SAN MARCOS
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More people have been paying attention to what's happening in China in recent years, especially with Beijing hosting the Olympics in August. In San Marcos, the school district for the first time will be offering an introduction to Chinese. The federally funded language program, called STARTALK, will be taught in summer school and could extend for seven summers.
“We're very excited about it because we would like to encourage students to expand their language skills,” said Nancy Peterson, director of secondary curriculum for the San Marcos Unified School District. “We are also offering foreign-language credits for it.”
The free, five-credit summer class at Mission Hills High School will give students a taste of Chinese language and culture with lessons in speaking, writing and reading as well as hands-on art activities. At this time, there are no plans to offer a Chinese class during the school year.
The school board approved the class this week. STARTALK approached the district as the program expands into San Diego County from Los Angeles, Peterson said. The program encourages American students to learn languages that are uncommon in the United States, such as Chinese, Arabic and Hindi, that could lead to careers in international fields, she said.
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San Marcos Chinese Class
When: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 16 to July 24.
Where: Mission Hills High School, 1 Mission Hills Court.
Cost: Free; students can earn five foreign-language credits.
Info: Students must be incoming eighth-to 11th-graders in September and have basic computer skills. Register for class with school counselors.
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The course will be from 9 a.m. to noon from June 16 to July 24. Registration has begun and will close June 9. Students must be incoming eighth-to 11th-graders in September and have basic computer skills.
About 40 students have signed up, Peterson said, but there are no space restrictions. Federal funds will pay for as many teachers and study materials as needed, so everyone who signs up will be accommodated, she said. Students can register with their school counselors.
An optional summer camp, at which students will be immersed in more cultural activities, costs $135 per person. It will be held at Verdugo Pines Camp near Wrightwood Aug. 10 to 12.
Linda Lou: (760) 737-7574; linda.lou@uniontrib.com
