First-Graders Steeped In Spanish During Class
Kathy Alkire points to herself and then hunches her shoulders, as though riding a motorcycle.
The first-graders at St. John Vianney Catholic School watch their Spanish teacher gravely and then altogether, “Yo voy en motocicleta.”
I go by motorcycle.
Alkire has a job that takes energy, planning and creativity. She teaches Spanish to first- through eighth-graders at St. John Vianney, plus she teaches a half-day of kindergarten.
“I think I’m the only person who does what I do,” Alkire says with a laugh. Her job is so unusual, “It’s really hard to find a substitute,” on the occasions when she’s ill.
The first-graders are learning by ear. Alkire says she doesn’t use textbooks for her Spanish classes until students are in seventh and eighth grade.
Eighth-graders took a field trip to a Mexican restaurant earlier this year and “did the whole thing in Spanish,” Alkire said. “They did fine.”
She’s been teaching the younger children about transportation. And her actions give the children clues for what type of vehicle: tilting arms for wings, “en avion.” Pulling the whistle for a truck, “en camion.” And pointing down to her feet for “a pie.”
“The kids learn better that way, they remember more if there’s action,” she says.
Lessons are just a half-hour long. A surprising amount can take place in that time. The first-graders are working on pronouns and various forms of the verb “to go” - all worked in around those fun trucks and planes and motocicletas.
“Nosostros vamos en avion,” the children say.
We go by plane.
CV’s trumpeter tops
Central Valley High School senior Kevin Woods played last weekend in the All Northwest Jazz Band. Woods, a trumpet player, auditioned last summer with students from around Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska from for the band.
“It’s quite an honor,” said Central Valley band director Brad Constantine. Woods “is one of the most enthusiastic musicioans I’ve had in 13 years as a teacher.”
Nethercutt as teacher
U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt spoke to students at University Elementary last week about being good citizens. Some students received citizenship awards.
The congressman seemed very much at home as he spoke with children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
“Grade school was such a good time for me. I have such fond memories of assemblies like this,” Nethercutt said, as he gazed at gym chock full of children. “I wish I had thanked my teachers more than I did.”
He had the grace to chuckle and then answer seriously when one student asked: “Did you ever have the urge to become a senator or president or somebody important in Congress?”
“My hands are full now,” Nethercutt replied.
Between speaking sessions, Nethercutt also posed for a snapshot with two students and their mom. He had a special connection with the Lallier family.
“He was instrumental in helping us adopt our son Brian,” explained Tammy Lallier. This was the first time the congressman had a chance to meet Brian Lallier, now 8.
As an attorney, Nethercutt helped arrange adoptions.
As they stood together for the picture, Tammy Lallier said, “He whispered in my ear, ‘I miss so much doing adoptions. You don’t know what a joy it is to see what I’ve done.”’
Liberty Lake principal
The Central Valley School Board has named Dennis Olson as principal of the new Liberty Lake Elementary School.
Olson is principal at Chester Elementary School and has helped oversee development of the design for the Liberty Lake school. Construction of the building will go on next year, with the school opening in September 1988.
DECA success at CV
Several DECA members from Central Valley High School qualified recently for state competition.
They will travel to Seattle in March and compete for the chance to go to nationals. State qualifiers include the following:
Lindsey Castle, Dan Griner, Hillery Oliver, Nicole Peplinski, Tyler Zyph, Anne Peterson, Pat Flanigan, Luke Hopson, Brien McGuire, Brittany Beasley-Davis, Kyle Schwahn and Richie Lentz.
Scholarship news
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Spokane Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1435 is establishing the Trudy Young Memorial Scholarship. The $500 award will go to a Spokane Valley high school graduate who plans to attend any public university in the state. Selection will be by grade point average, school activities and community service.
For more information, call Sue Williams, 535-2260, or contact a high school counselor. Deadline for applications is March 31.
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