中國普通話班將在紐伯格高中今年秋季提供。

English translation:  Mandarin Chinese classes will be offered at Newberg High School this fall.

Newberg School District recently learned it was selected to host a Mandarin Chinese teacher through the Teachers of Critical Languages program. The program is an initiative of the U.S. State Department for learning Mandarin and Arabic, which are considered critical world languages. Newberg was one of 50 finalists for ten teachers nationwide.

Newberg High School students will have the opportunity to take Chinese I this fall. The course will introduce students to Chinese language and culture. Instruction emphasizes basic syntax, simple vocabulary, written characters and spoken tones so students can read, write and understand Chinese at a basic level.

The school board also approved the addition of a Chinese II course, which builds on skills developed in Chinese I.

“Our plan is to expand Chinese instruction to the middle school next year,” said Stafford Boyd, Director of Teaching and Learning. He adds that the goal is to apply for this grant for a second year and that by year three the school district will recruit and fund their own teacher.

The Chinese teacher is fully funded by the U.S. State Department and is expected to arrive in August.  NHS Spanish teacher Kathy Villalobos will serve as a mentor teacher. 

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza credits the district’s relationship with George Fox University and its program with Chinese students and educators as an asset to Newberg’s grant application.

“We very pleased to be selected,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “There is a high demand nationally for Chinese speakers and very few Oregon programs offering Chinese language for students.”