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Making a Difference
 
By Brian Lee, CIPCF President
NiHao from CIPCF!
As you know, we just concluded our third annual donation drive. We raised almost $38,000, beating our

fundraising goal of $25,000 by almost $13,000! Once again, I am humbled by our parents’ generosity and support for the program. Please take a moment to look at the list of our donors being recognized in this newsletter and CIPCF Parent Chat. It is thanks to them, along with those that donated anonymously, that  in the last two plus years we have been able to upgrade almost everything you see in the classrooms, from Chromebooks, iPads, printers, AV carts, projectors, doc cameras, microphones, speakers, classroom carpets, books in the classrooms and libraries, and iChinese Readers, among other things.

I also want to applaud our MIP families who participated in the November elections. In order for our program to continue to thrive, it is imperative that we have the support of the District and the School Board. There are so many issues coming up that will have a direct and significant impact on our children’s education, such as the expansion of our program into high school, the addition of a new kinder class, the curriculum support that we need from the District, and the possibility of a new bond measure in 2019/20. On all those issues, we as a community need to have a voice. And nothing speaks louder than exercising our right to vote and persuading our friends and families to do the same!

Finally, I want to use this opportunity to highlight two individuals that volunteer in Math Club – Katie Chin (parent of first grader, Owen Chin) and Andrew Liang (Hopkins 8th grader). Katie comes from a family that boasts of three generations of teachers – all of them math teachers, I believe. We are so blessed to have a parent like her because she’s truly passionate about teaching math to ALL the kids. She heads the junior group of our Math Club (grades K-3) and comes up with challenging, but ultra-fun instructional materials for the kids and organizes them for the coaches every week. Did I mention that she has three young kids, including one that’s just 8 months old?!? Katie is absolutely the best!

Andrew is the coach for the senior group of Math Club (grades 3-6). Yes, he’s only an eighth grader in our program at Hopkins, but already quite an accomplished math student! He’s in the accelerated math program at Hopkins and is a TA to a math teacher there. Because we didn’t have a parent volunteer for the senior group this year, we almost had to cancel Math Club for the senior group. But Andrew stepped forward, emailing me to offer his service. What an awesome young man!
People like Katie and Andrew remind us that we can all do a little more to help each other out, to make this community a special place, no matter how busy or how young you are. They are truly inspiring. When you see them on campus, please say hello and thank them for their dedication and selflessness.

Happy holidays, everyone.
Brian Lee, CIPCF President

Azevada Choir Sign-up
Ends Dec. 20

Winter Break
Dec. 24-Jan. 4

CIPCF Poetry Recital
Contest,  
Mar. 29

At Hopkins
PFA Meetings
First Wednesdays of every month
Hopkins Jr. High Library at 6PM
http://www.hopkinspfa.org/pfa-meetings


Visit Hopkins' Parent Faculty Association (PFA) website at :
https://hjh-fusd-ca.schoolloop.com/pfa 
for student activities dates.
About this Newsletter
Note that this is a parent-sponsored newsletter. Joseph Azevada Elementary School, Hopkins Jr. High School and Fremont Unified School District are not responsible for the content of this newsletter.
CIPCF Officers & Board
 
CIPCF Officers
Pres: Brian Lee
VP:  Stephanie Szeto
Treasurer: La Te
Secretary: Tina Lim
Outreach: Ann Chen


CIPCF Board of Trustees
Pres: Jeff Bowen
Treasurer: Joel Tchao

Secretary: Andrew Ortega
Trustee: Darrian White
Trustee: Jojo Chu
Board Advisor: Lily Mei
What's next...MIP in High School?
 
By: Jeff Bowen, CIPCF Co-founder and Trustee President
CIPCF and the Mandarin Immersion Program will be entering our 10th year in FUSD this September 2019. This landmark accomplishment means that  our pioneer students will be entering high school next Fall.  We’ve been meeting with the district over the past few years to exchange ideas of not only how, but also where we would like the program to expand.  A few options have been discussed such as keeping the students together at a single high school OR having each student return to his/her home attendance school to take advanced Mandarin classes.
 
The latter of the two options is less appealing since each high school offers different AP classes.  For example, Kennedy High School, which is  in the Azevada attendance area, does not offer Mandarin language AP courses.  As such, we will be lobbying the district to keep our MIP students together as a group.  At this time there appears to be two possible high schools that have available space for MIP, Mission High and Washington High.

We are asking all interested MIP families to help us put together our vision for MIP in high school to present to the school board early in 2019 and will be  sending out a survey for your input on  high school  preference as well as which classes your student would like to see offered in Mandarin.

The survey results will be used in our presentation  to the school board as they will  vote on whether or not we can expand to high school, hence keeping our MIP students together.  We ask that each family complete one survey. The deadline to submit the survey is January 1, 2019.

CIPCF will hold meetings in December and January to create and refine our presentation to the school board. PLEASE participate. We welcome and need every parent’s input.

Happy Holidays!
Jeff Bowen
CIPCF Co-Founder and Trustee President
CIPCF and  PTA Hosts Multi-Cultural Night
(Dec. 15, 2018) There were lots to see and taste at the 2nd annual Multi-Cultural Night at Azevada. CIPCF once again teamed up with PTA to sponsor the event. The event aims to recognize the diversity of the students and staff at Azevada. Along with great food, there were performances by Dragon Rhythm Shaolin Kung Fu, Kennedy High School's Polynesian Dancers and our  MIP students.
Q&A

An Interview with Pao-Hsuan Huang
Getting to know our new ToSA,  her priorities for our program and about the Seal of Biliteracy
Pao-Hsuan Huang has first-hand experience with our Mandarin Immersion Program. A former 5th grade MIP teacher at Azevada whose resume includes teaching World Language in Chinese at Franklin High School in New Jersey and Grades 3-6 Mandarin Immersion programs. Ms. Huang made a career move last year and is currently the ToSA  (Teacher on Special Assignment) supporting the Mandarin Immersion Program at Fremont Unified School District.

As the TOSA supporting the Mandarin Immersion program, what are your top priorities this year?
 

My top two priorities of this year are building the capacity of curriculum for Mandarin Immersion program and the preparation for 8thgraders’ transition to high school.
 

Can you tell us about changes to expect in the Mandarin curriculum? 

We have very clear curriculum plan for MI program which includes the spiral structured design of curriculum materials. This means our students will be exposed to previous standards and build new knowledge from the foundations year after year. The curriculum plan incorporates language development, content knowledge acquisition and grade level standards mastery. All of elements are firmly entrenched.
 

When we started the MIP program in Fremont, the District mentioned that upon graduation, the students may have the opportunity to be awarded the Seal of Literacy on their diplomas. What is the value of the Seal of Biliteracy?
 

The Seal of Biliteracy is a special recognition that promotes and validates bilingualism and biliteracy in English and another language. Proficiency in a language other than English will benefit students in a future world that is becoming more diverse and multilingual every day. Students who receive a Seal of Biliteracy have the seal affixed to their diploma and noted on the High school transcripts.
 

How will it help our students in the future?
 

It can promote this accomplishment on their resumes, as well as scholarship and university applications. Bilingual and biliterate individuals are more marketable to employers and institutions of higher learning.

What are the requirements to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy?  Can you get it by going through the immersion program? 

The Department of Education determines the requirements of the Seal of Biliteracy. Below is the website that addresses the current requirements. They are subject to change by CDE.

The link is: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/er/sealofbiliteracy.asp

Click here to read the current Seal of Biliteracy requirements.

Can our MIP students get the bilertacy seal after MIP in Jr. HIgh? 

The Seal of Biliteracy goes along with the high school diploma, so students need to meet all the requirements before high school graduation in order to be qualified for the seal. Students can't be qualified during Junior High School.

Do students need to apply for the Seal, or is it automatically granted?  When do you apply?

Students do not apply for the Seal of Biliteracy. The data is compiled by the district and sent to the school site to confirm. The school sites will notify high school seniors as to who will be receiving the State Seal of Biliteracy.  

Finally, what is your vision for the program and moving the program forward?

The goals for Immersion students are to develop bilingual and biliteracy skills with increase awareness of cultural traditions and customs which support the students to meet the challenges of a global society and gain career advantages. 

For the past 6 years in Fremont, I feel privileged to be part of the team in different positions. It’s so exciting to see the students’ growth and the emerging community of dedicated educators and parents. Being in the new position, I hope to establish a rigorous curriculum plan for all grade levels, a smooth transition when 8th Graders move to high school and a supportive network for the teachers.

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the oldest and most celebrated holidays in China.  In September, the Chinese Immersion Parents Council sponsored the Harvest Moon Festival Potluck and poster contest at Azevada. 

The event offered something for everyone. Families supplied delicious food, our MIP students sang Chinese songs, and CIPCF supplied plenty of fun with lanterns for the kids to view the lustrous moon and 
Chinese riddles for the students to answer and win prizes.

This year’s poster contest winners are:

Kindergarten
1st - Caitlyn Chew
2nd - Ariadne Shea
 
First Grade
1st - Abby Wu (Rm 5)
2nd - Micah Yeung (Rm 3)
3rd - Ellie Chiu (Rm 5)

 
Second/Third Grade
1st - Megan Ha (Rm 22)
2nd - Kylie Hsu (Rm 24)
3rd - Jaxon Lim (Rm 22)
 
Fourth/Fifth/Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade
1st - Annette Lindley (Rm 31)
2nd - Karina Shea (Rm 28)
3rd (T) - Keane Shea (Rm TP2)
3rd (T0 - Caleb Yeung (Rm 30)
This is the second in our series profiling a MIP Jr. High School student.  Nessa Tong is an 8th grade Mandarin Immersion Program student.
MIP had a challenging first year at Hopkins that started without textbooks. This year, our 8th grade students have a new MIP teacher and text books. We asked Nessa, "How has this school year been for you so far? Can you tell us about a project you've completed in your Chinese Language Arts class?"
Hello, my name is Nessa, and I'm in the 8th grade at Hopkins.  The school year has been pretty good.  We have all the materials we need, including Chinese and history textbooks, Chinese literature and non-fiction books and our own classroom.  The classroom is also very organized.  We have a lesson plan for each day, and are learning at a good pace.  The teacher, Mrs. Wang, teaches well, and students listen to her, probably because she threatens to give paper pickups and detentions often.  We are usually quiet, and mostly speak in Mandarin.  Mrs. Wang reviews the lesson before we take tests, so tests are not as hard to pass.  We learn a lot about Chinese culture in class. 
 
In October Mrs. Wang asked teams of three in the class to create an original newspaper in Chinese.  Each person was responsible for preparing two sections.  I wrote a fake article about US politics and drew two comics in Chinese.  Each student then presented at least one of their articles
.
 
This is an excerpt from "Fake News". Written and illustrated by Nessa Tong.
 
Candiates take part in Fremont Unified School Board Townhall at Azevada 
CIPCF and Azevada PTA sponsored a candidate Town Hall. Seven candidates vying for two positions on the school board gathered at Azevada’s Multi-purpose room giving our MIP families and the local community an opportunity to ask questions directly of the candidates.
Oct. 12, 2018. From L to R: Sylvia Wong, Larry Sweeney, Hiu Ng, Hua Li, Fahria Khan, Dianne Jones, Norman Howell.
The town hall format was chosen giving both the moderator, Darrian White, and attendees a chance to pose questions over the two-hour period. The candidates spoke about issues facing FUSD, including budgets, overcrowding, and sex education.
 
“It’s really good to listen and to actually get to see the candidates, I know which two I’m leaning to vote for now”, said Seth Hodgeman.
 
KTSF, channel 26 broadcast a portion of the townhall during their election segment on the news.
 
“This year’s FUSD school board election is pivotal for the future expansion and success of the Mandarin Immersion Program. We need to elect candidates that will support the program, especially since we’re working to expand into High School”, said Jeff Bowen.
 
Over the previous 4 years MIP has had tremendous support from board Trustees Larry Sweeney and Dr. Yang Shao. They voted favorably to expand the program into middle school and directed the district to assume responsibility for the cost of  Mandarin specific learning materials and teacher enhancement programs  that we, CIPCF, had to uniquely pay for ourselves in the past, such as teacher conferences and substitute teachers while our teachers held curriculum planning sessions.
 
Most recently Sweeney and Shao supported MIP by directing the district to create and fill a position for a ‘Teacher on Special Assignment’ to represent our program in the district office and to work with staff and parents to develop and refine the curriculum that our program uses,  said Bowen.  

The winners of the two open board positions were Dianne Jones  and returning trustee, Larry Sweeney.

In other election news, Dr. Shao ran for City Council representing District 4 in Fremont and won!
Bulletin Board
After-School Choir
Sign-up is due December 20. Music director Jo Jo McCoy will lead the choir on Thursdays after school at the MPR starting on January 10. She will teach both English and Chinese songs. The $90 tuition will cover a choir t-shirt and two tickets to the performance at Ohlone College on May 5, 2019. 

Looking for 8th Grade Parents for Special MIP Promotion Ceremony Planning
Our inaugural class (i.e., the current 8th graders) will graduate from Hopkins Jr. High this June! While CIPCF continues to work on getting School Board approval to expand MIP into high school, if unsuccessful, students will return to their home school. We would like to plan a special, intimate MIP promotion ceremony with the parents. 8th grade parents, if you would like to make this happen, please contact us at officers@cipcf.org!!!!

CIPCF 3rd Annual Poetry Recital Contest 
Mark your calendars, the third annual poetry recital contest is Friday, March 29th, 2019. Contest rules and registration information will be sent out soon.
2018  CIPCF Donations Drive
 
Thank-you for your Donations
Platinum Donors
Agnes & Darrian White
Alex Chen
Anne & Jason Han
Brian & Yee-Ann Lee
Charles & Jenny Yang
Cody Schwebke
David Bui & Winnie Chu
Emery Wasser-Tung
Family Focus Optometry
Felicia Hsu
Francis Ho
Giathang Dao and La Te
Howard Chiang & JoJo Chu
Jenny & Wesley Joe
Jenny Joe
John & Melissa Yu
Judy Chow
Lilian & Dan Kennedy
Linda & Eric Lindley
Liz Cheng
Mai Doan & Jimmy Chen
Radif Sharafulin
Randy Heng & Sharlene Tan
Sandar Tun & Jason Hu
Shlomi & Meilin Bachar
The Chai Family
The Hodgeman Family
The Khuu-Nguyen Family
The Tran Family
Thomas Cleary & Cynthia Lam
Tim Chiu
Uyen Le & Yinkee Yee
17 Anonymous Donors


Bronze Donors
 Monica & Sergio Gastelum
Monica Robles
Sean Huang
Tao Fan
3 Anonymous Donors
Gold Donors
Chris & Kathy Thomas
Chris Feng
Duc Ha & Maggie Hung-Ha
Hungwei Lin
Jane Wong
Judy Shen
Kao Family
Ken & Christina Yeung
Kevin & Tina Lim
Leo Maung
Mark & Lin McCarthy
Mary Jade Chiang
Osborn Chan
Stanley Yu & Susan Peng
Tommy & Jenny Phung
Tony Leung & Holly Huang
Valentina Tsui & Family
Wan Family
Wei-Lin & Ling Tong
11 Anonymous Donors


Silver Donors
Chien Wei Chang
Ching-Jyn Wang
Chiu Family
Eddy & Lingyan Gorsuch
Erwin & Cindy Lau
Hongze Liu
Junjie Shen
Kathy Liu
Michael Tseng
Peng Yao
Qian Wei Feng
Tan Family
The Chong Family
The Fu Family
11 Anonymous Donors


 
On Sale - Get your CIPCF t-shirts on Amazon featuring the winning design from last year's contest. Our new CIPCF t-shirts come in both short and long sleeves. On Amazon, type in the search term, "mandarin immersion program" or click on the links below.
Short Sleeves ($19.99)
https://www.amazon.com/CIPCF-Mandarin-Immersion-Program-Shirt/dp/B07GRTZVN1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535339189&sr=8-1&keywords=mandarin+immersion+program+t+shirt

Long Sleeves (26.99)
https://www.amazon.com/Mandarin-Immersion-Program-Sleeve-Shirt/dp/B07GS2TP1C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535339189&sr=8-2&keywords=mandarin+immersion+program+t+shirt
Important Dates @Azevada
December 2018 - February 2019
Dec. 20 After-School Choir Sign-up Due
Dec. 21 Minimum Day
Dec. 24 - Jan 4. No School – Winter Break
Jan. 8 Safe Moves Assembly in MPR
Jan. 8 CIPCF meeting in the school library
Jan. 21 No school. (MLK, Jr Holiday)
Mar. 29  Annual Poetry Recital Contest
Jan. 22-25 Trimester 2 Progress Reports go home
Jan. 29 Recycling 101 Assembly
Jan. 29 District Spelling Bee at Glenmoor Elem.
Feb. 1 PTA Movie Night, Azevada Cafeteria
 
Support CIPCF for Chinese books for the library, computer equipment, iChinese reader and MIP expansion - not fully funded by FUSD
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to CIPCF every time you shop.
Simply register by following the steps below, then shop as you would. Make sure to go to smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com to make sure your donations are registering; it’s the same products, same prices, same services, but you will support CIPCF!

To register your Amazon account with Chinese Immersion Parents' Council of Fremont:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your normal Amazon login information. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, click “Create new account.”

3. When you’re logged in, the first screen you see will ask you to select your charity. In the search box, type in “Chinese Immersion Parents Council of Fremont” and then hit search. CIPCF should come up as your first search result. Then, hit “select” to the right of the organization name.

4. You have officially registered your Amazon account with CIPCF, and 0.5% of every purchase you make through Amazon Smile will be donated.

5. Make sure to bookmark this page so that every time you make an Amazon purchase, you make the transaction through smile.amazon.com (rather than amazon.com). Only purchases made through the Amazon Smile portal will be applicable for donation.
Stay in Touch
Copyright © 2017 Chinese Immersion Parents' Council, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
5178 Mowry Ave., #2120, Fremont, CA 94538

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CIPCF · 5178 Mowry Ave., #2120 · Fremont, CA 94538 · USA

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