English as a Second Language (ESL) classes take off at Skagit Valley College
(even though they're held in the library!)

notes by head teacher Debra Lee and me

Ian: Over the years the ESL classes at SVC on the island here have grown, shrunk, grown again...and presently the program has grown to the point it meets at the library because so many people are involved. With child care provided (that's great for the kids, right) so working mamas and papas can come, the program offers three levels of ESL instruction so that folks can feel comfortable whether they have just begun to speak English, or need to operate at a higherlevel.

I asked my friend Debra to add a bit to this, and tell a bit more about what goes on.

Debra: There are many reasons to improve your English. Sometimes students want to keep up with their school age children who are becoming fluent in English in the Friday Harbor School system. Others need to focus on business and employment terminalogy to help them interview and get better jobs here or on the mainland. Some just like to "hang out" and be with other internationals in a warm, friendly environment.

The San Juan Library is the perfect backdrop for learning and relaxing. It is comfortable, with comfortable chairs, lots of books, music and videos which we use to stimulate use of English.

Sometimes entire families come to the English as a Second Language class because free child care for toddlers up to youths is provided. There is even a cookies and juice break so everyone can get together!

It's really amazing how many international residents we have on the island - students from Bolivia, Argentina, Equador, Mexico, Poland, Laos, and Indonesia! Wow!

If you're interested or know someone that would like to tighen their English, just contact Kris Bayas 378.3220 or [email protected]. She's up at the San Juan Center, near the airport, every weekday afternoon. Spring quarter began on March 29th. Classes are Mon and Wed 6:30-9pm. The registration deadline is April 7th!

See you there!

Here are some pictures of the faculty and students.

At the top: Children enrolled in the E.S.L .enrichment program

Middle: Basic E.S.L. class surrounding Candace Groseclose, instructor (in the light blue shirt)

Bottom photo: Standing, from left to right: consulting professor from WWU Diane Majors, Debra Lee, Denise Acsay. Sitting L to R, in front: Gonsalo Sanabria Pacheco, Zoila Jimenez, Antonia Churape