Visit to Juan de Lanuza - September 1

On September 1, with the Wolff-King family, we visited the kids' new school, Juan de Lanuza colegio (JDL). In all the excitement, we forgot to take pictures of the kids in front of the school (where was Sally Williams?!). We'll have to get one on their first day if it doesn't embarrass them too much.

JDL is a private school, has about 550 students and covers the gamut from kindergarten to high school. Most of the students are natives of Spain but several of the teachers are either Americans or Brits and their children attend the school. At age 3, the students start English lessons such that by the time they are Colin and Kelsey ages (11 and 9), they have a pretty strong foundation of the language. While our goal is for our C and K to learn Spanish and not rely on others to speak English, it is comforting to know that they have a buffer. In fact, Colin's teacher is a native of Massachusetts although she's lived in Spain for 20+ years.

Prior to our visit, we were filled with both excitement and anxiety especially in regards to how JDL would receive Kelsey. We had been corresponding with JDL since early in the calendar year about Kelsey's cochlear implants, and had not reached a common agreement as to whether JDL would offer her a full time slot. It turns out that JDL has a 5 year old boy who also uses a cochlear implant which means that they are not completely unfamiliar with this technology.

Wrapped into our angst was also a litany of questions from the basic, 'when does school start?' (prior, we had only been given an approximate start date) to 'do we wear uniforms?'; 'how does the soccer/activities program work?', and so on, to the more meaningful, "what is their academic load?"; "what classes will be proposed for Kelsey?"; "will Batman be able to defeat the Joker?"

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Pilar, the school coordinator, and then given a tour of the facilities. To maximize their capabilities, students are separated into groups according to their abilities for math, language, etc.; these groupings are fluid and are continually reassessed. As Concord has no formal accelerated program (other than at the discretion of the individual teacher), we were delighted to hear this news. The kids will likely have plenty on their plates just learning a language and integrating into a new place but it's gratifying to know that they will also be pushed academically.

JDL classes are roughly 60-40 Spanish/English but Spanish is spoken among the children, on the playground, cafeteria, etc. which gives them plenty of opportunity to learn their new language.

After our group tour with Pilar, we moved to a private meeting with Sophia, the Dean of Studies, along with Elena, the school Psychologist (who is also the person in charge of placement!!). They were both lovely and amiable, and more importantly, seemed to have our children's best interests at heart. Both Colin and Kelsey handled themselves impressively -- they were poised and well-spoken, and comfortable in their own skin (completely objective opinion from their parents). JDL is flexible and open to feedback, and as a starting point, Colin and Kelsey seem to getting the opportunity to begin the year like any other newcomer. Our visit was not only a relief but energizing. Let's get this party started!

The kids' bus will pick them up 2 or 3 blocks from our apartment at 9 a.m. (how sane!) especially since one wouldn't normally put the Chases in 'morning person' category. School starts at 9:30; they have a big break from 1-3:30 and then end at 5:30, getting home around 6pm. During the break, they participate in an activity of their choice such as soccer, dance, piano, etc. What a FULL day!

School starts September 7 and we all can't wait! The kids want to meet new friends and begin activities. Kelsey is literally counting down the days, planning her time, friends, and outfits. Colin is particularly eager to start playing on a soccer team.