Dueling Petitions Take on Mandarin Immersion in D67

The fate of the District 67 Mandarin immersion program and the possibility of a magnet program for world language immersion has led to two dueling online petitions for Lake Forest parents.

It reads, in part: “Our children have a wide variety of educational needs and desires. We need to preserve and protect the freedom of choice to ensure each and every child can prosper. Eliminating the Mandarin option for next year's kindergartners threatens the health of the Mandarin Immersion Program. To protect this popular choice, please sign this petition to request the Board revisit its decision, either at a Special Meeting or at its next regularly scheduled board meeting.”

It reads in part: “Protect Cherokee: 
- Protect the Public School System that provides English Curriculum to ALL Students. 
- Protect Cherokee Teachers and Staff - they made the school what it is today. 
- Protect Cherokee School District - the homes within the perimeter deserve a public school. Children do not deserve to be bussed all day - they deserve the opportunity to learn.” 

Gazebo News has an article with more information about the two sides’ stances, including copies of slides from the D67 Language Acquisition and School Integration Committee, which you can read here.

There is also a lively debate going on in the comments on Patch after a mom posted her thoughts on the program, which you can read here.