Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ¡Viva el español (Viva) Spanish Language Program? The Viva Spanish Language Program is an enrichment program that:
1) exposes children to a world language early in their lives;
2) fosters excitement and interest in a foreign culture; and
3) provides an opportunity for enrichment in offerings not available during the regular school day.
Who can participate in this program? All 2009-10 Eureka Union School District students in grades K thru 8th grade can participate at their campus.
When and how does registration take place? Registration for students will be completed through an online registration website this year. The online registration launch pad will be available at http://www.eurekaschoolsfoundation.org/spanish-program starting on Monday, Sept 21st to register returning 1st-6th grade students and on Wed, Sept 23rd for new students. The 7th-8th grade student registration site will open on Mon, Oct 19th with classes starting in early November. The Kindergarten pilot program registration site will open in November. Dates and details to be updated and posted online as soon as it becomes available.
If a returning student registers following the designated time period, will the returning student still have registration priority over a new student? No. If a returning student registers after their priority registration time, they can still register, but won't have any more of a priority than a new student registering.
How will I know when my child has a confirmed class placement? Parents/Guardians will be notified shortly after registering of your student(s) class confirmation. Submitting a registration form does NOT guarantee placement into a class. Registration forms collected will be organized by date and time of submission completion.
Is there a fee involved? When do I pay the program fee? While ESF support greatly reduces the overall cost to parents, there are still additional expenses involved in running the program. The cost to parents is $200 per child. Program fees will NOT be collected at time of registration. The annual tuition of $200 will be due upon receipt of placement confirmation. You will be notified shortly after registering regarding payment details via the email address you provided at time of registration. There are grants available for financially disadvantaged families. Please contact the program director for details.
Why aren’t more class seats available and how will the waiting list work? There is a limited capacity of classrooms at the campuses this year and therefore students will be placed on a first come, first served basis. Unplaced students will be put on a waiting list. As openings become available, the next student will be asked if he/she would still like to participate in the program.
When will classes begin? Classes for 1st-6th grade students will begin the week of October 12. Classes for 7th & 8th grade students will begin in early November. Kindergarten pilot program students is expected to open in November. Dates and details to be updated and posted online as soon as it becomes available.
When, where and how often does the class meet? Classes for 1st thru 8th graders meet for two 45-minute sessions a week either before or after school at their campus. Class times are posted at http://www.eurekaschoolsfoundation.org/0910-class-schedule.
How is the school district able to offer the Spanish enrichment program to my child? In partnership with the Eureka Schools Foundation, who is subsidizing the program, the district is able to use school facilities to provide before or after school Spanish for your child.
My child goes to STAR after school? Is he/she still able to participate in the Spanish Program? Yes. Afternoon Spanish students will be walked over to STAR once class is over. Parents are responsible for notifying STAR which Spanish class their child is attending.
Will there be bus transportation? Not all campuses have coninciding bus transportation available. Please check with your campus to find out if it is offered. Students who participate in before and after school Spanish will need to be transported by their parents or other designated driver unless taking bus transportation.
Which curriculum is being used for the Spanish Language Enrichment Program? Currently, we are using ¡Viva el español!, a six-level program that encourages Spanish language proficiency in students beginning in the primary/elementary grades. ¡Viva el español! consists of three complete teacher-resource kits –Systems A,B, and C—which focus primarily on the development of listening and speaking competency, and a comprehensive textbook series—¡Hola!, Que Tal?, and ¡Adelente!--which focus on instruction in all four skill areas – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Will my child receive a grade/credit for the class? No. The Spanish Language program is an enrichment program so no grade or credit is given. However, from time to time assessments informal/formal assessments will be given in order to see how students are proceeding.
Will my child have Spanish homework? Workbook pages and/or home connection pages may be sent home. While the students are encouraged to do the activities on these pages, completion of the work is not mandatory. Any work sent home should be seen as a way for your child to practice and share what s/he is learning in the classroom.
Will my child be fluent in Spanish after taking this class? The potential for proficiency exists the longer a child participates in the program. However, no child will be fluent after participating in the program for one year. Each level will build upon the previous, offering a child the opportunity to build vocabulary, increase comprehension and speaking skills, and eventually begin to read and write in the language. This program also offers the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Spanish-speaking world.