ConnectEd Summer 2015 | Page 7

Weaver Elementary School launches new magnet program 7 Getting a head start on their future, 12 kindergarteners and 20 first-graders will initiate the district’s newest dual language immersion program—the School of Mandarin Chinese Language & Leadership. They will work collaboratively, utilizing 21st-century technology and project-based learning to solve real-world problems throughout the inaugural 2015-16 year. With half of the instructional day taught in Mandarin Chinese, students will also learn the world’s most widely spoken language. “Worldwide, there are roughly 1 billion Mandarin speakers, compared to a combined 800 million English and Spanish speakers,” said Principal Jennifer Miley. “Our district leaders recognized that our students need to speak a language other than English to be competitive in a global market. We cannot wait to showcase our unique program, and are excited to be one of the first Mandarin Chinese immersion public schools in our area.” To ensure parents across the district have access to this innovative magnet, Back Elementary School is set to launch its School of Mandarin Chinese Language & Leadership in 2016-17. Several new principals and assistant principals will greet students as they return to school this year. John-Carlos Estrada Class of 2005 “ The teachers I had as a GISD student inspired and challenged me every day in the classroom. I am forever grateful to those teachers and mentors who helped me realize I could do anything I wanted to do—as long as I worked hard for it. ” • Currently KTRE-ABC news anchor and managing editor, as well as Stephen F. Austin State University journalism professor • Attended Williams Elementary School, Sam Houston Middle School and Garland High School Scan the QR code to see a complete list. Calendar National Bullying Prevention Month 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5-9 HERO Week 3 5 8-9 12 Fair Day Parent/Teacher Conferences GISD Band Festival International Fine Arts Festival 14 26-30 Red Ribbon Week PSAT, NMSQT & ASVAB Testing summer 2015