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In the News
The Dallas Morning News 
McKinney ISD Club 360° Offers Spanish to
Elementary Students
Published May 31 , 2008
Independent School District, recently implemented a new Spanish program to elementary
students as part of its continuing effort to provide a quality education in a safe and friendly
learning environment.
Research has shown that bilingual children have improved abstract, analytic, interpretive
thinking skills and a greater capacity to learn than their monolingual peers. Bilingual students
also tend to outperform monolingual students on standardized tests.
“During the school year, we receive many questions on how children in elementary schools
might receive Spanish classes since it's not offered as an elective class until middle school,”
said Kristina Perez, Director of Child Care Programs for McKinney ISD. “We wanted to offer
something unique to the students that will enhance their current academic program. Spanish
is easily learned during early childhood and this is a great opportunity to provide the language
to students during their early learning years. We have a captive audience with Club 360° as
the students are already present and ready to learn.”
Club360° chose Spanish Skool, Inc., a McKinney-based business that provides Spanish
language education to children, teens and adults to deliver its after-school Spanish classes.
Spanish Skool’s native-speaking teachers use curriculum and multi-sensory teaching aids
and games developed especially for children to keeptheir attention and interest while
making learning Spanish fun.
Marcela Garrett, owner of Spanish Skool, Inc., states that there are an estimated 35million
Hispanics in the U.S. marketplace today where Spanish is the second most-spoken language.
“Approximately 15 of every 100 people in the U.S. speak Spanish, and it’s the fourth most spoken
language in the world,” Garrett noted. “Bilingual individuals also have a competitive advantage
in college entrance qualifications and in today's global economic workforce where approximately 23
countries speak Spanish. We’re proud to have partnered with McKinney ISD and Club 360° to share
the richness of the Spanish language and culture with McKinney’s young people – our future.”
Eight MISD elementary schools currently offer Spanish classes through Club 360° with new
classes beginning in the fall. Enrollment in the Club 360° program is not required to participate
in Spanish classes. The course registration fee includes a 45-minute Spanish class, a snack
and Club 360° care from 3:30 p.m.to 6:30 p.m. on the day of the Spanish class.
For more information about Club 360° phone 972-569-6235 or email
club_360@mckinneyisd.net. For more information about Spanish Skool, Inc. phone 972-542-9568