Below
are
a list of frequently asked questions about
Lakes International Language Academy, commonly asked by
parents and the general public.
How can parents help with homework?
Just as in any school, the parents’ role is to help children do their homework by providing a routine for homework time, a quiet place to work, good lighting, and the tools (dictionaries, writing utensils, and sometimes computer access) that students need. This role can be fulfilled regardless of the language of the homework or the language(s) parents speak (or don’t speak). Many parents are reassured when they learn that most homework in early years is project based. Teachers are very good at communicating with parents, and send a letter home each Monday, giving highlights of the week to come, including what students are learning, homework expectations, and what parents can do to help.
Is there before and after school care available?
Yes, childcare is available from 6 am to the start of school and from the end of the school day until 6:15 pm. The program is also available in the summer to all LILA students, including incoming kindergartners. Fees are based on frequency of attendance and number of hours required per day. Contact Kim Gallegos at kgallegos@lakesinternational.org for more information or to register.
In what language will child care be offered?
Before and after school care, and every other day care has been offered in Spanish since 2004. Given a large enough number of Chinese immersion students registered for either program, LILA will hire Chinese speaking caregivers to work in the programs as well. If Chinese caregivers can be hired, the space will still be shared with students in Spanish language care. Many parents will consider this an advantage, as research shows that children can learn to use as many languages as adults can provide for them. Some immersion schools, in fact, provide two immersion languages as a matter of course; these programs are known as “double immersion” programs.
What events should I know about?
Upcoming events are listed on LILA's online calendar. LILA parents are encouraged to visit the calendar for updates and to "subscribe" to certain groups or events in order to automatically be informed of changes.
What are the hours of the school day?
Our school day runs from 7:50-2:10.
What is the school calendar?
Because of the shared calendar, the school calendar is similar to Forest Lake Area ISD #831 for students. The first day of school is after Labor Day. Specific teacher work days and other days when no classes are scheduled are shown on our academic calendar, which can be found here.
How does immersion work? Does it work for everyone?
At Lakes International Language Academy, our curriculum is taught in Spanish or Chinese. Using many teaching techniques to support students’ initially limited understanding of Spanish or Chinese, teachers are able to not only teach all elementary content, but by the end of elementary school, also succeed in creating bilingual and bi-literate students!
Click here for an overview of elementary school language immersion titled, “What Parents Want to Know About Foreign Language Immersion Programs.”
In Minnesota, we’re fortunate that a prestigious national resource for immersion research is located here. We highly recommend that you check out the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota at http://www.carla.umn.edu/immersion
How is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) implemented?
Teacher input is a core value of Lakes International. This proven curriculum involves a comprehensive and ongoing training component for teachers. The teachers and director shape the entire program, grade by grade, to meet the Minnesota and federal requirements as well as the standards established by the IB PYP. Visit the IB PYP website for more information: http://www.ibo.org.
What standardized test programs does Lakes International participate in?
As a charter public school, Lakes International must meet the same requirements as all public schools in the state as well as additional requirements particular to charter schools. This means, starting in third grade, we administer state tests for core subject areas, including reading and math, just as you would expect in any public school. To meet our more stringent charter goals (written or revised with our authorizer) we also test, starting in 2nd grade, three times per year using the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. These tests give teachers immediate and individual feedback about their students.
Does LILA offer Special Education services? How will they work?
Like all Minnesota public schools, Lakes International offers services to students who qualify for Special Ed. We have our own Special Education Director, and hire and/or contract with licensed Special Ed instructors, offering all requisite Special Ed services on site.
Does Lakes International offer an enrichment program?
The IB PYP curriculum fosters differentiation and encourages accelerated learning opportunities that adapt well to all students including high performers. (In fact, some schools have chosen the IB PYP for this very reason.) The Language-immersion component also provides a highly engaging facet for all students. In addition, clases especiales, after school classes, and summer programming often generate ongoing interest and activity from students and parents, such as the 2011 Kids Against Hunger movement.
For more information on enrichment at LILA, see LILA's Enrichment Page.
Who are the teachers and how are they selected?
The staff directory provides a biographical sketch of each of our staff members. Some of the criteria used to select Lakes International staff include:
Native or near-native fluency in students’ target language
Enthusiasm for creative teaching opportunities
Global awareness and appreciation for global perspectives
Enthusiasm toward the rigorous IB PYP programme
Genuine caring attitude toward children and their education
Responsiveness toward parents who value education
Will I receive regular communication from my child’s teacher?
Starting with the first week of school, you should receive a weekly newsletter from your child’s teacher, concerning classroom schedules and activities. We also encourage an open flow of communication between teacher and parent, such as e-mail, phone conversations or in-person meetings. Parent-teacher conferences will also be scheduled in August as well as during the school year after the 1st and 2nd trimesters.
What are the School policies?
The LILA School policies outline school operations as well as staff and student conduct. These policies have been drafted to encourage a strong and positive organization that can bring about a deep and rich educational experience.
How many children are in my child’s class?
Class size is determined and adjusted by the Lakes International Language Academy School Board, consisting mainly of LILA teachers and parents. Currently, our average class size is 20.5.
The nature of immersion education makes it difficult for new students to enter the program in later years, say 2nd or 3rd grade. Their classmates will be speaking in their target language with considerable proficiency by then; the new students must play catch-up. So, immersion classes rarely increase in pupils once a group starts. For this reason, immersion schools often plan for attrition—students moving away or leaving the school—by allowing a slight bump up in enrollment in some grades.
How can I prepare my child for school?
Tell your child why you’re so excited that s/he will be attending this school. Meet other families and join the PTO. Children adapt amazingly well to new environments (even the ones who start out rather skeptical)! Check out the Info & Lists page for required school reading.
What is a “Welcome Conference?”
Held during the last week of August, this conference gives parents and students a chance to meet individually with the child’s teacher, get an overview of the curriculum, ask questions, and tell the teacher a little about the child and family. This meeting time will allow the child to meet his/her teacher, thereby removing a large “unknown.” For the school, the welcome conference is a chance to get to know the student, open the lines of communication, let parents know how they can help their children, suggest how parents can help the teacher and school to benefit their children, and describe what events they can expect through the year.
Who needs to attend Welcome Conferences?
At least one parent/guardian must attend the conference with the child. Both parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Kindergarten students whose families do not attend a welcome conference without contacting the school may be removed from the enrollment roster and replaced by children on the waiting list.
How does busing work?
Lakes International Students are picked up and dropped off on the same route with the junior/senior high school students, along with the children attending St. Peter’s, North Lakes Academy, and the public Montessori school. A shuttle from the junior high school brings students to Lakes International, and delivers them back to the senior high school in the afternoon. This is not a new idea—St. Peter’s Elementary School has successfully contracted busing service with Forest Lake ISD #831 for more than thirty years. Info & Lists page for required school reading related to student transportation.
We submitted an enrollment form. When do you need to know for sure if our child will attend Lakes International?
We are very pleased that you have shown interest in Lakes International Language Academy and filled out enrollment materials. Perhaps you filled out registration materials to hold a slot for your child, even before you were firmly committed. After the enrollment lottery on January 15 of each year, we ask that you finalize your decision. If you decide not to enroll your child at Lakes International, please let us know immediately so we may confirm another student for the fall. Go here for more information on enrollment.
Which days will my child go to kindergarten?
Most of our students are eligible to ride Forest Lake school buses. This means that we will be following the Forest Lake Area School District #831 calendar, including the all-day-every-other-day schedule for kindergarten. Kindergarten students will attend Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday. Info & Lists page related to kindergarten schedules.
Is there an all-day-every-day kindergarten option?
Although we are currently unable to provide a tuition-free all-day-every-day option, we do offer an alternate day care program called “Amiguitos,” translating to “little friends.” This is a fee-based program, which runs alternate to Kindergarten days. Technically a child care program, the caregivers who teach in the program work closely with our licensed kindergarten teachers to ensure they support what the children are learning in kindergarten on the opposite days. In addition, the instructors are native speakers of Spanish, with the possibility of adding a Chinese speaking caregiver, with sufficient interest and enrollment. For students in Spanish immersion, with double the Spanish input, the kindergarteners who attend the program have the opportunity to enhance their second language skills. The same will happen for Chinese immersion students if a Chinese speaking caregiver can be hired. If the program remains in Spanish only, the Chinese immersion students will have exposure to a third “bonus language.” Research shows that children are able to learn as many languages as adults are able to provide for them. To reserve a space for your child, a deposit of $100 is required. Contact the main office at 651.464.0771 for enrollment information.
Do you accept early entry kindergarten students?
We accept early entrants under certain circumstances. For example, an early entrant must pass a readiness test, which is paid for by you. Our early entrance assessment team, lead by our Special Education director, will make the final decision on a case-by-case basis.
What grades does Lakes International offer? What happens after 6th grade?
LILA offers grades K-6 at our site. We have been successfully partnering with Forest Lake Area Schools since 2006 on an Immersion Continuation Program for grades 7 – 12. The program is currently housed at Southwest Junior High and the Forest Lake Senior High School. In the program, former LILA students are offered two to three classes in Spanish at the junior high level, and specially designed courses at the high school level as well, sometimes for college credit. With over 90% of recent 6th grade classes choosing to attend the Immersion Continuation program, the partner schools feel confident that the program will continue to be a success.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities do parents have at the school?
Volunteer opportunities are many and varied, from helping classroom teachers both in class and behind the scenes, to participating in various school-wide committees, to getting fully "immersed" in school life by joining the PTO. Check out the Get Involved page. Note: school volunteers, including field trip chaperones, are required to have a criminal background check on file. The cost for the background check is $15.
Is the PTO a good group to join?
Yes! Joining the PTO gives parents an opportunity to be involved in the school. The PTO provides services that enhance your child’s education. You will enjoy interacting with kids, working with other parents and accomplishing things that make a difference. The PTO meets on the second Tuesday of every other month. Visit the PTO's webpage.
What is the LILA foundation?
The LILA foundation is a group organized to establish and maintain and endowment to benefit LILA students. The LILA foundation meets approximately once per month, and welcomes new members interested in helping to build and safeguard the long term financial health of the school.
Who are language ambassadors?
Language ambassadors usually come from Spanish-speaking countries to assist our teachers and introduce students to a truly native voice. These individual are typically undergraduates, student teachers, and even trained teachers in their own countries. Language ambassadors live with host families and are funded by the PTO. Check out the Get Involved page.
SPANISH SPECIFIC FAQs:
Is there a Spanish-language summer camp for kids?
Yes, Lakes International is offering Camp del Sol each summer. Camp del Sol provides a wonderful opportunity for new students to ease into language immersion, and gives returning students a chance to brush up on their Spanish before returning to class!
CHINESE SPECIFIC FAQs:
Will there be a Chinese summer camp for incoming kindergartners?
We are tentatively planning to offer a Chinese immersion summer camp during the second week of August. However, we need to be sure all details of our school year curriculum are in place before diverting attention to a summer camp. Students registered for the Chinese immersion program are always welcome to attend the Camp del Sol Spanish immersion summer camp program. Regardless of language, the camp will give children familiarity with the school and some exposure to language immersion.
Just as in any school, the parents’ role is to help children do their homework by providing a routine for homework time, a quiet place to work, good lighting, and the tools (dictionaries, writing utensils, and sometimes computer access) that students need. This role can be fulfilled regardless of the language of the homework or the language(s) parents speak (or don’t speak). Many parents are reassured when they learn that most homework in early years is project based. Teachers are very good at communicating with parents, and send a letter home each Monday, giving highlights of the week to come, including what students are learning, homework expectations, and what parents can do to help.
Is there before and after school care available?
Yes, childcare is available from 6 am to the start of school and from the end of the school day until 6:15 pm. The program is also available in the summer to all LILA students, including incoming kindergartners. Fees are based on frequency of attendance and number of hours required per day. Contact Kim Gallegos at kgallegos@lakesinternational.org for more information or to register.
In what language will child care be offered?
Before and after school care, and every other day care has been offered in Spanish since 2004. Given a large enough number of Chinese immersion students registered for either program, LILA will hire Chinese speaking caregivers to work in the programs as well. If Chinese caregivers can be hired, the space will still be shared with students in Spanish language care. Many parents will consider this an advantage, as research shows that children can learn to use as many languages as adults can provide for them. Some immersion schools, in fact, provide two immersion languages as a matter of course; these programs are known as “double immersion” programs.
What events should I know about?
Upcoming events are listed on LILA's online calendar. LILA parents are encouraged to visit the calendar for updates and to "subscribe" to certain groups or events in order to automatically be informed of changes.
What are the hours of the school day?
Our school day runs from 7:50-2:10.
What is the school calendar?
Because of the shared calendar, the school calendar is similar to Forest Lake Area ISD #831 for students. The first day of school is after Labor Day. Specific teacher work days and other days when no classes are scheduled are shown on our academic calendar, which can be found here.
How does immersion work? Does it work for everyone?
At Lakes International Language Academy, our curriculum is taught in Spanish or Chinese. Using many teaching techniques to support students’ initially limited understanding of Spanish or Chinese, teachers are able to not only teach all elementary content, but by the end of elementary school, also succeed in creating bilingual and bi-literate students!
Click here for an overview of elementary school language immersion titled, “What Parents Want to Know About Foreign Language Immersion Programs.”
In Minnesota, we’re fortunate that a prestigious national resource for immersion research is located here. We highly recommend that you check out the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition at the University of Minnesota at http://www.carla.umn.edu/immersion
How is the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) implemented?
Teacher input is a core value of Lakes International. This proven curriculum involves a comprehensive and ongoing training component for teachers. The teachers and director shape the entire program, grade by grade, to meet the Minnesota and federal requirements as well as the standards established by the IB PYP. Visit the IB PYP website for more information: http://www.ibo.org.
What standardized test programs does Lakes International participate in?
As a charter public school, Lakes International must meet the same requirements as all public schools in the state as well as additional requirements particular to charter schools. This means, starting in third grade, we administer state tests for core subject areas, including reading and math, just as you would expect in any public school. To meet our more stringent charter goals (written or revised with our authorizer) we also test, starting in 2nd grade, three times per year using the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. These tests give teachers immediate and individual feedback about their students.
Does LILA offer Special Education services? How will they work?
Like all Minnesota public schools, Lakes International offers services to students who qualify for Special Ed. We have our own Special Education Director, and hire and/or contract with licensed Special Ed instructors, offering all requisite Special Ed services on site.
Does Lakes International offer an enrichment program?
The IB PYP curriculum fosters differentiation and encourages accelerated learning opportunities that adapt well to all students including high performers. (In fact, some schools have chosen the IB PYP for this very reason.) The Language-immersion component also provides a highly engaging facet for all students. In addition, clases especiales, after school classes, and summer programming often generate ongoing interest and activity from students and parents, such as the 2011 Kids Against Hunger movement.
For more information on enrichment at LILA, see LILA's Enrichment Page.
Who are the teachers and how are they selected?
The staff directory provides a biographical sketch of each of our staff members. Some of the criteria used to select Lakes International staff include:
Native or near-native fluency in students’ target language
Enthusiasm for creative teaching opportunities
Global awareness and appreciation for global perspectives
Enthusiasm toward the rigorous IB PYP programme
Genuine caring attitude toward children and their education
Responsiveness toward parents who value education
Will I receive regular communication from my child’s teacher?
Starting with the first week of school, you should receive a weekly newsletter from your child’s teacher, concerning classroom schedules and activities. We also encourage an open flow of communication between teacher and parent, such as e-mail, phone conversations or in-person meetings. Parent-teacher conferences will also be scheduled in August as well as during the school year after the 1st and 2nd trimesters.
What are the School policies?
The LILA School policies outline school operations as well as staff and student conduct. These policies have been drafted to encourage a strong and positive organization that can bring about a deep and rich educational experience.
How many children are in my child’s class?
Class size is determined and adjusted by the Lakes International Language Academy School Board, consisting mainly of LILA teachers and parents. Currently, our average class size is 20.5.
The nature of immersion education makes it difficult for new students to enter the program in later years, say 2nd or 3rd grade. Their classmates will be speaking in their target language with considerable proficiency by then; the new students must play catch-up. So, immersion classes rarely increase in pupils once a group starts. For this reason, immersion schools often plan for attrition—students moving away or leaving the school—by allowing a slight bump up in enrollment in some grades.
How can I prepare my child for school?
Tell your child why you’re so excited that s/he will be attending this school. Meet other families and join the PTO. Children adapt amazingly well to new environments (even the ones who start out rather skeptical)! Check out the Info & Lists page for required school reading.
What is a “Welcome Conference?”
Held during the last week of August, this conference gives parents and students a chance to meet individually with the child’s teacher, get an overview of the curriculum, ask questions, and tell the teacher a little about the child and family. This meeting time will allow the child to meet his/her teacher, thereby removing a large “unknown.” For the school, the welcome conference is a chance to get to know the student, open the lines of communication, let parents know how they can help their children, suggest how parents can help the teacher and school to benefit their children, and describe what events they can expect through the year.
Who needs to attend Welcome Conferences?
At least one parent/guardian must attend the conference with the child. Both parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Kindergarten students whose families do not attend a welcome conference without contacting the school may be removed from the enrollment roster and replaced by children on the waiting list.
How does busing work?
Lakes International Students are picked up and dropped off on the same route with the junior/senior high school students, along with the children attending St. Peter’s, North Lakes Academy, and the public Montessori school. A shuttle from the junior high school brings students to Lakes International, and delivers them back to the senior high school in the afternoon. This is not a new idea—St. Peter’s Elementary School has successfully contracted busing service with Forest Lake ISD #831 for more than thirty years. Info & Lists page for required school reading related to student transportation.
We submitted an enrollment form. When do you need to know for sure if our child will attend Lakes International?
We are very pleased that you have shown interest in Lakes International Language Academy and filled out enrollment materials. Perhaps you filled out registration materials to hold a slot for your child, even before you were firmly committed. After the enrollment lottery on January 15 of each year, we ask that you finalize your decision. If you decide not to enroll your child at Lakes International, please let us know immediately so we may confirm another student for the fall. Go here for more information on enrollment.
Which days will my child go to kindergarten?
Most of our students are eligible to ride Forest Lake school buses. This means that we will be following the Forest Lake Area School District #831 calendar, including the all-day-every-other-day schedule for kindergarten. Kindergarten students will attend Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday, or Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday. Info & Lists page related to kindergarten schedules.
Is there an all-day-every-day kindergarten option?
Although we are currently unable to provide a tuition-free all-day-every-day option, we do offer an alternate day care program called “Amiguitos,” translating to “little friends.” This is a fee-based program, which runs alternate to Kindergarten days. Technically a child care program, the caregivers who teach in the program work closely with our licensed kindergarten teachers to ensure they support what the children are learning in kindergarten on the opposite days. In addition, the instructors are native speakers of Spanish, with the possibility of adding a Chinese speaking caregiver, with sufficient interest and enrollment. For students in Spanish immersion, with double the Spanish input, the kindergarteners who attend the program have the opportunity to enhance their second language skills. The same will happen for Chinese immersion students if a Chinese speaking caregiver can be hired. If the program remains in Spanish only, the Chinese immersion students will have exposure to a third “bonus language.” Research shows that children are able to learn as many languages as adults are able to provide for them. To reserve a space for your child, a deposit of $100 is required. Contact the main office at 651.464.0771 for enrollment information.
Do you accept early entry kindergarten students?
We accept early entrants under certain circumstances. For example, an early entrant must pass a readiness test, which is paid for by you. Our early entrance assessment team, lead by our Special Education director, will make the final decision on a case-by-case basis.
What grades does Lakes International offer? What happens after 6th grade?
LILA offers grades K-6 at our site. We have been successfully partnering with Forest Lake Area Schools since 2006 on an Immersion Continuation Program for grades 7 – 12. The program is currently housed at Southwest Junior High and the Forest Lake Senior High School. In the program, former LILA students are offered two to three classes in Spanish at the junior high level, and specially designed courses at the high school level as well, sometimes for college credit. With over 90% of recent 6th grade classes choosing to attend the Immersion Continuation program, the partner schools feel confident that the program will continue to be a success.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities do parents have at the school?
Volunteer opportunities are many and varied, from helping classroom teachers both in class and behind the scenes, to participating in various school-wide committees, to getting fully "immersed" in school life by joining the PTO. Check out the Get Involved page. Note: school volunteers, including field trip chaperones, are required to have a criminal background check on file. The cost for the background check is $15.
Is the PTO a good group to join?
Yes! Joining the PTO gives parents an opportunity to be involved in the school. The PTO provides services that enhance your child’s education. You will enjoy interacting with kids, working with other parents and accomplishing things that make a difference. The PTO meets on the second Tuesday of every other month. Visit the PTO's webpage.
What is the LILA foundation?
The LILA foundation is a group organized to establish and maintain and endowment to benefit LILA students. The LILA foundation meets approximately once per month, and welcomes new members interested in helping to build and safeguard the long term financial health of the school.
Who are language ambassadors?
Language ambassadors usually come from Spanish-speaking countries to assist our teachers and introduce students to a truly native voice. These individual are typically undergraduates, student teachers, and even trained teachers in their own countries. Language ambassadors live with host families and are funded by the PTO. Check out the Get Involved page.
SPANISH SPECIFIC FAQs:
Is there a Spanish-language summer camp for kids?
Yes, Lakes International is offering Camp del Sol each summer. Camp del Sol provides a wonderful opportunity for new students to ease into language immersion, and gives returning students a chance to brush up on their Spanish before returning to class!
CHINESE SPECIFIC FAQs:
Will there be a Chinese summer camp for incoming kindergartners?
We are tentatively planning to offer a Chinese immersion summer camp during the second week of August. However, we need to be sure all details of our school year curriculum are in place before diverting attention to a summer camp. Students registered for the Chinese immersion program are always welcome to attend the Camp del Sol Spanish immersion summer camp program. Regardless of language, the camp will give children familiarity with the school and some exposure to language immersion.
