Dear SK Parents,

As you know, when your son begins first grade next year, he will begin a singular world language track, in either Spanish or Mandarin.

Please complete the form on the SK class pages on the PDS website by Friday, May 24th to indicate your language choice.

Many of you already have in mind which language your son will continue. Others are uncertain about which you will choose. Please remember that whichever language you choose, both will benefit your child and enrich his educational experience. Our world language teachers suggest that you consider the following points when making your decision. How do you envision your child using the language? (Ex: travel, business, study abroad, etc.) This might draw you closer to either Mandarin or Spanish.

Consider your family needs. Does your child have a relative who speaks either language? Do you travel as a family to an area where a particular language is spoken? Both of these situations give your child an opportunity to apply what he is learning outside of the classroom and can be a great motivational tool.

The perceived difficulty of a language should not be a deciding factor. Talk with your son about which language he feels most comfortable and confident learning. Although you may consider one language more difficult than the other, young children don’t have the prior knowledge of grammar (simpler to adults in Mandarin) and alphabet systems (simpler to adults in Spanish) to create these self-imposed limitations.

Remember you are choosing a language, not a teacher. Make sure your son understands that his current Spanish or Mandarin teacher will not be his teacher in the upper grades at PDS.

Finally, once you have made this decision, your son will continue with that language through the sixth grade. Students will not be allowed to change language tracks once the initial decision has been made.

We are looking forward to welcoming each of your sons into the Elementary Division next year.

Best regards,

Susan Droke
Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning

Language Choice Form

We have made an early decision to switch the Mother's Day Picnic to the scheduled rain date, due to the current weather conditions and the rain that is predicted to continue throughout the weekend.  We look forward to seeing each of you on Thursday, May 9 NOT Tuesday.  Contact your son's teacher if you have questions. 

As in prior years, PDS will order your son’s school supplies allowing us to take advantage of bulk pricing and to ensure conformity. The costs of these supplies were estimated on your enrollment contract to be from $35-$150 depending on the grade level, but will not be finalized until this summer at which time your son’s account will be billed.

Your son’s supplies will be ready for him on his first day of school in August!

Enjoy your summer!

Jill Kauffman
Chief Financial Officer