Many wore red to symbolize support for the Mandarin Chinese program at Glenwood Elementary. Administrators have recommended ending that program at the end of this year, a move Ardra Salemy says would be short-sighted.

“When our program began 10 years ago, it was one of just a few Mandarin programs nationally. Now there are more than 75 as the U.S. has become increasingly aware of the importance of good communications with China,” said Salemy. “Is our district going to fall behind and watch while other school districts get ahead? All Mandarin immersion programs face the same struggles we do, but they decide the benefits to their students, schools, communities and our country far outweigh the challenges.”