becoming bilingual...A to Z

We kicked off our 2012 Spring Chalk Talk series last night at the Anaheim Hills campus with an event called "Becoming Bilingual." The event began with a screening of the documentary Speaking in Tongues, which follows the story of four students in San Francisco along their path to learn a second language. The film addresses the American trend towards remaining an "English only" nation, and the limitations that trend will put on future generations in an increasingly global economy. 

After the film, we held an open forum discussion on the topic of language learning facilitated by Krystin Kim, a Fairmont parent and owner of the North Orange County division of Lango; Denise Cabanel-Bleuer, Spanish Professor at Orange Coast College; and Sandy Cosgrove, Fairmont's Director of Education. We were thrilled to have a fantastic audience that posed great questions and offered insight into the importance of language learning for children and adults alike.  

Here are some takeaways from the discussion: 

• Learning a second language offers students a variety of developmental and cognitive benefits, including: higher self esteem, opportunities to connect with other generations, enhanced cultural awareness, reduced risk of Alzheimers,  and increased job opportunity. All of these benefits increase when students learn more than two languages. 
• The prime window for language learning begins at birth and closes around age 13, when the child's brain is still developing and language can be absorbed rather than taught in translation mode. 
• When learning a second language, children learn the most from their friends, not from parents, so parents don't have to fear not knowing the language their child is learning. 

The bottom line? Everyone can and should learn a second language, and the earlier you start, the better!  All Fairmont students begin taking Spanish in first grade, and Fairmont also partners with Lango to offer after school language enrichment starting at the preschool level. Contact your campus Activities Director if you're interested in signing up for Lango classes this term. 


Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE educational websites for kids

Kids love computers! Making the time they spend in front of them both fun and educational is where parents and teachers come in. Here are a few suggestions for websites that pique children's curiosity and engage their minds while providing a fun-filled online experience.

1. Starfall is one of the best literacy sites for early childhood using games, songs and animation to introduce children to reading. Their systematic phonics approach, in conjunction with phonemic awareness practice, is perfect for preschool-second grade.  A new Starfall More site also features K-2 math games.
2. PBS Kids is a wonderful companion to PBS's educational TV programming with games themed to each show that cover reading, science, math and more. Great for preschool-third grade.
3. Fun Brain was selected by FamilyFun magazine in its September 2010 issue as one of the top ten websites for kids. It provides a safe gaming environment that bridges learning and entertainment.
4. Weatherwizkids was designed by a meteorologist and introduces children to the fascinating world of weather. It’s also a wonderful educational website for teachers and parents to give them the right tools to explain the different types of weather to children. Best for kids second grade and up.
5. National Geographic Kids website has won a number of awards for design, innovation and educational content. Games, videos, quizzes and tons of fascinating facts make this a favorite for nature and animal lovers and kids who are super curious about the world around them.

photo from Microsoft World online photo gallery

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

martin luther king, jr day...A to Z

History (FactMonster)

It took 15 years to create the federal Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. Congressman John Conyers, Democrat from Michigan, first introduced legislation for a commemorative holiday four days after King was assassinated in 1968. After the bill became stalled, petitions endorsing the holiday containing six million names were submitted to Congress.

Conyers and Rep. Shirley Chisholm, Democrat of New York, resubmitted King holiday legislation each subsequent legislative session. Public pressure for the holiday mounted during the 1982 and 1983 civil rights marches in Washington.

Congress passed the holiday legislation in 1983, which was then signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. A compromise moving the holiday from Jan. 15, King's birthday, which was considered too close to Christmas and New Year's, to the third Monday in January helped overcome opposition to the law.  The federal holiday went into affect in 1986. 

Did you know?  A number of states resisted making MLK Day a holiday.  Arizona governor Evan Mecham rescinded MLK Day as his first act in office in 1986, setting off a boycott of the state.

MLK Day of Service

What better way to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. than to roll up your sleeves and get involved in your community!  This video from the Corporation for National and Community Service  is sure to inspire you and their homepage provides links to community service projects in your area.

photo from writespirit.net

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SHORT STORY citron tree planting

Citron Kindergartners "plant their roots" at the Mable Campus during the annual Tree Planting

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FRIDAY FOLDER january 6

Highlights From This Week
Class of 2016 Husky Elite 
Thirty eighth graders from the Fairmont junior high program learned that they were members of the Husky Elite (Class of 2016) this week.  Students earned this honor by being among the top 10, according to grade point average, in their campus' eighth grade class. Each member of the Husky Elite receives a scholarship to be applied toward all four years of their annual tuition at Fairmont Preparatory Academy. The Husky Elite program began in 2011 as a way to recognize Fairmont’s top achieving students as they graduate from 8th grade. Husky Elite honorees and their families will celebrate at a reception hosted by Fairmont Preparatory Academy on February 8, 2012.  We are proud to recognize the Husky Elite winners and congratulate them on their achievement! See the campus e-newsletters below for the list of winners.

Basketball Season is Here! 
Our DSL and Tri-Way basketball season has begun. Be sure to check your campus e-newsletter for the rosters and game schedule. Come cheer on our teams and show your campus pride! 

Weekly E-Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

January Lunch Menus 

AH Preschool-1st Grade

AH 2nd-8th Grade

Citron

Edgewood Preschool-Kindergarten

Edgewood 1st-8th Grade 

Mable 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

SCHOOL NEWS visit treasure island in summer 2012!

DATES TO KNOW Online Registration Begins February 15 Priority Registration & 10% Discount February 15 - April 30 Summer School (PK-12th Grade) June 25 - August 3 Summer Camp (P-6th Grade) Weekly, June 18 - August 17 Counselor-in-Training Program (7th & 8th Grade) Weekly, June 18 - August 17 Enrichment Workshops (JK-12th Grade) Throughout the Summer

A'HOY MATEYS! Each summer, Fairmont Summer Programs has a new theme and those of you who follow us on facebook and twitter have been getting hints all week long! This summer, we're excited to invite you to TREASURE ISLAND and wanted you to be the first to know! Online enrollment kicks off mid February at www.fairmontsummerprograms.com and we're happy to extend a 10% priority registration discount to the Fairmont community on summer school and summer camp registration through April 30, 2012.  Get ready for a summer filled with adventure and academic preparation at Fairmont's summer school, weekly day camp and subject-specific enrichment workshops.  Please contact the Fairmont Summer Programs Team at 714.765.6300 or summer@fairmontschools.com with any questions.

THE FAIRMONT FIVE: spring 2012 events

We're kicking off 2012 with five great community events. Mark your new 2012 calendars and invite your friends to come along as well! 

Fairmont Private Schools Expo 

Sunday, January 22, 10am-2pm

Chapman University, Beckman 404, Orange 

The Fairmont family invites you to join us at our inaugural expo event as we celebrate the new year and launch our 2011 Academic Report Card. Experience the Preschool-High School academic and summer programs offered by our five OC schools. Exhibits include musical performances, student panels, art gallery, academic outcomes, college outlook presentations, and more. Visit with Fairmont teachers, administrators and families to learn more about our programs.

Click here to RSVP

Chalk Talk: Becoming Bilingual

Wednesday, January 11, 7-8:30pm

Anaheim Hills Campus, Anaheim Hills

In an increasingly global economy, being bilingual is a huge advantage. Speaking in Tongues, an award- winning documentary, narrates the trend of secondary language immersion starting in preschool and Kindergarten, the prime time for language learning. Join us for a special screening of the film and to participate in an open discussion about language immersion facilitated by language professor Denise Cabanel-Bleuer and Fairmont’s Director of Education, Sandy Cosgrove. Bring your children along for language learning games & activities provided by Lango (Fairmont's Mandarin extra-curricular class provider). 

Click here to RSVP

 

Chalk Talk: Fairmont Academic Outcomes

Sunday, January 22, 11am - 12pm

Chapman University, Beckman 404, Orange

Join the Fairmont family at our inaugural Fairmont P-12 Expo event and discover how Fairmont uses data to measure and improve academic outcomes. Director of Education, Sandy Cosgrove, will share Fairmont's 2011 results as we launch our 2011 academic Report Card. The Fairmont Expo runs from 10am-2pm - come early or stay late to enjoy musical performances and special activities with your family. 

Click here to RSVP

 

Chalk Talk: How To Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Wednesday, February 29, 7-8:30pm

Mable Campus, Anaheim

The Internet offers limitless opportunities for young learners, but it can be a dangerous place if children lack key safety rules. Join Monique Nelson, Chief Operating Officer of OC-based Web Wise Kids to learn how to keep your kids safe as they surf the web. Children are welcome - interactive Internet safety games developed by Web Wise Kids will jump start your critical conversation and provide entertainment. 

Click here to RSVP

 

Chalk Talk: Special Week of the Young Child Workshop!

Wednesday, April 25, 5:30-7pm

Fullerton Public Library, Fullerton

Are you ready for preschool but not sure about your toddler? To celebrate the Week of the Young Child, we invite you to an Early Childhood Education workshop. Beginning with Potty Training 101, our expert will help you breeze through the process with some simple potty training tips and tricks. Our next topic is a comprehensive Preschool Readiness presentation from a seasoned early childhood educator. This event is geared for parents with children ages 1-3. Children are welcome! 

Click here to RSVP

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools