Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESF Spanish Enrichment Program?
The ESF Spanish Enrichment Program (formally known as the ¡Viva el español! Spanish Language Program) is an enrichment program that:
- Exposes children to a world language early in their lives
- 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 2011-12 Eureka Union School District students in grades K-8th grade can participate in the program at their campus.
When and how does registration take place?
Registration is now CLOSED.
How will I know when my child has a confirmed class placement?
Once a student has been placed, a confirmation will be emailed to parents/guardians. Submitting a registration form does NOT guarantee placement. 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 this year for classes meeting twice weekly is $200 per kindergarten student and $250 per 1st-8th grade student. For 1st-3rd grade classes meeting three times a week the annual tuition will be $350 per 1st-3rd grade student. The cost to parents will be announced when registration opens. Program fees will NOT be collected at the time of registration. The annual tuition 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. More info...
Why aren’t more class seats available and how will the waiting list work?
There is a limited capacity of classrooms at the campuses 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?
For the 2011-12 school year, all K-8th grade Spanish enrichment classes will begin the week of September 19th and continue through May 18, 2012.
When, where and how often does the class meet?
Students will attend classes at their campus. Classes will meet according to the following schedule:
- Kindergarten students will meet for two 30-minute sessions of instruction after school each week.
- 1st-3rd graders will meet for two 45-minute sessions after school. A new offering this year for 1st-3rd grader students will be a class meeting for three 45-minute sessions a week after school. (The class meeting three times a week will be offered as long as enough students register for class and a classroom is available).
- 4th-6th graders will meet for two 45-minute sessions a week before school.
- 7th-8th graders will meet for two 45-minute sessions a week either before or after school.
Afternoon classes will include an additional 15 minutes to allow for snack time. Class times are posted at http://www.eurekaschoolsfoundation.org/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 coinciding 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 ¡Adelante!--which focus on instruction in all four skill areas – listening, speaking, reading and writing. This curriculum incorporates two key methodologies: Natural Approach (learning language the way one learned his/her mother tongue) and Total Physical Response (in which a physical response is given over an oral one). Our instructors use songs, games and activities to create a fun and playful environment in which to learn the target language. Our instructors will use the target language along with body language and visual aids to help facilitate communication with students.
Will my child receive a grade/credit for the class?
No. The Spanish Language program is an enrichment program. At this time, no grade or credit is given.
Will my child have Spanish homework?
Being an enrichment program there is no mandatory homework. However, we have created a “Pronunciation Guide” and “Practice Pages” which are available on our website for students and parents to go to for additional practice outside of the classroom. Informal and formal assessments will be given throughout the year to check on student progress. Progress reports will be sent home several times during the year.
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.