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Harborview Elementary highlights DLI growth and rolls out 'Together We Belong' inclusion week
Summary
Harborview Elementary staff and parents told the Ocean View School Board on March 11 about expansion of Dual Language Immersion (now in its sixth year), the addition of four Special Day Classes, and a parent‑led 'Together We Belong' initiative to increase inclusion and empathy across grades.
Principal Groom Bomb told the Ocean View School Board on March 11 that Harborview Elementary has strengthened parent engagement, expanded its Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program into its sixth year and added four Special Day Classes to support students with unique needs.
"It's an honor to stand before you today as the proud principal of Harborview Elementary School," Principal Groom Bomb said, framing the school’s focus on inclusion, community and partnerships.
Wendy Garcia, the site DLI teacher on special assignment, described increases in instructional support — including dedicated aides — countywide collaboration through an Orange County DLI leadership network, and new parent education nights focused on assessment and literacy strategies.
Jackie Darden, Harborview PTA president, explained how PTA fundraising and volunteer networks support assemblies, field trips, teacher wish lists and community events such as Multicultural Night.
Parent Candace Jolly introduced a planned week‑long initiative called "Together We Belong," designed to promote awareness and empathy for students of all abilities through storytelling, hands‑on lessons and inclusive playground and lunchtime activities. She said the program will begin with a staff training and community visit by adaptive surfing instructor Jacob Pacho in early April, followed by student activities during the second and third weeks of April.
"This week‑long initiative is designed to promote awareness and understanding for students of all abilities to help foster relationships throughout the week," Jolly said.
Trustees asked about specific practices, such as the peer‑buddy system. Presenters said teachers and special‑education staff pair upper‑grade students and volunteers with students who will benefit from leadership opportunities or social supports; the pairing started with reading buddies and is being expanded into physical education and recess.
Board members praised the school’s parent involvement and said they plan to attend or support parts of the initiative. The presentation included references to QR codes linking to short videos on DLI, PTA support and inclusion strategies.
What happens next
Harborview staff and PTA plan to run the "Together We Belong" activities in early April (staff training and classroom visits followed by student activities). District staff and board members indicated they would support and observe the initiative and that the PTA will continue to coordinate volunteer and fundraising activities.
