When I found out I was expecting a baby, I knew my baby would attend New Academy Canoga Park Elementary (NACP) School. Since the school’s beginnings, I liked how the administration intentionally involved parents and the community. Above all, I appreciate how students who attended had success in the Dual Language Program offered by NACP. It’s exciting to me that students learn in both English and Spanish. When it was time to enroll my son into Kindergarten, he began attending NACP.
By providing classes in English and Spanish at school, our Latino children get comfortable with their complex American identities, without forgetting their native language or roots. It’s really sad to see so many Latino children who either don’t know or don’t want to learn how to speak Spanish. These children don’t know what they’re missing out on. Spanish is the second most spoken language in this country. Many people speak Spanish at home with their families, especially with elders who don’t really speak English at all.
It makes me proud to see how my son is able to navigate his studies in two languages. He started in Kindergarten and we’ve been a part of the New Academy Family for 5 years now. It’s impressive to see how much he’s learned in that time. My son is able to communicate with his grandparents who don’t speak English. He’s even comfortable with helping translate when necessary and he does it very well.
I’ve been a part of this community for more than 15 years. I’ve lived through and witnessed the impact New Academy Canoga Park has had on the community, our children, and parents like myself. NACP has not only ensured high achieving results for our students, but they’ve helped inform me and I know they’re programs that will ensure my son’s future success.
Veronica Hernandez