SHIRLEY KIMBERLIN Everything I list turns to SOLD! 805-886-0228 skimberlin@aol.com
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School board gets behind dual language immersion
Between the posts
By Lea Boyd
“No one will be forced to participate. It will be an option that we want to provide for our students.”
Two kindergarten and two first-grade classes at Canalino School could be starting the next school year receiving mostly instruction in Spanish. The proposed Dual Language Immersion Program found support from the Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Education at its Feb. 9 meeting. Aimed at creating ––Lead teacher proficiency in both Brittany Deckard Spanish and English, the program would include 50 percent English Learners and 50 percent native English speakers. “We continue in this district and others to have a significant achievement gap between English Learners and English only students,” said Canalino Principal Jamie Persoon. “We need to be doing something different.” Instruction would follow the 90/10 model of learning in which 90 percent is done in Spanish and 10 percent in English for kindergarten. The time dedicated to Spanish drops by 10 percent each year thereafter until equal time is given to each language in the fourth and fifth grades. Research shows the highest success with this model. “No one will be forced to participate,” said lead teacher Brittany Deckard. “It will be an option that we want to provide for our students.” Dual language immersion programs are on the rise throughout the state. Data shows that the program accelerates English learning in Spanish speakers by initially developing literacy in the students’ first language. It also allows English speakers the opportunity to acquire a second language when their brains are most receptive. Students come out reading and writing in both languages, which enhances their career opportunities and increases intellectual flexibility, Canalino staff said. Deckard emphasized that the program relies on integration and enhances cultural sensitivity. “Children learn the second language working side by side with their native speaking peers. English speakers get to be the model for their Spanish speaking counterparts. And Spanish speakers get to be the model for their English
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BILL SWINg
Carpinteria High School girls water polo emerged victorious in round one of CIF playoffs with the help of stalwart goalie Nicole Poulos. She had 10 saves in the 11-8 win over Lobos of Los amigos High School in Garden Grove. The team next travels to Santa ana Valley High School with a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. In other playoff action, Warrior girls soccer won its wildcard game and will play at Shadow Hills on Feb. 18. Girls basketball plays a must-see home playoff match on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. against Crossroads. All five of the CHS winter sports programs made playoffs.
Robitaille leaves long legacy Guy Robitaille, longtime local business owner and key player in the incorporation of the city 51 years ago, passed away on Feb. 16 at age 87. Family members reported that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. guy and his wife, Carmen, who survives him, moved from San Fernando Valley to Carpinteria in 1959. They became deeply involved in the local campaign for cityhood, and Guy lost a seat on the first city council by just seven votes. Later, he dedicated himself to creating memorable events around the city’s anniversaries, even convincing the Navy to send a U.S. missile destroyer to the waters offshore in celebration of 50 years of cityhood. “He was very enthusiastic about the creation of the city and his involvement in the effort. He was passionate about that until the very end,” said David griggs, Carpinteria Valley Museum of History Curator/Director. guy worked with griggs to create the museum’s
MADELEINE VITE
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