¡Bienvenidos! It's the start of the 3rd year of the highly successful Lincoln DLP school year. 2013-2014

¡Bienvenidos to all of the new families in the Lincoln Elementary Dual Language Program!  It's hard to believe that we are beginning the third year of the popular dual language program at Lincoln.  It's just as hard to believe that three years ago, we had roughly 60 children in the inaugural two classes and we now have close to 200 children in the k-3rd grade dlp classes and over 50 students in the Spanish preschool.  It is truly amazing and a testament to the community demand for dual language education.

As I watched all the new families enter the school these last few days, I couldn't help but feel excited for them and scared at the same time.  It conjured up memories of the first week of our dual language education journey with our oldest daughter Alec.  My husband and I felt as if we were taking a HUGE leap of faith, but we knew in our hearts it was the best opportunity for our daughter.  So, when I came a across an article posted on Spanglishbaby.com entitled Tips For Non-Native Speakers with Children at Dual Language Schools, I realized that I have a few tips that I think are worth sharing.  I hope these are helpful for all our newbie dual immersion parents.

1)  Be confident in your decision to enroll in a dual immersion.  As most parents know, children are very intuitive and they pick up on almost everything.  If your child senses your apprehension, it's more likely that he/she will become apprehensive.  I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't have questions, concerns or doubts; however, I would bet that you all have done your homework and your research on dual immersion programs.  You chose this program for a reason, believe and trust in your choice and give it a fair shot.  The only reason a student has voluntarily left Lincoln's dual immersion program after the first year is due to a major relocation of their family.  In most cases, those families have found and enrolled their child in a dual immersion program where ever they have moved to.

2) Don't feel like you have to become fluent in Spanish to help your child with their homework or language acquisition.  There's no question that being bilingual parent is a major asset for a child in a dual immersion program; however, the beauty of the program is that is designed for native speakers of both languages.  Our teachers are so wonderful and helpful.  They truly want our children to succeed and will guide you through whatever assistance you need in regards to homework.  That's not to say that it's easy- it is a major commitment.  But in the end, isn't it worth it to have a child that is bilingual, bi-cultural and bi-literate?  And, if you are a person who loves learning, this may be a great opportunity for you to brush up on your high school Spanish or learn a few phrases along side your child.  But don't be discouraged when your child speaks without an accent and you sound like a total Gringo:)

3) Lean on other families in the program.  Over the past three years, we have developed a very supportive and caring community of dual language families.  Don't be afraid to reach out to other families in your child's classroom or some of the families in the older grades.  I'm confident that there are a lot of families that have experienced what you are going through right now.  So, don't be shy.  We are here to support one another.

4) Try not to freak out if your child says they don't want to learn Spanish.  I have heard so many great stories about English speaking children in dual immersion programs and the funniest things they say.  Some children adapt quickly to the non English environment and others take more time to warm up to the concept.  If your child is resisting,  it's important to realize that resistance is very normal and with support and encouragement your child will adjust.  It takes time, patience, courage, strength, and will power to not give in to the child that vehemently resists.  But with the right encouragement and support at home and at school every child should succeed in the dual immersion setting.

5) Do your homework.  As I mentioned previously, I am confident that almost every parent that chooses a dual immersion program does their research.  Now that your child is actually in a program it's important for you to delve even deeper into the most common and successful practices of a dual immersion program.  It's imperative that you FULLY understand the 90-10 model and that you become the biggest advocate for your child's education.  As you may know, our school holds dual immersion parent meetings 4-6 times a school year and one dual immersion conference.  I highly encourage all of you to attend as many meetings as possible and stay well informed.  As great as our program is, it is still very new.  Our teachers are doing incredible work, but there are a lot of wonderful dual immersion practices that we have yet to implement at our school.  The more we know the more powerful our voices are. 

There are so many more tips that you can find online or ask any parent of a 3rd grader in the program.  On behalf of the Dual Language Program Advocates, I wish each and every one of you a fabulous first year and Bienvenidos a Lincoln!

Maria Giannini

Next Lincoln DLP Meeting 3/21/13

NEXT DLP Parent Meeting is schedule for Thursday, March 21st 6-7:30pm in the Lincoln Cafeteria.  The meeting is a social gathering with an opportunity to learn some fun and educational children's games in Spanish to help with vocabulary, math and much more.  If you are interested in bringing food and/or a Spanish kid's game to share with the group, please let us know.  You can email us at dlpadvocates@gmail.com.  Childcare will be provided.

We hope to see you all there!

2nd Annual Dual Immersion Parent Conference

REGISTER NOW!!!!

DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND

A FREE DUAL IMMERSION PARENT CONFERENCE

SAT. NOVEMBER 17, 2012

8AM-1PM

BORONDA MEADOWS 

What's happening in the DLP these next two weeks!

There's a lot going on these next two weeks in the Lincoln DLP classrooms. There's a need for classroom volunteers, as there are assessments happening.  Check with your classroom parents if you are available to help.

Don't forget to attend the Lincoln PTO's Fall Festival this Friday, October 26th at 3pm-6pm.  There will be games, prizes, a BBQ, a pie walk, bake sale, produce stand, and much more!  Also, remember to wear your orange and black on Friday!

Halloween is next Wednesday and Dia de los Muertos is on Thursday.  We need volunteers to help set-up on Thursday for our after school celebration for Dia de los Muertos.  You can sign up here:

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS

There will also be opportunities to help during classroom rotations during school hours.  Los Maestros are planning various Dia de los Muertos activities and will need assistance from parent volunteers to help with the rotations and activities.  More information to follow from your Maestros.

Don't forget to sign-up for the 2nd Annual Dual Immersion Parent Conference on Saturday, November 17th, at 8am-1pm at Boronda Meadows. The conference is free and so is childcare.  Children will have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities, such as, dancing, African music and art.  To sign up, you can register here:

REGISTER NOW!

If you were at the last DLP parent meeting you know that we have received a $2,500 matching donation for Lincoln DLP "GET SMART" campaign, which means all we have to do is raise that same amount and the donor will match up to $2,500!  We have to act quickly, as the deadline is 10/31/12.  As you know, we are asking Lincoln DLP families to consider making a donation of $20 a month or a one time donation of $240; however, any amount, large or small, makes a difference (even $5 dollars).  Many, many thanks for those of you that have already donated!

Please consider reaching out to your close friends and family and ask them if they might consider giving to this very worthy cause. This is not a requirement, by any means; however, this goes directly to our children's classrooms.  Whether you give personally or you ask friends/family to give, your effort and consideration are greatly appreciated!!!!

If you want to read more about the campaign, please visit: http://www.dlpadvocates.org/#!donate

Again, thank you all for your time and consideration.