English – Español
MOUNT KISCO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SPANISH / ENGLISH
DUAL-LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
OPEN TO ALL BCSD STUDENTS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN
INFO SESSIONS:
JAN 10TH 9AM & 1PM AND JAN 11TH 7PM @MKES
About The Program
MKES hosts Bedford Central School District’s Dual Language Bilingual Education Program, or DLBE, which begins in kindergarten. Any student zoned for BCSD can participate in the program.
In this 50/50 Spanish-English immersion program, students have their core curriculum taught in both English and Spanish alternating each day throughout the week while moving forward in the lesson plan. This system supports students as they work to become bilingual while, at the same time, encourages them to build divergent thinking skills.
This language learning continues beyond 5th grade, with language offered throughout middle and high school.
Graduates from the Bedford Central School District are eligible for the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. This honor shows employers and universities that the student is highly proficient in 2 (or more) languages.
benefits of bilinguaL education
cognitive development:
problem-solving skills:
Bilingual brains are constantly multitasking, switching from one language to another. This helps children to be effective in tasks that involve problem
solving.
empathy & cultural competency:
Exposure to different cultures & socio-economic backgrounds strengthens empathy, social flexibility, executive functioning. This increased competence helps bilinguals adapt more easily to different multi-cultural environments and provides global perspective.
Career benefits:
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. Being bilingual increases the number of employment opportunities and is a sought-after skill with international employers.
ParentTestimonials
“The Dual Language program is exemplary. My 3rd grader can read, write, and speak in Spanish, despite coming from a monolingual English speaking home. Kids are really educated according to their needs and strengths, and get the benefit of acquiring a second language, building authentic relationships across ethnic and linguistic differences, and feel safe, valued, and supported at school.”
“It’s been an amazing experience and our daughter speaks Spanish very well, despite being shy to do so in public. This early bilingual experience will also have a lasting cognitive benefit. The teachers are incredibly supportive and enthusiastic and have been excellent partners in our daughter’s education and development. We couldn’t be happier with MKES.”
“Our child has embraced this dynamic approach to education and is thriving! In addition to excelling in academics, our child is now reading and speaking more Spanish than we do in his 2nd year at MKES. Each day friends are made across cultures – language & background presents no barrier to friendship. We love that students collaborate in the classroom to help each other in the daily lessons.”
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
-Frank Smith
LEARN MORE! Follow us on Instagram! @VAMOSMKES
Vamos MKES is a parent organization. This is not an official district communication by BCSD. To learn more about DBLE at MKES visit bcsdny.org.