

Ms. Murray was raised in Quebec, learning both English and French as she grew up. This was important, according to Ms. Murray. If you don’t learn a second language by the time you are five, the part of the brain dedicated to language-learning may never be fully developed. Because Ms. Murray was already fluent in two languages, she quickly became fluent in Spanish after she moved to Guatemala, where she lived for three years.
Ludlow-Taylor students receive their introduction to Spanish well before their fifth year. Pre-K and kindergarten students meet twice a week for half an hour. First through fifth graders meet once a week for forty-five minutes.
The Spanish language program is an integral part of the arts integration emphasis at Ludlow-Taylor. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?” is read – in Spanish, of course -- and acted out by the students in a unique dramatization. Spanish-themed art is produced and Spanish-themed music is performed by the students.
For each month Ms. Murray explores a different learning theme. Last October the theme was food. This month the theme is celebrations, e.g. Dia de los Muertos and Dia de Gracias. In April the theme will be the environment and in June the theme will be “what I like.” What most students will like is this rich and diverse Spanish adventure.
Learning Spanish aids in learning other subjects as well, according to Ms. Murray. The fact that Spanish is Latin-based means that the students will have a big assist in vocabulary development. And because teaching language requires addressing multiple learning styles, the students will be familiar with various approaches to learning.
Ms. Murray looked at a number of D.C. schools. She liked what she saw at Ludlow-Taylor; she liked the arts integration program and she liked the palpable, dynamic forward movement. She applied to Ludlow, interviewed with the principal, Ms. Carolyn Cobbs, and in short measure began to contribute to the overall success of this terrific neighborhood school.
When asked what support she would like to see from the community, Ms. Murray suggested first that neighbors simply come on over, attend open houses, get informed. And then maybe get involved, volunteer, share your skills and talents and avocations.
Last evening my wife, Nadine, attended the Capitol Hill Public School Parent Organization meeting that was held at Watkins Elementary. Most of us had no idea this group existed. They were overjoyed that someone from Ludlow-Taylor was in attendance.
Here are the basics of the meeting.
The mission statement of this organization is to promote cooperation among the parent organizations of the public schools on Capitol Hill in order to imporve the education received by all children attending our schools.
This month's agenda included:
1. A discussion of Middle and High School Programs both on the Hill and off. Our discussion centered around contacting middle and high school principal’s for information gathering: What does each program currently include? What could be added to make schools more “attractive” prospective students? If is school is already in demand—why is it? What makes a student prepared when entering Middle or High School from the principal’s point of view? From the Principal’s point of view, what are the “need trends” for their school?
2. A report of the most recent meeting of the Eastern High School Coomunity Forum. Eastern High School is considering pursuing a 3 program model that will answer the needs of students in the community: One centered around the medical field, one around the legal field and one around International Studies.
3. Discussion about the MOTH School Information Night on December 3rd at St. Peter's Church at 2nd and C Street SE--Volunteers for table.
4. School Yard Greening Updates from all schools with representatives present at the meeting—Tyler and Brent reported.