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Edwards principal showcases dual-language program and community partnerships
Summary
Edwards Principal Nicole Love told the board that Edwards is a dual-language elementary with an 80/20 kindergarten model progressing toward 50/50 in upper grades; staff highlighted community partnerships (vision, dental) and a staff spotlight on teacher Jody Jones and her community language program.
Principal Nicole Love presented an overview of Edwards Elementary’s dual‑language program and community partnerships to the Newberg‑Dundee School Board during a work session at the school.
Love said Edwards operates parallel Spanish dual‑language and English‑medium classrooms at each grade level. Kindergarten uses an 80/20 model (80% Spanish, 20% English) that shifts over subsequent grades (examples cited: first grade ~70/30; later grades toward 50/50) with a stated program focus on bilingualism/biliteracy, high academic achievement and sociocultural competence. She explained that content is consistent across classrooms; the primary difference is the language of instruction and that early‑grade literacy instruction differs linguistically (Spanish orthography can make early decoding easier).
Love also described community partnerships that support student basic needs, including annual vision and dental visits that provide glasses and dental care on campus. As a staff spotlight, the board recognized teacher Jody Jones for launching a community language program that offers English practice for Spanish‑speaking parents with childcare and activities; the program plans to add Spanish‑language classes for English‑speaking adults.
Board members asked about logistics for expanded PE and specials scheduling, curriculum parity, and testing outcomes for bilingual students. Administrators and parents noted benefits for students and staff planning time; one board member and several parents praised Edwards for its inclusive community approach.
The presentation concluded with a plan to continue school‑hosted work sessions and to highlight building staff in district communications.
Sources: Principal Nicole Love’s presentation; board member questions and parent comments.
