South Kitsap School District
Spanish Immersion Program
Educating 21st Century Learners and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Imagine the Possibilities!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish Immersion?
Spanish immersion is an opportunity for elementary students to complete the South Kitsap School District
curriculum in a nontraditional and exciting way by immersing them in the Spanish language and culture.
Students in the program become proficient in both Spanish and English, while learning the same curriculum as
the students who are not in the program.
What grades offer Spanish Immersion?
Next year (2015-16) the South Kitsap School District ‘s magnet Spanish Immersion Program will be enrolling
students in its first grade classroom at Burley Glenwood Elementary School. Students who were enrolled in the
Spanish Immersion first grade classroom in 2014-15 will be enrolled in the second grade Spanish Immersion
classroom. A Spanish Immersion classroom will be added each year so that by the time the first graders leave
Burley Glenwood, they will have had 6 years of Spanish Immersion. They will be fluent in both Spanish and
English and ready to enter the junior high Spanish Immersion Program.
How does the Spanish Immersion classroom differ from other first grade classrooms?
Students in the Spanish Immersion first grade classroom are taught the standard South Kitsap School District
curriculum using a 50/50 immersion model. To ensure that the students have a good foundation in English,
Reading and Language Arts will be taught in English. Daily conversation will be in Spanish. Math, Science and
Social Studies instruction will be in Spanish. Each consecutive year of the program the percentage of Spanish
instruction will increase with the goal of full immersion by grade 6.
The classroom teacher has native or near-native ability in the Spanish language, strong instructional skills and
has been chosen for her commitment to the goals of the program. The teacher speaks Spanish to the students,
while making sure they understand instructions and receive answers to their questions.
What if no one at home speaks Spanish?
Report cards, notices and newsletters are in English. Responsibility for Spanish instruction is the school’s.
Spanish homework assignments are not translated into English. However, it is not expected that parents will
assist in Spanish homework assignments. The role of the parent is to support their child’s learning and to
continue to provide support in their child’s English language development by reading to and with their child in
English and enriching their development, understanding and recognition of English vocabulary.
How will Spanish Immersion affect my child’s English skills?
Since the first grade program is a 50/50 model with Reading and Language Arts taught in English, students’
English skills will continue to be supported. However, to ensure that the child’s English language continues to
thrive, families should focus their attention on the continued development of their child’s English vocabulary
through reading with and to their child in English and providing opportunities for their child to increase their
recognition and understanding of English vocabulary.
Experiences in other districts that have had full language immersion programs at the elementary level and that
do not have English instruction until the third grade found that while their language immersion students were
behind their English-only peers in English and writing ability, by 4th grade their English skills are equal to or
better than their peers.
Are students in the Spanish Immersion program screened for admission?
Children are not screened or pre-selected on the basis of IQ or other variables. However, parents of children
with auditory problems, language delays or other challenges to learning should seriously consider the
appropriateness of this program for their child. We suggest that the parents consult with the school counselor
or principal before making their decision.
Why choose the Spanish Immersion Program for my first grader?
Studies have found that learning a second language at an early age has many benefits:
 There is a positive effect on brain development and intellectual growth.
 Students gain flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
 It opens the door to other cultures and helps children understand and appreciate people from other
countries.
 Students acquire Spanish language fluency.
 Spanish Immersion produces successful learners who perform well academically.
 Students have increased job opportunities in many career where knowledge of another language is an
asset.
What should parents think about when considering this program?
Enrolling your child in this program should be considered as a commitment at least through grade 6. Parents
must also consider that this is a partnership where they have the responsibility of enriching their child’s English
vocabulary.
Since this is a magnet program, parents must provide transportation if they live outside of the Burley-Glenwood
service area.
How do I enroll my child in the first grade Spanish Immersion classroom?
Enrollment begins now for the 2015-16 school year. There are 24 spaces available in the first grade Spanish
Immersion class at Burley Glenwood. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, a
lottery is conducted to determine admission. Priority is given to those who live in the South Kitsap School
District. Those living outside of the South Kitsap School District will need to complete an “Out of District”
enrollment request.
Students whose applications are not drawn during the lottery process will be placed on a waiting list. If space
becomes available, a lottery process will be used to identify the student from the waiting list who will fill the
vacancy and the parents of the student will be notified.
Applications may be obtained at Burley-Glenwood, the South Kitsap School District Office or online at
www.skitsap.wednet.edu.
South Kitsap School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age,
veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides
equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints
of alleged discrimination:
Title IX Coordinator
Rita Reandeau
2150 Fircrest Drive SE
Port Orchard WA 98366
Phone: (360) 443-3625
reandeau@skitsap.wednet.edu
Section 504 Coordinator
Abbie Pack
2150 Fircrest Drive SE
Port Orchard WA 98366
Phone: (360) 443-3625
pack@skitsap.wednet.edu
Compliance Coordinator/ADA
Misty Dieffenbach
2689 Hoover Ave. S.E.
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 87407080
dieffenbach@skitsap.wednet.edu