St. Cloud Area School District 742 recently announced new programming at Clearview Elementary School in the fall of 2017 that will create a Spanish magnet school. Clearview is currently home to the district’s Spanish Immersion Program as well as traditional English classrooms.

 

A magnet school is defined as a public school that has a focused theme and aligned curriculum around a subject such as a foreign language. Creating a Spanish magnet at Clearview creates an opportunity to bridge the English and immersion programs and provide opportunities for families. 

 

“We’re really excited about this opportunity,” said Clearview Principal Sheri Rutar. “We know the benefits for kids when they learn another language at an early age, including the benefit to brain development. This will be a really exciting enrichment program for kids.”

 

She and Sue Hasbrouck, Clearview’s immersion and world language coordinator, created a proposal for the idea and presented it to the district’s superintendent and his cabinet, which was met with approval.

 

“We’re keeping our immersion program as is,” explained Rutar. “And are going to be adding FLES (foreign language in elementary schools) to the schedule of our English classes.”

 

The school is currently looking at different FLES models to incorporate into their classrooms this fall.

 

Part of the new program ensures any student in the district who wants to attend Clearview will receive transportation to the school.

 

The public is invited to attend Clearview’s Spanish Magnet Information Night Feb.13 at 5:30 p.m., which will be held at the school. 

 

Research-based benefits of magnet schools include increased cognitive ability, gains in academic achievement, increased self-esteem and positive attitudes toward diversity. For more information visit www.isd742.org/spanishinstruction.