Three Classes in Spanish-English Language Learning

Skagit Valley College on Orcas Island, the Public Library, and Orcas Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services (DV/SAS) all plan classes this fall to assist islanders in learning to speak each others’ languages — specifically, Spanish and English.

The Orcas Public Library will hold English as a Second Language (ESL) classes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, beginning Sept. 22. The classes run twice weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. until Dec. 10. They are co-sponsored by Skagit Valley College, and registrants can sign up by calling 378-3220.  As an English language class, most of students in the past have been native Spanish speakers, although Library Director Phil Heikkinen says that last year, a student whose native language was Polish attended the class.

In the past, the class has taught over two dozen people, Heikkinen, said, . The”citizen ship checks” at the Anacortes ferry terminal caused many to quit taking the class, s, but “to their credit, Skagit Vally College is continuing to offer the class,” Heikkinen said.

The college will also offer “Spanish for the Workplace” classes for “everyone who has ever worked in a job where speaking and understanding Spanish contributes to the communication between client and service provider. ”

The class is “targeted for social, human and health services.” Caitlan Parker  will teach the series which runs Wednesday evenings from Sept. 30 through Dec. 9 at the Orcas Senior Center, and costs $75. Register by calling the Skagit Valley College Campus at 378-3220.

DV/SAS on Orcas will offer a six-week session this fall entitled “English Language Learner Empowerment” with the goal of teaching “skills needed for healthy family relationships and [to] develop resiliency and self-esteem in women and children with limited English proficiency.”

The class is open to six women and children, and additional classes may be added if interest demands. Children will participate in fun activities to build skills to stay safe, strong and free from violence and abuse.

Class dates are yet to be determined. For further information, call DV/SAS at 376-5979.