Spanish Language Immersion Magnet Program

  • At Fred L Wilson Elementary School one of the two magnet programs available to families is our Spanish Dual Language Immersion program. This program is available to rising kindergarten-1st grade students whether they live within or outside of the Fred L Wilson attendance zone. Students must apply during the magnet application window and are selected based upon a lottery process.

    We will have Dual Language classes through fifth grade, but only students who were previously enrolled in the Dual Language Immersion Program are permitted in the upper grade classes.  

    Students participating in the program will be taught the same North Carolina state standards as students in traditional classes.  Those who are in the 50/50 Dual Language Immersion program will receive instruction in both Spanish and English, allowing them to learn a second language while simultaneously learning grade level curriculum. 

    If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity or to schedule a school tour, please contact Michelle Tiesi, Principal, via email at michelle.tiesi@kcs.k12.nc.us

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How are students chosen to participate in the Dual Immersion Language program at Fred L Wilson Elementary?
    Rising kindergarten-1st grade students must apply during the magnet application window and are selected based upon a lottery process. Students within and outside of the Fred L Wilson attendance zone are eligible to apply.

    What is meant by the term 50/50 Dual Immersion?
    These programs group native speakers of English with native speakers of Spanish. The mix is approximately 50% of each group and both become bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural. Instruction is provided both in English and in Spanish.  

    Will students in the Dual Immersion Language program participate in "Connect" classes?
    Yes. They will go to physical education, music, art, media, guidance, and computer classes as often and on the same rotating basis as students in traditional kindergarten classes; however instruction is provided in English.

    Can Dual Immersion students qualify for and receive services from The Exceptional Children's Department, Speech, and Academically Gifted teachers?
    Yes. All of these services are available to students in the dual language immersion language program and the process for qualifying for these services is the same as it is for students in traditional classes. These services would be provided in English.

    Is an immersion program only appropriate for really high performing students?
    No. Research shows that immersion education can be effective for a wide variety of learners, including academically/intellectually gifted students, non-native English speakers, students with many special education needs and socio-economic challenges.

    Will Dual Immersion students receive ESL (English as a Second Language) services?
    Yes. If a Dual Immersion student qualifies for ESL services he/she will receive the appropriate level of service from one of our ESL teachers.
     
    Will my child take state mandated assessment, like the EOGs, in the foreign language?
    No. All state mandated assessments, like the EOGs, will be taken in English.

    I don't speak another language so I won't be able to help my child at home.

    The most important thing you can do at home is read to your child in English. Read and ask questions. Reading in any language supports the acquisition of reading skills such as fluency, vocabulary building, comprehension, etc. Your child's homework should support what he has learned in class. Students should be able to tackle the assignment on their own. Parents will be able to identify what skill is being addressed and support your child's learning in the skill, even if you can only help in English. Homework should not be a struggle! If it is, please talk with your child's teacher. The good news: You don't have to know the language to support your child at home.
     

     

Global Studies Magnet Program

  • The second magnet program available to Fred L Wilson families is our Global Studies program. This program is available to rising kindergarten-5th grade students whether they live within or outside of the Fred L Wilson attendance zone. Students outside of the school attendance zone must apply during the magnet application window and are selected based upon a lottery process. Students within the Fred L Wilson attendance zone are automatically a part of the Global Studies program. This is our third year providing this opportunity for our students. 

    Global Studies embraces the culture and history of an assigned region of focus per grade level and is integrated into the traditional North Carolina curriculum. Students are exposed to global content to increase their awareness of the world around them. Students that have been exposed to a Global Studies program have also benefited from increased academic growth and experience a high level of interest in their studies. Our assigned region of focus per grade level is listed below:

    Kindergarten - North America and Central America
    First Grade - Oceania
    Second Grade - Africa
    Third Grade - Asia
    Fourth Grade - Europe
    Fifth Grade - South America

    If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity or to schedule a school tour, please contact Mandi Campbell, Principal, via email at mandi.campbell@kcs.k12.nc.us