Tildenville Elementary magnet wins national award

Tildenville Elementary School has been recognized many times for its award-winning magnet program. This time, the honor was on a national level.

Tildenville was among 371 entries nationwide competing for a Magnet Schools of Distinction award from Magnet Schools of America. The Winter Garden school — and three other Orange County schools, University and Boone high and Howard Middle — were selected by a panel of educators based on several criteria: their ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction and engage in community partnerships that enhance the school’s theme.

The Orange County Public Schools Dual Language Magnet program is housed at Tildenville. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in a rigorous academic program that includes instruction in both English and Spanish in core academic courses.

Principal Agathe Alvarez traveled to Miami for the 34th National Conference on Magnet Schools last week to receive the wooden plaque. With her were other Tildenville Tigers: Julie Clemens Hager, LaQuanda Fedrick, Regan Trampe, Patricia Ventura and Guillermina Walker.

The school recently won School of Excellence 2015-16 for its Green Schools Recognition Program, as well.

Education in two languages

Both English and Spanish language instruction is infused throughout the school day, and students can practice learning to read, write and speak in both languages.

“It is our hope that by the completion of their fifth-grade school year, our students will cultivate an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and are better prepared to compete in a globally competitive economy,” Alvarez said.

Students who complete Tildenville’s program can continue it at Lakeview Middle School, which is also a dual-language magnet school.

The community can see what the program has to offer during Tildenville’s open houses and district magnet fairs, where magnet-specific activities and curriculum are on display.

“Tildenville is the first Dual-Language Magnet of its dynamic offered in Orange County Public Schools,” Alvarez said. “Magnet students proudly celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, where they showcase their language skills, learn Spanish cultural dances and recite popular Spanish readings.”

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].