28 February 2025
Inclusion of French in Dual Language Immersion Pathways

February 28 2025

Dear Filip Hristic and Will Flores,

As an advocate for language education within Portland Public Schools (PPS), I am writing to urge the establishment of a dedicated French Dual Language Pathway.

Currently, PPS offers robust dual language pathways for languages like Japanese, Vietnamese, and Russian, providing students with clear and equitable opportunities to continue their language learning through high school. It is essential that French, a language with deep cultural ties to our community, receives the same level of support.

The benefits of a French Dual Language Pathway are numerous and enduring:

*Equitable Access: It provides a transparent and accessible pathway for all students coming from a PPS supported French school, eliminating the need for a complex and often confusing hardship petition process.

*Support for students from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those in underserved communities: Many students at Le Monde hail from or have strong cultural ties to regions of the world where French is widely spoken, including French speaking Canada, Haiti, Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco, as well as other parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa.

*Student Retention: It keeps students within PPS, preventing them from seeking private education options that offer more comprehensive language programs.

While many Portland Public high schools could potentially house this pathway, Lincoln High School is currently the best option due to the following attributes:

*A strong existing French program.

*Proximity to community resources that enhance language learning, including Alliance Française de Portland and Portland State University.

*An existing International Baccalaureate (IB) program that aligns with Le Monde’s IB Middle program.

*Supportive administration.

Establishing a French Dual Language Pathway is not just about language; it's about providing equitable access to a high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of our students. It's about recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of our community.

We believe that all PPS students deserve the opportunity to pursue their language learning goals. Please support the inclusion of French in the formal Dual Language Immersion Pathway programs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Community members & Parents of French immersion students, current, future, and past.

195
signatures
176 verified
  1. Emma Colburn, GIS Technician, PDX
  2. Marisa Textor, Writer & Editor, Le Monde Parent, Portland
  3. Jessica Riness, Paramedic, Portland
  4. David C Childers, physician, Portland
  5. Carie Nedley, Business Owner, Potted In Portland, Portland
  6. Representative Emerson Levy, Representative, State of Oregon, Bend
  7. Heather Velonis, Adjunt Professor, Le Monde PPS Charter School Parent
  8. Alexander Banks-Watson, Manager, Mastery Systems Inc, Portland
  9. Nicole Riness, Project Manager, Portland
  10. Harry nedley, Portland
  11. Stephanie Jones, Substitute teacher and middle school coach, Portland Public Schools, Portland
  12. Patrick Blakeslee, Contractor, Uncle of LeMond student (nephew), Portland
  13. Wei Shen, Portland
  14. Jennifer “JT” Nies, Current Le Monde parent of 3, Portland
  15. Bethany Skinner, Current Le Monde Parent of 3, Portland
  16. May Barruel, Gallery owner, Le Monde parent, Portland
  17. Stephanie Willis, Business Owner and Mom of 2, Portland
  18. Andrea Ilana Langstaff Woodard, Cancer registrar, Portland
  19. Adrianne Delcotto, Le Monde Parent, Portland
  20. Gisella Barbaray, Restaurant owner, Barbaray S Corp, Milwaukie
...
136 more
verified signatures
  1. Amy Norton, Enterprise Architect, Portland
  2. Sam Powell, Commercial construction, Portland
  3. Courtney LaManna, Portland
  4. Kathryn Schwartz, Psychotherapist, Le Monde mom, Portland
  5. Nicolas Gros, Driver, Portland, OR
  6. Jacqueline Brock, RN, Portland
  7. Cynthia Casas, Acupuncturist, Equanimity Wellness, Portland
  8. Cari Bouguettaya, Postal worker, Portland
  9. Lauren Tyers, Account Manager, Flynn, Portland
  10. Christy Trotter, Parent, Portland
  11. Jo Anne Rodgers, Radiologic Technologist, Kaiser Permanente NW, Portland
  12. Jacquelyn Krogman, Realtor, PORTLAND
  13. Erik Snyder, Programmer, Parent, Portland
  14. Joshua Fingert, Software, Portland
  15. Beth Melix-Stanciu, Non-profit finance, Portlanf
  16. Sarah Fuller, WSALPHO Communications, Parent of 2 current Le Monde students, Portland
  17. Maggie Conser, Nurse Practitioner, OHSU, Portland
  18. Liz Rhode, Attorney, Gillaspy Rhode Faddis & Benn, Portland
  19. Peter Motley, Le Monde parent, Portland
  20. Andrew Powelson, YEB, Portland
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