Bilingual Program Moves to Rosa Parks

By Glynis Nakahara

Come August, Rosa Parks Elementary School will open its doors as the newly merged home of two outstanding educational programs: Rosa Parks General Education program and the Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program (JBBP).

Since the Board of Education’s decision in January to relocate the Sunset-District JBBP to the Western Addition, leaders of both schools have been working collaboratively to bring their communities together and build the foundations of an unprecedented union. While details of the merger are still being refined, the defining model will be a Rosa Parks general education program together with JBBP’s existing community-based, language acquisition program - not unlike the educational construct at notable District schools including Claire Lilienthal, West Portal, and Alvarado. “We are committed to building a single, cohesive school community with JBBP and are excited by our merger prospects,” said Rosa Parks Principal Margo Fontes.

Despite its promising future, the JBBP program at Rosa Parks is currently bearing the hardship of lost enrollment due to its relocation and is recruiting students entering grades K through 5. “We welcome interested families to contact us for information about our program and to schedule a tour,” said Esther Honda, JBBP Site Council Chair. “One of the most unique things about JBBP is that no prior experience with Japanese language is required for entering students. For more information about JBBP and Rosa Parks Elementary School call 415. 242. 2684 or visit www.jbbpwest.org.

Planting seeds for the coming school year - families of the newly merged Rosa Parks Elementary school and JBBP gathered for a day of gardening in March. JBBP is currently accepting students in grades K through 5 for the 2006-2007 academic year.
Photo by Barbara Wenger