September 13, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
In alignment with the School Committee’s mission and the goals outlined in the Hingham Public Schools strategic plan, Supt. of Schools Margaret Adams, with the committee’s support, is actively pursuing more opportunities to prepare students for active participation in the global community.
One well-received idea presented recently is the formation of an exploratory group to consider the possibility of offering a Spanish elementary structured immersion program.
“I’m excited about Dr. Adams’ plan to create a committee to explore the possibility of launching a K-5 immersion program,” School Committee Chair Nes Correnti told the Hingham Anchor. “The positive response to this year’s pre-K Spanish pilot program has already been evident. I appreciate Dr. Adams’ innovative thinking in finding ways to encourage families to remain within our public schools and to possibly attract new families to our district.”
The purpose of the exploratory committee is to support innovation in the HPS by exploring the possibility of developing such a program.
According to HPS World Language Department Director Erica Pollard, research into immersion programs consistently shows that participating students develop higher levels of proficiency in the second language, gain an improved ability to focus, and can easily switch between tasks, in addition to other benefits. Such programs are also known to promote cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
The exploratory committee will consist of Adams, Foster Elementary School Principal Matt Scheufele, Pollard, an elementary language teacher and other staff, a school council member, and parent volunteers.
The School Committee will hear an update on findings from the exploratory committee this winter. “If the recommendation at that time is to move forward with a K-5 immersion program, the School Committee would vote on the proposal at that time,” Correnti said.