1. WELCOME
BIENVENUE

2. Welcome Class of 2028 PURPOSE OF TONIGHT’S MEETING
LEARN about Normandale Elementary French Immersion School
MEET Kindergarten staff and Learning Specialist /Parent Jennifer Johnson
RECEIVE registration materials if you did not pick them up at your neighborhood school - Edina School District residents only
ANSWER questions

3. Superintendant’s Message
    

4. Who would ever send their kids to an immersion school?

5. Nationwide, hundreds of schools offer total, partial or two-way immersion programs in many different languages and the number continues to grow.

6. Worldwide, the number of students learning in two languages is in the tens of millions.
French is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English.
French is the official language in 33 countries.
French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents.

7. Language Immersion
Language immersion is an approach to second language learning in which the usual curriculum activities are conducted in a second language.
The new language is the medium as well as the object of instruction.
We teach the same content & standards as the other Edina schools.

8. Language & The Brain
Language development windows open and close during childhood.
The ability to learn a second language is highest between birth and the age of six, then undergoes a steady decline.
The adult brain can still learn new skills, including languages, but it’s much more difficult.

9. Harriet Abdo
Wilson Goss
Yvonne Peralta
Jessica Schmidt
Katie Thomas

10. Kindergarten Schedule
8:30 AM – 3:05 PM
Art, Music & Physical Education taught by specialists in English.
Morning snack time
Lunch and recess mid-day
Quiet / rest time
Media Experience
Computer Lab

11. What Does Kindergarten Look Like?
(Classroom videos were shown at this point in the presentation, but are not included in the web version due to privacy of the children)

12. English Instruction Formal English instruction begins in grade 3.
Starting in K: introduction to English literacy skills through media experiences
Parents play a crucial role in the development of literacy skills
Our expert: Mme Johnson

13. Questions for our teachers?

14. Licensed teachers and para-professionals with high level French proficiency from:
Canada
Congo
France
Lebanon
Senegal
United States

15. French classroom interns are hosted by families for the school year.
The intern program is completely supported by our parent community:
volunteer donations
host families
fun activities

16. Where Do Our Students Go After Normandale?
Extended French Program: Grades 6-9 at Valley View Middle School
Advanced French Classes: Grades at Edina High School

17. Same Services Available
Special Education
Speech and Language
School Psychologist, Social Worker
English Learner (EL) Services (gr 3 & up)
Health Services
Gifted Education Services
Family Resource Center
Community Education Services (including before and after school care)

18. Early Childhood Developmental Screening
State law: your child must complete the screening before starting school
Screenings are scheduled by appointment and take approximately one hour

19. The LOTTERY… www.edinaschools.org/Page/119
All Kindergarten Choice Program Preference Forms are due Jan. 12 by 11:59pm by mail, fax or online for French Immersion and Continuous Progress.
Order of preference for first 108 students:
Siblings – Sibling preference policy
Random lottery of Edina school district residents
Once 108 students are accepted, a waiting list is created (Edina district residents only)
Open Enrollment students are accepted if there are fewer than 108 Edina district students (must submit OE form by Jan 15)

20. TIMELINE
Jan :00 PM - Program preference deadline for all Edina school district residents
Jan Letters sent to parents noting acceptance or placement on waiting list
Jan. 29, 3:30 -5:00 PM
Registration for accepted students in person at Normandale  
August: Teacher assignment notifications delivered via SchoolView
Open Enrollment Applications Due January 15 (for out of district residents)

21. Kindergarten Registration Day
Thursday, January 30, :30 - 5:00pm Same place!
Bring:
Birth Certificate
Shots Records
Registration Form
Other items in packet

22. SEE FOR YOURSELF! Visit a Kindergarten classroom
Contact school office to schedule a time

23. Share The Journey With Us!

24. Questions?

25. GOOD-BYE!
AU REVOIR!