‘Los Puentes' further along than expected
By ANGELA HARNE News Editor
Forty-two kindergartens began a bi-lingual learning process in August and with one semester complete the students know the basics of both the English and Spanish language. Greene County schools received a $65,000 grant from Z. Smith Reynolds to help fund the start-up of the Los Puentes in December 2002. Los Puentes, which means bridges in Spanish is a program aimed at teaching students proficiency in both the English and Spanish languages.
“Los Puentes is very comparable to other kindergarten classes,” said Stephanie Cain, a teacher of Los Puentes. “We didn't expect the children to understand in both worlds (English and Spanish) until the end of the year, but there is evidence that the students are understanding.”
Gail Edmondson, Principal of Snow Hill Primary, said, “I believe we have lived up to the expectations. We are at a rate we didn't expect. We wanted to ensure proficiency in reading writing and math in the native language wouldn't suffer and the assessment tests are in line with the other kindergarten classes.”
The students are excited about learning both languages, Cain said. The Los Puentes students have also transitioned well, understanding that the English and Spanish worlds rotate day to day, according to Cain.
“We are meeting our goals. The kids are happy and they are not in a stressful situation.” Edmondson said. “This is a tremendous asset to our school. And the parents seem pleased.”
Yuvonka Davis, a parent of a Los Puentes student, agreed. “My son is absolutely excited. He gets off the bus telling me what he learned in the ‘Spanish World' and he has started talking to me in Spanish. He has a new glow in his face. I am totally impressed,” Davis, mother of 5 year-old Ryan Warren, said. “I believe it is very important to be able to communicate with people. My son will grow up with friends of the Latino origin and this will help him communicate better.
“He is getting everything all the other students are getting and more. The teachers supply parents information to help with the teaching process. I took Spanish one and two, so I knew some words and my son will be like, ‘you knew that mommy?” We surprise each other (with what we knew and are learning),”
Students have English and Spanish books, which they take home daily to continue the learning process.
“We didn't think we would be this far in December,” Cain said. “The teachers have learned a lot about teaching kids in Spanish. For instance reading in Spanish is based on syllables, It's phonetic. And the books, which are developmentally appropriate for students, help to explain (the process),”
Teachers, staff and volunteers involved in Los Puentes are prepared for the second semester.
“We will continue to do what we are doing – we will continue to teach the class as other kindergarten classes,” Cain said. “We have a good volunteer base and the parents are really involved.”
Gail Edmondson, principal of Snow Hill Primary, said, “The primary benefit of the program is that it can offer nothing but positives for students. Research shows that the students will do better in both languages. To be functional in a second language in a world that's becoming more global is needed. Our staff has demonstrated a total commitment. And the parents have been active.
It is more successful than we ever thought.”
The 42 students involved in the pilot class will continue the bi-lingual learning through third grade. Greene County school officials are working to retain additional funding to expand th4e program to other students. “We are working to find additional funding to expand the program for the current students and incoming kindergartners.” Edmondson said. “We strive to operate within a feasible budget.”
Twenty percent of Snow Hill Primary's students are Latino. Of the 300 kindergarten students, 60 are Latino. About one-third Latino students are enrolled in Los Puentes, according to Edmondson.
In the years to come, Edmondson said, a learning comparison will be conducted comparing ESL and Los Puentes students.
Snow Hill Primary is the first rural county of North Carolina to host the program. Schools in Chapel Hill and Charlotte have similar programs. Greene County is fourth in the state for growing Latino population. “I believe this is helpful for the growing Latino population,” Edmondson said.