DLI Newsletter June 2025

Thank you for another great school year of learning and growing! We are a team, families and educators working together to give your children the education that they deserve for a bright future. For those of you who are new to our Dual Language family: Welcome! we are glad that you and your child are here.

For those of you who have been with us for years: Thank you for continuing to entrust us with your child's education.

It has been inspiring to watch your children embrace language and culture, to grow in confidence, and to grow into the people that they will become. Enjoy your summer vacation and we will see you next school year!

May is a busy time in NNPS--there is testing, end of the year learning opportunities, and promotion ceremonies. We were happy to send 4 DLI cohorts on their way as they continue their educational journeys. Our DLI Preschool classes at Watkins Early Childhood and Denbigh Early Childhood Centers are preparing for kindergarten! Our DLI 5th Graders at Saunders are preparing for middle school! Our third cohort of DLI students has finished middle school and is preparing for high school! High schoolers in the Dual Language program will have the opportunity to take the Seal of Biliteracy assessment to determine if their literacy skills in English and in Spanish qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy on their graduation diploma at the end of their high school career. Our goal is to help our students be ready as global citizens for the career path of their choice and their bilingualism and biliteracy will help them in whatever path they choose!

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a break and keep those Spanish skills fresh! Whether your child is just beginning their dual language journey in preschool or is confidently reading and writing in Spanish in high school, regular exposure over the summer can make a big difference. Here are some fun, low-stress ways your family can keep the language alive:

For All Ages:

• Listen up! Play Spanish music in the car or during playtime. Artists like 123 Andrés or José-Luis Orozco are great for younger kids, while older students might enjoy Latin pop or reggaetón (with parent-approved lyrics, of course).

• Watch together. Switch your Netflix or other app settings to Spanish or choose bilingual shows on YouTube. Turn on Spanish subtitles to reinforce reading.

• Read, read, read! Go to the public library and check out books in Spanish. Try reading to you child or get them books for younger kids to see if they can read to you!

• Use simple Spanish at home. Try using everyday phrases like "¡Vamos!" (Let’s go), "¿Tienes hambre?" (Are you hungry?), or "Guarda tus cosas" (Put your things away).

PreK–2nd Grade:

• 📚 Read bilingual picture books from the library or online (Unite for Literacy, StoryPlace, and Scholastic have great options).

• 🎲 Play games like Lotería, Simón dice, or simple scavenger hunts with Spanish clues.

• 🧸 Label household objects in Spanish with sticky notes and practice naming them daily.

3rd–5th Grade:

• ✍️ Start a summer journal in Spanish with drawings and short sentences.

• 🎮 Try language apps like Duolingo or Endless Spanish for interactive learning.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Interview family members (in Spanish!) about their summer plans or favorite traditions.

6th–10th Grade:

• 📱 Encourage older students to set their phone or favorite apps to Spanish.

• 📖 Read a short novel, comic, or news article in Spanish each week.

• 🌍 Explore podcasts or YouTube channels for teens on topics like music, sports, or science—all en español.

Bonus: Make It a Family Affair

Learning together is powerful. Pick one “Spanish day” a week for the whole family. Cook a recipe with instructions in Spanish, play a Spanish-language board game, or challenge each other with trivia.

Language is a skill—just like a sport or instrument—and even small moments of practice can prevent summer slide. Let’s help our bilingual learners shine all year long!

¡Feliz verano!

What an unforgettable day! Our 3rd Annual Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Community Event was a resounding success, bringing together over 600 students, families, educators, and partners to celebrate culture, connection, and bilingual brilliance.

The energy was electric as students proudly showcased their bilingual abilities through performances and interactive exhibits. From delicious food and drinks to meaningful conversations and cultural displays, every moment highlighted the heart of our program—unity through language and learning.

We are deeply grateful to our district and community partners, our dedicated teachers and administrators, and of course, our incredible families and students. This celebration was possible because of you—your support, your passion, and your belief in the power of dual language education.

We’re already dreaming bigger for next year. Let’s keep growing, learning, and lifting each other up—¡juntos es mejor!