Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Carey M. Wright, Ed.D., visited Arthur Middleton Elementary School in Charles County this morning to observe the county’s first dual language, two-way immersion program. The program, introduced for prekindergarten and kindergarten students, is designed to promote bilingualism and biliteracy in both English and Spanish.
During her visit, Wright was accompanied by members of the Board of Education of Charles County, Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., and CCPS staff. Principal Nicole Hawkins and students led a guided tour, showcasing the program’s structure and curriculum.
“I enjoyed seeing the little ones. It puts a smile on my face,” Wright said. “It was interesting to see what they are learning as they are learning both English and Spanish. Starting them off young is powerful because it only grows as they grow.”
The dual language immersion initiative aligns with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a statewide education reform plan aimed at expanding opportunities for English learners. By fostering bilingualism at an early age, the program helps students develop strong literacy skills in both languages while also supporting cultural inclusion.
Navarro emphasized the significance of the visit, noting the importance of classroom-based observations in shaping education policy.
“I’m so excited that the board invited Dr. Wright to visit Middleton,” Navarro said. “She is a lifelong public education advocate; she always remembers that the work starts first in the classrooms, and I hope that she takes these classroom visits with her back as she makes decisions for the entire state.”
Charles County Public Schools plans to expand its dual language immersion efforts in the coming years, providing more students with access to bilingual education.
