Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dual Language Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Omaha Public Schools spotlight marks 25 years of dual-language program, district wins Embassy of Spain recognition
Summary
Hannah Paredes, OPS dual-language and world languages consultant, received the Embassy of Spain’s Golden Invitation award and highlighted OPS’s 25-year dual-language program and 10 International Spanish Academy (ISA) school designations; board members lauded biliteracy and student opportunities.
Hannah Julia Paredes Kalnowski, the district’s dual language and world languages teaching and learning consultant, told the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 17 that she had been honored by the Embassy of Spain with an Invitacif3n de Oro, or Golden Invitation award.
Paredes credited the district’s teachers and the sustained K–12 dual-language program for securing international recognition. "It was completely unexpected, and I was so honored," she said, noting that OPS now has 10 schools certified as International Spanish Academies (ISA) across elementary, middle and high school levels.
School officials and board members described the program as a long-running district priority: the board noted the program’s 25th year and emphasized that students can access honors- and AP-level Spanish courses and pursue the Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy. Paredes said the district’s network includes six dual-language elementary schools (Castelar, Crestridge, Gomez Heritage, Jackson, Liberty and Spring Lake), three middle schools (Beveridge, Norris and Mars) and South High School.
Board members praised the program and its impact on student opportunities. In response to a question about outcomes, Paredes highlighted growing biliteracy applications: "As of last week, we already have over a 100 applications submitted," she said, and administrators expect another application round in April.
The recognition from the Spanish Embassy and the district’s ISA count were presented as evidence of OPS’s commitment to multilingual instruction and international collaboration. The spotlight concluded with board applause and brief discussion about sustaining teacher pipelines and community engagement.
The board did not take formal action on the program at the Nov. 17 meeting; the spotlight was presented as an informational recognition and status update.
