School committee approves Spain immersion trip after world-language presentation

A majority of the Newburyport City School Committee voted Wednesday to approve an eight‑day, overnight immersion trip to Seville, Spain, for advanced Spanish students, following a presentation on the district’s world‑language program.

Alden Mets, a Spanish teacher and co‑coordinator of the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy at Newburyport High School, told the committee the district set two goals for the presentation: "to highlight the value added of world‑language study in the core curriculum" and "to document the growth that we have had since 2020." Mets said language study supports cognitive and academic skills and that students in the district are developing intermediate and advanced competencies that align with workplace applications.

Mets shared program data showing growth in Seal of Biliteracy conferrals: during the pandemic (2020) the district conferred one seal, and in the most recent May ceremony the district conferred 18 seals, 15 of which Mets described as "homegrown" (students who developed biliteracy in district programs rather than bringing a home language). She said roughly 450 students are currently enrolled in the district’s language offerings and noted program expansion at middle and high schools. The district currently offers Spanish from grades 6–12, German grades 9–12, and a two‑year American Sign Language course.

Mets described a proposed cultural‑immersion pilot with Carlos Kinto Education, a program based in Spain, for February 2027. The trip would be an eight‑night Seville residency with day excursions to Granada and Córdoba, workshops, and local guides. The estimated cost to families is about $3,500, including airfare; the pilot size under discussion was about 15 students with two chaperones. Mets said the vendor provides residential staffing and tour guides and that the district would pursue fundraising and scholarships to broaden access.

Committee members pressed staff about equity and logistics. One member asked whether the trip would be limited to upper‑level students; Mets said the initial offer targets AP Spanish and Spanish 5/4 honors (classes of 2027 and 2028) but that outreach and scholarships were part of the planning. On chaperones and accommodations, Mets said the tour company staffs the residence and provides tour leaders and that two district chaperones were planned.

Before fundraising or widespread solicitation, committee policy JJH (overnight and late‑night travel) requires approval. Vice Chair Walker called for a motion to approve the trip as presented; Mr. Boger moved, Member Ricky seconded, and the motion passed unanimously with all present voting yes.

The committee urged staff to work on outreach and fundraising options so the trip is accessible to students who need financial assistance. Mets said staff would coordinate with the high school and principals on student selection, scholarship opportunities and next steps.

The committee’s approval permits staff to move ahead with required policy steps and preliminary fundraising; any further details about selection criteria, final student counts and fundraising targets will be reported back to the committee.