Summer School: Chinese Immersion Program Thrives

For the second straight year, a Chinese immersion program for middle school students took place at a Chatham school. And for the second straight year, organizers pronounced the program a success.

The program, called Startalk, is a federal government initiative that is intended to enhance Americans' knowledge of the world's languages.

Jen Liu, who is the 2010 New York/New Jersey Startalk program director, said the program lasted for four weeks throughout July and was for students in fifth through eighth grades.

Ideally, she said, students participate in the program each summer for four years. It caters to both Chinese and non-Chinese participants.

It is not run by the School District of the Chathams in any way.

"We provide the teacher material," she said. "The school provides the facility."

This year, sessions were held at Chatham High School. Chatham Middle School, which normally hosts the program, is undergoing construction and was not available.

The program is intended to teach the students Chinese, but is also designed to immerse them in Chinese culture. At a final ceremony at the program's conclusion July 30, students showed off some of what they had learned.

Their performances were distinctly Chinese: They participated in a Chinese culture lion dance and a Chinese ribbon demonstration and showcased some of their kung-fu skills.

According to a news release, students Olivia Origence and Elizabeth Murray said they enjoyed learning Chinese and hope to continue to do so in the future.

Liu is also optimistic the program will continue to thrive.

"We're hoping maybe next year a lot of parents will register their children," she said.

The immersion program is only a taste of what's to come in Chatham schools. This year, Chatham High School will offer Mandarin Chinese for the first time.

Chatham High School Principal Darren Groh, Chatham Middle School Principal Robert Accardi and Supervisor of World Languages Jill Gihorski attended the program's closing ceremonies.