Oaklawn Language Academy : Principal's Page

Principal's Page

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To our Oaklawn Language Academy families:

At Oaklawn Language Academy, we are proud to have remained true to our vision: “A Multilingual Window to the World.” We seek to prepare students to excel academically in two languages, while they learn about many different cultures. Our highly qualified, diverse staff comes from all over the United States and the world: North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Europe. Many of our teachers have left their families or have relocated with families to teach our children. This year, our Dual Language Immersion program is offered in Spanish K-5. Oaklawn provides students with a global, world-class education so that they may be successful and competitive in our ever-expanding international community. Oaklawn has received many accolades. Our successful Dual Language Immersion program received the School of Distinction award from Magnet Schools of America in 2008 & 2009. We have achieved AYP status every school year 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Our school was designated by NC Department of Instruction as 2008 School of High Growth. This year we are already celebrating that we achieved a gain of 9 points or greater in our EOG results: Literacy, Mathematics & Science.

During the current school year, Oaklawn is introducing new initiatives. I am pleased to report that we have been awarded an ArtsTeach grant for a third year. Our newest grant will allow us to continue our work to help expand our students’ knowledge of other cultures through an interdisciplinary study of South America. Last year, our students explored Africa and the year prior they studied China. Students are taught through music, storytelling, social studies, art and physical education. As a team, our staff is committed to providing a variety of learning experiences to broaden our students’ knowledge, promote tolerance and respect and encourage mental stimulation and academic growth. The Oaklawn family is also proud of the success of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program. The entire staff works as a team to clearly communicate behavioral expectations to students and their families. From data and observation, it is evident that students are aware of safety and discipline routines as well as procedures. Although our program has received numerous grants and awards, perhaps our greatest achievement is our ability to maintain a positive, upbeat and family like environment. The rapport established among faculty, staff and families truly makes us unique. Furthermore, we have an active volunteer program and have received the district’s most prestigious parent/community volunteer distinction, the Sam Hayward Community Involvement Award. Oaklawn Language Academy is truly among the best-kept secret in CMS.

Sincerely,

Patricia Moreira-Garcia

Last update: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 1:25:53 PM