Alpine School District approves new advanced learning lab programs and Spanish DLI initiatives

The Alpine School District Board made significant strides during its December 17th meeting, focusing on expanding educational opportunities for students across the district. A key highlight was the unanimous decision to expand the Advanced Learning Lab (ALL) programs to include third graders, a move that aims to enhance access to advanced educational resources for younger students. Board members expressed enthusiasm about this expansion, emphasizing its potential benefits for students district-wide.

In addition to the ALL program expansion, the board approved the creation of new ALL programs at Silver Lake and Shelley Elementary Schools. These initiatives are designed to address the growing demand for advanced learning opportunities in the community, particularly in areas where such programs have been limited. Board members noted the importance of these programs in providing equitable access to advanced education, especially for families in the Westlake and Cedar Valley clusters.

The meeting also included discussions on the establishment of new Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. The board approved the creation of Spanish DLI programs at Mountain Trails and River Rock Elementary Schools, responding to community requests for more language learning opportunities. Board members highlighted the unique geographical needs of these schools, noting that the new programs would better serve the increasing number of multilingual learners in the area.

Another significant decision was the recommendation to change the Mandarin DLI pathway from Frontier Middle School to the newly established Eagle Mountain Middle School. While this change received mixed reactions from parents, board members emphasized the long-term benefits of creating stability in a rapidly growing area.

Lastly, the board addressed the potential closure of Windsor Elementary School. After deliberation, they decided to conclude the formal study on the closure without taking action, allowing for further consideration of the school's future in relation to the proposed merger of programs at Orchard Elementary.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing educational offerings and addressing community needs, setting the stage for a more inclusive and responsive educational environment in the Alpine School District.