Norman Public Schools (NPS) marked the inaugural year of its Spanish Language Academy with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at Truman Primary School. The celebration highlighted the district’s commitment to expanding language opportunities for students and fostering cultural awareness.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, first grade students from the academy performed a traditional folkloric dance. Ribbon cutting remarks were delivered in both English and Spanish, reflecting the heart of the program.
“We are proud to take this important step in offering programs that enrich our students’ learning experiences,” said NPS Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “The Spanish Language Academy empowers students to become bilingual, culturally aware and better prepared for success in an interconnected world.”
“The Spanish Language Academy is about more than learning another language. It gives our students the chance to see language as a bridge to connect with people and cultures. By immersing them in both English and Spanish, we are helping them build global awareness, cultural appreciation, and the academic skills they need to reach their full potential,” said Chabeli Montoya, Spanish Language Academy Coordinator.
Launched this school year, the Spanish Language Academy at Truman Primary offers young learners the opportunity to immerse themselves in English and Spanish through a dual-language approach. The program utilizes a 50/50 model, with half of the academic curriculum taught in English, focusing on phonics, English Language Arts, and phonological awareness. The other half is taught in Spanish, covering subjects such as math, social context, and conversation skills. Visuals and structured instructional practices help support early learners and those who are not yet bilingual.
This year, the program began with pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. Next year it will expand to include second grade while continuing to welcome new students at the entry levels, with building enrollment as a key goal.
For more information about the Spanish Language Academy, visit: https://www.normanpublicschools.org/page/spanish-language-academy