As we hit the homestretch of the 2022-23 school year, administrators, staff and, of course, our families are also focused on preparing for the upcoming 2023-24 school year, which begins on Aug. 9, 2023. For parents who are either new to PSUSD, have incoming transitional kindergarten or kindergarten students or interested in enrollment in their geographic home school, PSUSD has options available, and now is the time to hone in on those options and solidify plans for your children for the next school year.
If you are a parent of an incoming transitional kindergarten or kindergarten student, I would strongly suggest that you learn more about our Dual Immersion program, which provides the opportunity for our students to become bilingual and biliterate in both English and Spanish regardless of their home language. Housed at Vista del Monte Elementary in Palm Springs, the program is now in its eighth year and provides students with the opportunity to read, write and communicate in both languages. The program continues throughout middle school at Raymond Cree and high school at Palm Springs High, and those who complete the program receive a State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.
Research has repeatedly shown that biliteracy is good for your brain. In fact, those who speak multiple languages have a lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease as they age. Learning a second (or even third or fourth) language is easiest for young children, and English learners succeed while still maining their native language. Students in Dual Immersion programs also build strong social connections and cultural awareness and typically out-perform their peers on standardized testing. While the program may not be the right one for every child, it is one that benefits many students and is definitely one to be considered. While we currently have the one location, the program is open to all students regardless of their geographic boundary, and we do offer transportation from Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs school sites. Our Board of Education is also committed to expanding the program to a second location in the 2024-25 school year, and we will be conducting surveys next school year to determine the best location for a second location. Upcoming information meetings are scheduled for 5 p.m. on April 17 at Bella Vista Elementary, May 2 at Two Bunch Palms Elementary and May 15 at Vista del Monte Elementary. All of those meetings will be held in person or via zoom at this link: https://PSUSD-US.ZOOM.US/J/84975229230. More information is available at http://www.psusd.us/vdmes or by calling Vista del Monte Elementary Principal Jamie Santos at (760) 416-8176 or via email at jsantos@psusd.us.
Speaking of options for our District students that don’t necessarily hinge on home residency, PSUSD is an open enrollment district, which means that if space is available at any school site, a student can transfer to that site regardless of where they live. This is especially important when it comes to enrolling in one of our career academy programs at our high schools. Each of our high schools has its own specific academies, so students can attend the high school which offers the program they are interested in. You can find more information on our academies here. For more information on how to apply for a transfer between schools visit: transfers.
I hope all of our students and their families enjoy the remainder of Spring Break. Please feel free to reach out to any of our school sites or district administrators should you need any assistance or have any questions. Thank you as always for your continued support and partnership.
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