Vista Heights Middle School Focuses on Cultural Proficiency

The Vista Heights World Language department held assemblies throughout the day to educate students on cultural proficiency. Students heard the importance of respecting all cultures, celebrating diversity, and the importance of eliminating stereotypes. Teachers Sujana Herrera and Rosie Grajeda shared their own stories about learning new languages, and Samantha Lara discussed how being bilingual can lead to future job opportunities and higher wages. Teachers Willie Tshilonda, Nicole Wang, and Flor Lopez spoke about their experiences as immigrants and the challenges they faced as English Language Learners. Additionally, Marisol Magana and Laura Nunez shared their experiences with learning English as the American-born children of immigrants. Hearing the background stories of Vista Heights’ teachers helps students make connections to their own lives. Embracing International Baccalaureate Learner Profile qualities as they learn new languages will help our students become caring, open-minded communicators.