Language and communication are the heart of all human experiences. The goal of Spanish education is for students to be able to express themselves in Spanish (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and to develop an awareness of the Spanish-speaking cultures. The Spanish program at St. Bartholomew School is based on the Standards for Foreign Language Learning and built on the 5 C Standards for Learning Spanish:

• Communication
• Cultures
• Connections
• Comparisons
• Communities

Goal 1 - Communication: To communicate in Spanish

Goal 2 - Cultures: To Gain Knowledge and Understanding of the Cultures of the World

Goal 3 - Connections: To Connect with Other Disciplines and Acquire Information

Goal 4 - Comparison: To Develop Insight into the Nature of Language and Culture

Goal 5 Communities: To Participate in Communities at Home and Around the World

One of the ways the students of St. Bartholomew School participate in communities around the world is through our sponsorship of a boy and a girl at Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos orphanage in Mexico. The students are called "padrinos" (godparents) to Juana and Gerardo.  The students have sponsored them since September of 2001, and they donate money to help pay for their food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education.  The students correspond with them in Spanish by sending letters, notes and photos, and Juana and Gerardo write back and even send their report cards each school year.  Senora Benson has visited Juana and Gerardo two times.