Earlier this week, the Woodland Joint Unified School District recognized more than 550 students for their achievement toward becoming bilingual and bi-literate during a ceremony held at the Woodland High School stadium.
According to a district press release, families and community members gathered at the district’s annual Reclassification, Biliteracy Pathway, and State Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony Monday, April 9 to proudly watch as their students ranging from kindergarten to high school were honored for their academic progress toward biliteracy.
“Being bilingual is important because it can open doors for me in the future,” stated Steffany Hernandez, a senior at Woodland High School. “I use my Spanish now to help interpret for my parents. One day, I want to be a bilingual kindergarten teacher.”
Honorees included 305 students who were English Learners and have now demonstrated English competency, resulting in their reclassification as fluent English proficient; 102 students who are on a pathway to biliteracy, demonstrating progress toward proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish and English; and 152 seniors who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, acknowledging their oral and written competency in at least two languages.
This year’s languages included Spanish, French, American Sign Language, Nepali and Punjabi.
In the past few years, the ceremony has seen a surge of students being recognized.
In 2023, for the first time ever, the district recognized 121 students who were on a pathway to biliteracy. The ceremony also included 232 students who demonstrated English competency, with 106 seniors receiving State Seal of Biliteracy awards for their linguistic accomplishments.
The numbers were a massive increase from the ceremony in 2022 when the district recognized 176 students who demonstrated English competency. Of these, 112 high school seniors received the State Seal of Biliteracy, acknowledging their oral and written competency in at least two languages.
“The State Seal of Biliteracy means so much more to me than just a seal on my diploma,” stated Samantha Rivera, a senior at Pioneer High School. “It proves my ability to communicate in not just one, but two languages. A language that helps me communicate with family members who don’t speak English. In the future, it will benefit me by allowing me to network and reach new opportunities that were previously unattainable.”
“This means a lot to me because it’s a new skill that I can use in my future career and throughout my life,” added Alejandra Cruz, a PHS senior who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy and is now planning to attend UC Davis to pursue a nursing degree. “I know it’s going to help me a lot.”
The students’ achievements are a strong source of pride for their parents and guardians, including Alejandra’s father, Jose Cruz.
“I think it’s great,” said Jose Cruz, who attended the ceremony along with Alejandra’s mom, Gloria, and their son, Matthew. “Being bilingual means being able to interact in two worlds. It means a lot to me because a parent always wants their kids to achieve their goals, and for me to see Alejandra achieve her goal fills me with pride.”
At Spring Lake Elementary School, sixth-grader Isabella Espitia was among students reclassified to being English fluent proficient.
“She’s our first-born child, so we always spoke to her in Spanish and she learned Spanish very well,” stated Isabella’s mother Alejandra Ortiz. “I’m very happy for her and for what she has accomplished. It’s a big pride because she speaks two languages fluently now, which will open more doors for her. I’m also thankful for the dedication of her teachers to help her succeed in the English language because that is what she will need for her future.”
Parents said consistent support and guidance are instrumental for student success.
“Always be with them and support them more than anything,” stated Alejandra Ortiz. “Because when they reach a point when they get frustrated, that’s when we step in and counsel them and support them.”
“Speak with your children,” added Jose Cruz. “Be present. Nothing is easy in life. But if they want to achieve it, they can achieve it.”
In attendance were WJUSD Board of Trustees President Rogelio Villagrana, Vice President Deborah Bautista Zavala, Trustees Noel Rodriguez and Bibiana Garcia, as well as Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin, who joined in welcoming families and congratulating students.
“This is a special ceremony and a reflection of our beautiful community,” Ortega-Lampkin stated. “Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to our amazing teachers for preparing our students for success and thank you to our families for supporting our students in reaching their goals.”
