Local News
Neches school getting new language program
NECHES — To increase the language opportunities presented its students, Neches Elementary School administrators are working to bring the RosettaStone® Classroom software to its campus.
RosettaStone® Classroom is a world-renown language program used by NASA, Olympian Michael Phelps and businesses all over the world for language learning.
“The classroom software uses the power of technology to accelerate language leaning for all students,” elementary principal Kim Snider said, “and bolsters the development of language skills in preparation for high school and college.”
While Neches Elementary already uses RosettaStone® for its Spanish-speaking students, an expanded agreement with the company will allow the school to offer as many as three language programs to students.
The program will be used for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade,” Snider explained. “We will be able to offer English, Spanish and a third language such as German or French.
“We already teach of students sign language during the lunch period,” Snider added. “But it is our goal to have our students be tri-lingual.”
For a smaller district such as Neches Independent School District, RosettaStone® is a cost-efficient, but effective, way to provide a foreign language program for its students.
“Foreign language and English as a second language teachers are hard to find, Snider explained. “Using this program allows us the technology to do the same thing a teacher – and the students can take the program home with them.”
According to Snider, the plan the school is hoping to purchase will allow students to work in the classroom lab setting and continue their studies on the home computers.
“They will have access to three languages in the school lab and at home,” she said, adding that the program is set to be installed on the campus in the 2009-10 school year.
The school is currently in the process of raising the $5,000 needed to purchase the program, with a couple of fundraisers already scheduled. An additional subscription fee also will be needed annually to maintain the program.
On Nov. 15 and 16, K9 Classic Cuts, owned by Stephanie Walker, is hosting a photo fundraiser on Nov. 15 and 16, that will allow families or individuals to get their pictures made with (or without) their pets.
Anyone who pays the $15 sitting fee with receive a free 8x10 photo, with the purchase of packages optional. K9 Classic Cuts is located at 310 W. Crawford St. in Palestine. Reserve a sitting by calling 903-723-4304 or 903-584-3401.
The school also is holding a drawing for several prizes donated from the community including: a 27-inch SDTV RCA television from Wal-Mart; a Wii from K9 Classic Cuts; a 3-month gymnastics membership ($255 value) from Gymnastics Training Center; a $90 party rental from The Party Station; tickets to the Texas Renaissance Festival from KYYK; a $100 savings bond from First State Bank; a $50 savings bond from Capital One Bank; $150 credit towards tax preparation from Waldens Credit and Debit; a $10 gift certificate from Little Mexico; $100 gift card from McCoy’s Building Supply; and two $25 gift cards from Lowe’s.
Tickets are two for $5 or five for $10 and can be purchased at the school.
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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
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