), Ivonne Szabo (first grade), David Crimi (second grade), Dimaris Ortega (third grade), (at Woodhull School) Soraya Triessl (fourth grade) and Cinzia Reeves (fifth grade).
Ms. Kapser offered thanks to Pam Lumpe and Lisa Stevens for their help in planning and executing the family night, Neil Bogard, who provided the sound system and dozens of other parents who helped with the set-up and clean-up involved in the event.
Huntington’s dual language program is comprised of English dominant and Spanish dominant children in the same classroom who are learning the New York State mandated curriculum in both English and Spanish, alternating languages each day. The program is in its sixth year of existence with students participating in Jefferson, Southdown, and Woodhull schools. The program is expanding into Flower Hill and Washington schools next September.
For more information about the dual language program contact Carmen Kasper at 673-2104 or ckasper@hufsd.edu.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office