Sponge Language Class

We’ve received an excellent response to registration for the two Sponge Language classes.  As of last Thursday, the QAE allocated spaces have been filled and both the 5-day and 2-day classes have wait lists.  It's possible that additional spots/classes may be added.  If you are still planning on registering, please sign up for the wait-list by Wednesday 9/22, so we know final numbers.

Add your child's name to the wait-list by following the registration instructions at http://www.spongeschool.com/QAE.

QAE PTSA together with McDonald PTSA are excited to announce Sponge Language School will provide extracurricular language classes for Queen Anne and McDonald Elementary students for the 2010-2011 school year.  Two classes are planned to start the first week of October.  Based on the Before/After School Survey conducted in June, Sponge will offer a 5-day a week Spanish class and a 2-day a week (Tu/Th) Spanish class for K-2 students.  Classes will meet from 8:00 am to 9:15 am.  (These classes are for K-2 students only.  If you are interested in Language class for your grade 3, 4, or 5 student, see our earlier News post).

From Sponge:
“We want children to love language and culture the way we do. We teach our classes entirely in language using the communicative approach. We design our themes and activities to engage the students and to motivate them to communicate. We teach using multiple media to appeal to different learning styles—from the visual learner who loves felt-board stories and art to the kinesthetic learner who loves drama and movement. We differentiate our instruction encouraging students to use more language and longer expressions as their skills develop.”

Tuition is $280/month for the 5-day a week class and four payments of $275 for the 2-day a week class.

Families are asked to commit financially to the academic year.  Class size is limited.  Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis once registration is opened.  If spaces fill, a wait list will be created and Sponge will work to meet demand once interest is known.

In order to make sure QAE families are aware of this opportunity registration will begin on September 9th.  Registration will be completed through Sponge’s website, www.spongeschool.com.

A Sponge representative will attend the QAE/McDonald Orientation on September 1st to provide information and answer questions.

Thank you to everyone who took the Before/After school survey.   The results are in - you can check them out here. 

Thanks to Alison Payauys and Tomoko Yamazaki for their hard work on the survey, and for their continuing work on implementing a stellar before/after school experience for QAE families.

Quick summary of survey results:
·       41 responses received from 30 enrolled families, 11 not enrolled
·       35 enrolled students
·       83% of enrolled families are interested in the Sponge Class**, Spanish 5 day or 2 day is ranked 1st choice most frequently (many children have prior language classes).
·       13 enrolled families are interested in Sweet Pea class at Lincoln, 14 enrolled families are interested in Sweet Pea class at QA location, 6 of those could go either location
·       45% of enrolled families need dependable before/after school childcare
·       Music, Gym/Sports, and Theater/Drama are the top three club interests
·       Out of 30 enrolled families, 22 are interested in an Activity Bus and 24 are interested in carpooling

**Planning is underway to have Sponge offer an on-site, before-school Spanish language  program from 8am to 9:15am.  Check the website News and/or subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest info as it becomes available .