Warsaw Community Schools

Academic Spotlight: Dual Language Immersion

Student Feature

The WCS School Board had the opportunity to hear from WCHS Freshman Tessa Annen, Cash Rager, and Vivienne Spangle, who part of the inagural Dual Language Immersion (DLI) cohort.  Several of these students once presented at a board meeting as the first group of DLI kindergartners, and returned 10 years later to reflect on how DLI and bilingual education has shaped them. The also students shared how the ability to communicate in a second language has impacted their current and future academic and career journeys. 

After presenting to the board, the high school students then interviewed four current DLI kindergarteners, Xander Butler, Emerick Sherrill, Angelica Velazquez, and Amari Williams.  It was a sweet moment for both parents and the board members. 

DLI Progress and Updates

Following the student spotlight, Crystal Kreider, DLI Instructional Coach, presented an instructional update highlighting the program’s growth and success. Program highlights for the year:

• Now in its 10th year, the DLI program has officially expanded into high school. Ninth-grade students are enrolled in AP Spanish and completing the final modules of a course focused on Spanish culture, history, and media. They will take the AP exam at the end of the year.  Next year, they will enroll in college courses through an anticipated partnership with IUK. 
• WCS hosted its second DLI Conference, bringing together 54 educators from 10 districts across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, including 17 attendees from Warsaw. The event served as a platform for collaboration and innovation among DLI teachers.
• Kreider shared that DLI students are exceeding expectations in reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish. Additionally, performance on ILEARN reflects the cognitive and academic benefits of bilingualism.  The entire DLI team is thrilled with the progress so far and is proud to be impacting DLI efforts across the state. 

Consent Agenda and Updates

The Board of School Trustees unanimously approved all items presented under the Consent Agenda, including the November 2025 Personnel Report, out-of-state travel, the October 2025 Financial Report, and a series of generous donations and grants. Donations included: $800 from Cedar Holdings (Baseball), $5,000 from James Silveus (Football), $7,500 from Surf Air Wireless (Athletic General Fund), $1,000 from Charities Aid Foundation America (Girls Volleyball), $500 from Work Pier & Lift LLC (Boys Wrestling), a contribution from Matthew & Jeri Purdy (Unified Flag Football), and support from United Way. Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert also shared district-wide updates, expressing gratitude (especially timely during this season) for the many opportunities, programs, dedicated staff and community partnerships that continue to support the mission of Warsaw Community Schools.

Next Meeting

The next Combined Board Meeting will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM.