Ohlone PTA Foreign Language Program 2009-2010

**Information for the 2010-2011 program will be released this summer.  Please check back once school has started.  Early registrations are not accepted. ** 

 

Foreign language classes have been part ofOhlone's after-school activities for over fifteen years. We currently offer classes in six languages - Spanish,French, Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi, and Hebrew for native speakers. The 30 week program (September - May) is coordinated by parent volunteersand taught by independentlycontracted, experienced language instructors. All Ohlone students in grades K through 5 are eligible toapply (see restrictions below). Classes meet rightafter school every Wednesday for a full hour. Last year, over one-fourth of theOhlone student body participated in this program!

Each language and class has aslightly different flavor, but theoverall goals of the program are as follows:

Early exposure of children to a foreign language as spoken by a native speaker

Introduction to the cultural aspects of parts of the world where a language is spoken

Establish a certain level of facility with a language after several years of classes

Classesare fun, low pressure, and dynamic. These classes are for children who areinterested in the subject, motivated to learn, and are able to participatefully in the classroom; these classes are not an alternative for childcare.The first 3 weeks should be used as an assessment period before enrolling inclass for the remainder of the year. There are no refunds. Although manychildren enjoy the program, it may not be the best fit for every child.

As a PTA-sponsored activity, theForeign Language Program relies exclusively on parent volunteers to oversee theprogram. Your involvement and participation are essential to the success of theprogram. A mandatory parent orientation meetingwill be held on Monday, September 14 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. This meeting isrequired for new AND returning families - (please, no children). At this meeting, you will receive your child's classroomassignment, meet the teachers, and listen to important program informationabout procedures, rules, discipline, parent volunteer requirements, etc.

 

Inaddition to attending the mandatory orientation meeting, parents will be askedto assist the council in the following areas throughout the year. Sign up foryour volunteer commitment at the orientation meeting.

 

      Room Parent - communicate classroominformation, coordinate snacks, collect tuition, sign-out students

      Classroom Assistant - assistteacher with activities and classroom management

      Proctor - check roll sheets, track down absentees, monitor program while insession

      Council Member - direct,administrate, and run program

      Other - speak with a council memberabout other volunteer opportunities

 

 

Class dates:	September 23, 30 (Hebrew starts September 16)
	October 7, 14, 21, 28
	November 4, 18
	December 2, 9, 16
	January 6, 13, 20, 27
	February 3, 10, 17, 24
	March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
	April 7, 21, 28
	May 5, 12, 19
	Additional Wednesday dates may be added for makeup classes
Time:	1:35 to 2:35 PM
Location:	Ohlone Elementary School
Tuition:	$340 per child. Total tuition is payable to Farish Haydel or Rotem Pearlson and due October 7, 2009. One check may be written to cover all children. If the class is full, your check will be returned. Note: Tuition does not include the non-refundable $10 per family application fee that is due with your registration form.
Refunds:	The first three classes are your opportunity to assess the class and your child's readiness and suitability for the program. You commit by paying the full tuition no later than October 7 (third class meeting). There are no refunds if a child leaves in the middle of the program for any reason.
Enrollment:	Class sizes are limited. If applications exceed spaces available, a lottery may be held. All ages (K thru 5th) are welcome, but we limit kindergarten participation to the Spanish 1 class, which is made up of all kindergarten students and is tailored for a younger child. We also ask K/1 parents to conference with their regular classroom teacher to get approval on their child's readiness for an after school language class
Registration:	Complete and return the registration form to the Ohlone office no later than Friday, August 28 along with your $10 application fee (per family). Use a separate form for each child. Additional forms are also available in the office.
Important Dates/ Deadlines:	Registration Form due Friday, August 28 Ohlone PTA Waiver due Friday, August 28 (required for participation in FL Program) Mandatory Parent Meeting Monday, September 14, 7:30 to 8:30 PM Hebrew starts September 16 All other classes start September 23 Full tuition due Wednesday, October 7
Questions:	You can talk to any of us individually or email us collectively at ohloneforeignlanguage@gmail.com
	Foreign Language Council 2009-2010
Rotem Pearlson	650-714-4928      rpearlson@yahoo.com
Parva Oskoui	650-714-4928      parva@oskoui.net
Carol Leonard	650-996-1027      carol.candoo@gmail.com
Lillian Hom	650-391-5077       lillian.hom@gmail.com
Farish Haydel	farishhaydel@gmail.com