Dual Language Family Engagement Night at Jefferson

The theme for this year’s Dual Language Family Engagement Night at Jefferson Primary School was “A Trip Around the World.” The event drew a crowd of about 100 students and family members.

“Everyone embarked on a cultural journey with boarding passes, luggage, and passports in hand to explore Mexico, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras,” Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide said. “Families enjoyed hands-on activities like making pupusas, crafting worry dolls, decorating flags, and practicing their Spanish along the way.”

The principal thanked dual language coordinator Desire Lahoz and teacher-leader Wendy Gallo “for spearheading this exciting event and to all of our dedicated DL teachers for making the night a success.”

Huntington’s dual language program was initiated at the kindergarten level at Southdown Primary School in 2002. The following year it expanded to Jefferson Primary School. In 2006, the first cohort moved on to Woodhull Intermediate School. The program is now throughout the district.

In creating and organizing the dual language program, Huntington carefully followed guidelines established by the State Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education. Classes are comprised of a mix of native English and Native Spanish students/speakers. The goal of the program is for both groups to become bilingual and bi-literate by the end of fifth grade.”