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Board approves expansion of world languages: 6th-grade foundation course and 5th-grade Latin pilot to be evaluated
Summary
The board approved elementary and middle-school world language programs after presentations proposing a 6th-grade World Language Foundation course (Spanish/French/Chinese) and a 5th-grade Latin pilot (Elementa curriculum). Board directed evaluation and asked for details on scheduling, staffing, and SEL/time trade-offs.
After a district presentation and public comment, the board approved a pair of world-language proposals designed to increase early language exposure and equity of access. Assistant Superintendent Ariel Dolowich and Principal Karen Shipp recommended a World Language Foundation semester for 6th graders (Spanish, French or Chinese options) and a district recommendation to pilot Latin for all 5th graders in 2026–27 using the Elementa curriculum tied to 5th-grade word study and Spellography.
The administration described the rationale: Latin provides a uniform starting point for all students and links explicitly to vocabulary growth and ELA word-study standards, while the 6th-grade foundation course creates multiple entry points to existing high-school progression. Some parent and advocacy speakers (PIE) urged caution about losing homeroom/SEL time; the district and principal emphasized integration and said ELA minutes would not be taken away. The board voted to approve the programs and asked for a written first-year evaluation and clear staffing and scheduling plans before broader expansion.
