Orange, Calif. to start Mandarin immersion

Note that this program is contingent on parent interest and that families may come from outside the district’s boundaries:

PRESS RELEASE – ORANGE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

For immediate release Information: Superintendent’s Office (714) 628-4487

Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program Proposed at Fletcher Elementary

June 21, 2012 (Orange, CA) – Orange Unified School District (OUSD) is collecting interest surveys from parents who would like to enroll their child in a Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program. If offered, the program would be housed at Fletcher Elementary School during the 2012-2013 school year. The program will serve kindergarten through second grade, with future plans to expand through the secondary level.

The Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program curriculum will be taught in equal parts Mandarin Chinese and English. Each specially-trained teacher will prepare a class of 30 students. A Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) cluster component will be introduced in either 2012 or 2013. GATE eligibility will be based on existing District criteria.

Interested parents are requested to complete an interest survey, available online June 21–July 6 at http://www.orangeusd.org/mandarin, by July 6, 2012. Opening the program in 2012-2013 is contingent upon the interest survey results. If the responses generate enough interest, a parent orientation meeting will be scheduled.

Parents of students living outside of OUSD’s boundaries must submit an Inter-District Transfer Form for approval from both their home district and OUSD prior to enrollment.