This is the place for all of us to share our thoughts, concerns, ideas and suggestions regarding the school matters - academic, social, etc. Everyone can write and comment openly and freely.
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Sincerely, Mark and Helena Kerzner (parents of Ester and Rebecca)
Added by W. Katz
ReplyDeleteThank you for your proactive approach. My children would certainly take part. The school should have not only a foreign language (in addition to Hebrew), but also a public speaking class.
From Alain Elbaz
ReplyDeleteMarc (Attal),
Thanks for bringing up this subject which may have been under the radar screen. Spanish speakers will have an advantage in the work force of the future here in Texas and elsewhere.
It is important to equip our students with the tools to help them succeed.
Being from Canada I am bilingual in French and English. My parents were french speakers and placed me in an English school from pre-K. Then in 7th grade I did a French immersion program. I can tell you that this was extremely helpful to me in my career and social interactions compared to other Jewish kids who were only fluent in one of the two official languages....
It would be useful to start teaching Spanish from elementary school.
Best Regards,
Alain Elbaz MD, FRCSC
Orthopedic Surgery
Shoulder Surgery and Arthroscopy
I grew up in Southern California. Public high schools required at least two years of study in a foreign language. I learned Spanish and continued for two more years. Today, I've found my fluency in Spanish has come in handy for me to communicate with the local housekeepers and nannies.
ReplyDeleteDoctors, lawyers, business owners, and anyone in a profession dealing with the Spanish speaking public has a clear advantage over those who do not.
It's easier to learn a language when we're young, but it is not absolutely necessary. I think children would still benefit from learning Spanish in Middle School or High School. Beren would have to make room for it in the curriculum.
Regards,
Meir Kirshner
I think the requirements for Jewish and Hebrew studies make programming more challenging at Beren than at the public schools. In addition, funding always requires trade-offs.
ReplyDeleteI have a been a big supporter of Beren - financiall and otherwise. I challenge anyone who wishes to see an increase in programming to step up to the plate financially to help cover the expense. As the treasurer for the school I know how much that is needed.
The idease are great. I will call each of the posters to this blog to ask for their assistance.
Don Kramer, MD
Treasurer
we find e translate an effective tool for communicating with our housekeeper. We have had to improvise a bit, because matzoh and charoset do not translate well into Spanish, but it has worked.
ReplyDeleteI just learned about the blog, sorry it is so late.
ReplyDeleteI'm still available to teach the class, what the school wants is for the students to sign a letter stating they will finish the class and not drop off in the middle of the year.
I speak, read and write 3 languages, Spanish, English and Hebrew (not so fluent) and I can tell you it is really helpfull.
Dear Esther, thank you for your desire to help. Unfortunately, it is too late now, but we hope that next year your class will be a big hit.
ReplyDelete