GUSD Taps the Power of Language
Written By Laura Corea-Hernandez , PIO , Gilroy Unfied School District
Studies have shown that bilingualism , or the mastery and use of two languages , has a positive impact on learning , listening , connecting with others , and problem solving . The Gilroy Unified School District is proud of its Dual Immersion Program , which is one of only five such programs in California that serve students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade . The program has exceeded expectations and evolved to meet student needs . Part of its success owes to the dedicated leadership and support of the District ’ s Board of Trustees , Superintendent Flores , and GUSD teachers .
Dual Immersion Trailblazer
Las Animas Elementary was GUSD ’ s first school to adopt Dual Immersion in 2001 under the leadership of Principal Silvia Reyes . Results there were so positive that the Board of Trustees not only supported its continuance , but also its expansion and replication , beyond the initial grant . In 2006-2007 , South Valley Middle School adopted Dual Immersion , followed by Rod Kelley Elementary in 2008-2009 and Gilroy High School in 2010-2011 .
During the years since our district began implementing Dual Immersion , we have seen increased student enrollment in AP classes and A-G courses ( Biology , World History , Environmental Science and Global Studies ), and higher graduation rates . We ’ ve also seen an increase in students pursuing extracurricular activities , embarking on service learning projects , and taking on leadership roles in the school and community .
Student Families Embrace Program
Our students and their parents are in effect making a six-to twelveyear commitment to the Dual Immersion educational experience .
Students show up willing to work hard and their parents are supportive of their students ’ efforts from day one through graduation . It ’ s exciting to see the future that our students are creating for themselves by utilizing what they have learned from a bilingual education . As for the next generation of students , we anticipate this program will double in size , district-wide , over the next four years .
Rod Kelley Elementary School Principal Maritza Salcido appreciates the program ’ s benefits through her role as an administrator and as the parent of a Dual Immersion student . According to Salcido , “ My daughter is currently a freshman in the Dual Immersion program at Gilroy High School . Being a part of the dual immersion family has been so rewarding . Students go through the challenge of learning two languages simultaneously , managing extra homework , and meeting high expectations despite the academic rigor of this program , by exhibiting discipline and perseverance . Our students learn to value people ’ s differences , they develop a global view , and they are not afraid to put themselves out there . I am a proud administrator and an even prouder parent of a Dual Immersion school .”
Golden Bell Winner
With each new school year , the program continues to expand especially now that our district offers it across the K-12 education pathway . In 2015 , our district ’ s Dual Immersion program received a prestigious Golden Bell award from the California School Boards Association . All courses are A-G and we offer Spanish Language Programs , Biology , Global Studies and World History . Students are acknowledged for their commitment to the program in a special ceremony upon promotion / graduation .
Gilroy Unified School District was honored with a Golden Bell Award ( 2015 ) for its Dual Immersion Program . Pictured ( L to R ) are Gilroy High School Principal Marco Sanchez , former South Valley Middle School Principal Anisha Munshi , current and former Rod Kelley Elementary School Principals Maritza Salcido and Luis Carillo , and Las Animas Elementary School Principal Silvia Reyes .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 gmhtoday . com
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