It has been one amazing decade of language immersion programming in St. Cloud Area School District 742, and immersion high school students are now masters in Chinese or Spanish. The program is described as a “little miracle” by language immersion and world language coordinator Sue Linn-Hasbrouck.
Linn-Hasbrouck has witnessed firsthand the years of work and effort these students have put into acquiring their bilingualism.
High school students in the immersion program have been immersed in another language since kindergarten. The oldest class is now in tenth grade and they’ve evolved and grown with the program.
Originally, the program was designed to be a seven-year commitment for students entering kindergarten. However, with the popularity and love of the program, it’s continued to expand year after year. The program now offers AP level immersion classes at both Apollo High School and Tech High School.
“I see our programs getting stronger as we continue to reflect and get feedback from teachers, parents and the community,” says Linn-Hasbrouck. “Our immersion students will have an advantage by being bilingual and acquiring increased global competencies. Immersion education is an avenue to increase global competency and 21st-century skills among our students, which will, in turn, develop future leaders of a global society.”
Celebrating the impact of immersion programming has been a focus this anniversary year.
A community-wide Language Immersion Celebration was held this fall showcasing District 742 immersion students and their decade of accomplishments. It brought together families, businesses and communities from all backgrounds and cultures.
“Being a part of another culture is special,” explains Tech freshman, Kailee Jensen. “It’s really amazing.”
“The whole experience has been life-changing,” adds Isaiah Weekes, a sophomore at Apollo. “We get a chance to see how people on the other side of the world live and learn.”
Weekes traveled to China this year with his classmates. The two-week experience put his skills to the test in an academic setting when he attended some high school classes and worked with elementary students, but also enriched his understanding in a home setting. His stay with a host family gave him insight into their home life. During the trip, Weekes and his classmates were also introduced to careers in translation and ambassador possibilities to the United States.
Being bilingual opens doors.
“It [bilingualism] gives a student a head start in language requirements in college and increases job opportunities in many careers,” explains Linn-Hasbrouck. “Being bilingual is an asset regardless of what field of study a person chooses.”
Linn-Hasbrouck’s ability to speak German and Spanish, in addition to English, has resonated throughout her own life.
“[Traveling] I’m able to bring a certain connectedness,” says Linn-Hasbrouck. “Through human connection, we feel whole and a part of something bigger than ourselves . . . Being multilingual has added deeply to the quality of my life.”
Over the last decade, immersion students have connected with the St. Cloud community as well as international communities. The next decade holds great promise for District 742 immersion students personally, academically and professionally. They very well may become our next global leaders.