The Socorro Independent School District announced Wednesday that they will open a dual language academy at the start of the 2019-2020 school year.
“Team SISD is the right choice for endless opportunities and we are pleased to announce that those opportunities will soon include a dual language academy,” said José Espinoza, Ed.D., SISD Superintendent of Schools. “We will provide high-quality instruction for students to learn to read, write and speak a second language. Coupled with our effective Operation College Bound efforts, this rigorous, multicultural education will prepare our students for future success in a global society.”
The new academy will be offered at Myrtle Cooper and Dr. Sue A. Shook elementary schools. Instruction will be in English and Spanish for two sections of kindergarten and first-grade students. SISD plans to grow the academy every year thereafter.
“We anticipate a huge demand for Academia de Dos Idiomas among both our native Spanish and English speakers,” said Lucia Borrego, Chief Academic Officer. “This is an exciting opportunity for our students as it will help them become global citizens that are competitive in a diverse market economy.”
Benefits of being a dual language learner include proficiency and literacy in both languages, high levels of academic achievement, greater creativity, attention to detail, problem solving skills, and confidence.
The enrollment process will be based on various criteria and a lottery system. Students who join the academy will participate in a summer bridge camp with activities and learning to prepare them for the next school year.
Information nights have been scheduled for parents to learn more about the academy. The information nights will be:
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 and 20 at Myrtle Cooper Elementary, 1515 Rebecca Ann Dr.
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 and 25 at Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary, 13777 Paseo Del Este.
