Oct. 26, 2022

School District U-46 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its award-winning bilingual program on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a panel discussion, musical performances, and more. 

The event is being hosted by the U-46 Multilingual and Multicultural Education Department, formerly known as the  English Language Learners Department. 

Free and open to the public, the celebration will start at 11:30 a.m. with a panel discussion featuring current and former U-46 staff members who will speak about the evolution of bilingual education in the District, areas of success, and challenges. Participants will address why bilingual programs are critical for students’ success. 

After the panel discussion wraps up at 12:30 p.m., there will be a performance by Mariachi Joya Dorada de U-46, the District’s student mariachi band. Refreshments will be served, and those in attendance will have time to connect, reminisce, and celebrate.

Virtual Option: The first part of the celebration will be streamed live on the District's YouTube channel at youtube.com/SchoolDistrictU46.

WHO: Current and former U-46 families, staff members, and alumni, plus a performance by Mariachi Joya Dorada de U-46, the District’s student mariachi band. Panelists will include Dr. Annette Acevedo, U-46 Executive Director of Middle Schools; Celia Banks, Director of Curriculum and Instruction; Jack Fields, former U-46 Bilingual Director; Dr. Rodney Fitzgerald, former U-46 teacher; and Jaime Garcia, former Executive Director of Centro de Información and a former U-46 principal. 

WHAT: U-46 Bilingual Program 50th Anniversary Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Tefft Middle School, 1100 Shirley Ave., Streamwood