Ohlone PTA World Language Program (WLP)
2011–2012

 World language classes have been part of Ohlone’s after-school activities for over sixteen years. We currently offer classes in six languages: Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi and Hebrew, all taught by native speakers. The thirty-week program (September–May) is coordinated by parent volunteers and taught by experienced independent-contractor language teachers. All Ohlone students in grades K through 5 are eligible to enroll. Classes meet right after school every Wednesday for a full hour. Last year, about one-third of the Ohlone student body participated in this program!

*** NEW*** Registration and payment is ON-LINE. 

*** NEW*** Class placement is based on student’s language ability, as well as grade level.

*** NEW*** Three (3) NEW classes: Upper Level French, Upper Level Mandarin, and Beginning Spanish for 2nd–5th graders (Tacos & Enchiladas class).

*** NEW*** Class size is limited to twelve (12), except for a few upper level classes limited to six (6) students.

Each language and class has a slightly different flavor, but the overall goals of the program are as follows:

• Early exposure of children to another language as spoken by a native speaker
• Introduction to the cultural aspects of the parts of the world where the language is spoken
• Establishment of a certain level of facility with a language after several years of classes
• Preparation for middle-school language classes.

Classes are fun, low pressure and dynamic. These classes are for children who are interested in the language, motivated to learn, and are able to participate fully in the classroom. These classes are not an alternative for childcare. The first three weeks should be used as an assessment period before enrolling in a class for the remainder of the year. Parents and children will have an opportunity to see if the class fits their needs. There are no refunds after the third class. Although many children enjoy the program, it may not fit everyone.

As a PTA-sponsored activity, the World Language Program relies on parent volunteers to administer the program. Parent and family participation are essential to the existence and success of the program. A mandatory parent orientation meeting will be held on Monday, September 12, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM. This meeting is required for parents in new AND returning families (please arrange for childcare elsewhere). At this meeting, you will meet your child’s teacher, have an opportunity to ask questions, and listen for important program information about class check in/out procedures, volunteer duties, discipline policy, special projects, etc.

In addition to attending the mandatory orientation meeting, parents are required to volunteer as follows:

Room Parent Communicator – communicate classroom information, make-up classes, year-end presentations
Room Parent Sign In/Out – sign in students (be at school by 1:30 PM) and sign them out (be at school by 2:30 PM)
Proctor – check roll sheets for all classes, track down absentees, monitor program while in session
Volunteer Coordinator – coordinate volunteers’ schedules by e-mail, send reminder e-mails, help volunteers
Council Member – direct, administrate and run the program (council members choose specific roles)
Other – special projects, e.g., set up and run financial assistance, set up and run interlibrary loan program

Class dates: (all Wednesdays)

September 21, 28 (Hebrew starts September 14)
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16, 30
December 7, 14
January 4, 11, 25
February 1, 8, 22, 29
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 23

Make-up dates:  Wednesday, February 15, 2012, and Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Location:  Ohlone Elementary School classrooms (map of specific classrooms)

Time: 1:35 to 2:35 PM

Tuition and Fees: $398.81 per child (of which $360 is tuition, $15 is the administration fee, and $5 plus $18.81, totaling $23.81, are the registration fees). A cost of $380 will be the total on the registration web site, then the second registration fee of $18.81 is added. You must register on line to attend the first class. You may delay tuition payment until midnight, Sunday October 2, 2011.

Refund Policy: If your child is unable to attend the program due to over enrollment and the lottery (see criteria below), you will receive a FULL refund minus the on-line registration fee. If your child is unable to attend the program for any other reason, you will only receive a tuition refund. Financial aid may be available through Principal Bill Overton’s office. There are no refunds after the third class meeting.

Class Assignment: The first three classes are opportunities to assess the class and your child’s readiness and suitability for the program. It will also give teachers the opportunity to assess the student’s language ability. The student’s class assignment is finalized on the third class (October 5, 2011). Parents are highly encouraged to sit in and observe the first three classes.

Class Size: Class sizes are limited to twelve (12) students for most classes. Some upper-level language conversation and reading/writing classes may be limited to six (6) students.

Kinders: All grade levels (K thru 5th) are welcome, but we limit kindergarteners’ participation to kinder-specific classes, which may be comprised of all kindergarten students. Kinder-only classes are tailored for younger children. We require parents of children in grades K/1 to conference with their regular Ohlone classroom teacher to assess their child’s readiness for an after-school language class.

Lottery Criteria: If enrollment exceeds spaces available, a lottery may be held. The following criteria will be used to determine if a student will be selected for the lottery.

A. Complete On-line Registration by Friday, August 28, 2011;
B. Attendance at Parents’ Meeting on Monday, September 12, 2011, at 7 PM;
C. Signed and Submitted Ohlone PTA Waiver Form by Friday, September 16, 2011;
D. Full Payment of Tuition and Fees by Sunday, October 2, 2011;
E. Student Enrollment in the Program in Past Year(s); and
F. Substantial Volunteer Participation: Room Parent, Coordinator or Council Member.

 

On-line Registration: You can register all children in a family using a single credit card through the new on-line registration process; after registering one child, you will be able to add others.

Credit Card: Payment is by credit card only. Credit card information will be kept confidential.

Important Dates/Deadlines:

On-Line Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 28
Mandatory Parent Meeting: Monday, September 12, 7:00 to 8:15 PM (Note: NO child care)
Ohlone PTA Waiver DUE: Friday, September 16 (required for participation in WL Program)
Online Payment Deadline: Sunday, October 2 (by 12:00 midnight)

Hebrew Class starts Wednesday, September 14
All Other Classes start Wednesday, September 21
Final Class Assignment: Wednesday, October 5
Final Class: Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Questions: E-mail your questions and comments to ohloneforeignlanguage@gmail.com.

Foreign Language Council 2011–2012

Susan Alexander	Registrar
Jade Chao	Chair
Ganka Hadjipetrova	WLP Teacher Relations
Agnes Ho	E-Administrator
Bibiana Lee	Proctor Coord. & Ohlone Teacher Relations
Marian Seah	Parent Relations
Ana Simoes	On-Line Registration
Debbie Wolter	Treasurer