Fiesta Night at Washington Primary School

Washington Primary School’s dual language program recently hosted Fiesta Night 2024. The evening consisted of Latin Dance lessons and Bingo fun!

Teachers Vivian Joseph and Cassandra Joseph provided instruction in bachata and salsa. Families danced to the rhythms of Prince Royce and Marc Anthony.

Teachers Vanessa Ulloa and Jessica Bermudez facilitated a brain-twister style Bingo session. Families tested their Spanish skills as they navigated words and phrases used in our daily lives.

“Special thanks to Washington’s dual language teachers, dual language program coordinator Desire Lahoz, neighborhood aide Minerva Cortes and Washington’s dual language families for a wonderful evening of language immersion,” Principal Dr. Michelle Richards said.

Huntington’s dual language program is a form of bilingual education. Students are taught literacy and content in two languages; English and Spanish.

“Dual language programs use the partner language for at least half of the instructional day in the elementary years,” according to an online overview. “These programs generally start in kindergarten or first grade and extend for at least five years, and many continue into middle school and high school. They foster bilingualism, biliteracy, enhanced awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and high levels of academic achievement through instruction in two languages.”