Why Spanish? First of all, why not Spanish? Even though we call Spanish a foreign language in this country, really it the second-most spoken language and thousands of people in the USA have been raised speaking it, both immigrant and native-born alike. Many states, cities and streets have Spanish names – this is because Spanish was spoken in the United States before English. Just as Spanish speakers occupied the United States before it became a country, so indigenous peoples inhabited and continue to inhabit what we now call Latin America, before the Spaniards did and changed the language to Spanish! They didn’t always speak Spanish, but most do now! And this is even more reason to learn it!

Although Spanish is not the first language of the Americas, speaking Spanish allows us to advocate for and enter into relationship with many of those whose ancestors were the first inhabitants of the Americas. One of the main goals of our department is to get in contact with our Spanish-speaking communities and the wonderful families in our local area. And our aim for our students is a bright future speaking Spanish and advocating for Spanish in the workplace and speaking it at home.

Expectations for students and teachers in Evergreen Spanish Classes:

Dig deep–Respect/honor–Honor yourself, honor all other members of class (including teacher), respect the  immersion environment, take risks and make mistakes.

Rise up–Responsibility–Come to class on time ready to participate and contribute to our immersion environment, solve problems, communicate.

Branch out–Stretch your comfort zones, make inferences (guess at meaning) even when you are unsure about what is being said, participate, assume the best in others, do your best!

Come study Spanish with us!

With respect and admiration,

Ms. Grimm and Ms. Parish