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A decade. That’s how long the Polish Dual Language Program at CCSD59, located at Clearmont Elementary School, has been providing enriched learning opportunities for students. This milestone signifies many things, but importantly it means:

• • 10 years of teacher and administrator dedication to grow the program into what it has become today.
  • Hundreds of students have had the opportunity to learn and grow in both their native language, Polish, and English.
    
  • A decade of students having a safe space to feel comfortable with who they are, as Polish Americans.
    

To honor these remarkable achievements, hundreds of past and present students and their families joined current and former CCSD59 and Clearmont staff and administrators last Wednesday for a celebratory event.

The evening began with inspiring remarks from two Polish Dual Language teachers and the Principal of Clearmont, highlighting individuals who have played pivotal roles in the program’s success. The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago also shared a few words.

Current students showcased their talents through a number of skits and songs, honoring their teachers and the knowledge they’ve gained thus far. One skit performance even gave the audience a metalinguistic lesson. The Lajkonik Polish Folk Song & Dance Ensemble performed traditional songs and dances, celebrating the richness of their heritage.

To end the event, past and present administrators and teachers took the stage to show a timeline depicting the program’s evolution over the last 10 years. Attendees saw incredible growth from a small group in 2014, to a large group of Polish Dual Language teachers and staff in 2024.

“This anniversary means that so many people believe that it makes sense to keep programs such as ours running,” said Joanna Pawlina, Polish Dual Language Kindergarten teacher at Clearmont. “It also means we have a great team that sticks together, even if they decide to move on with their career.”

The Dual Language program continues to allow students, families, and even staff, to embrace their culture.

“My favorite part of teaching in the Polish Dual Language program is seeing how students grow and develop as bilingual individuals,” said Agnieszka Panek, Polish Dual Language Kindergarten teacher at Clearmont. “They quickly recognize that being bilingual is an asset and they are proud to be part of two different cultures although most of them were born in the United States.”

Students echoed this statement. When asked what their favorite part about being part of the program is, one student enthusiastically replied, “The teachers and the fact we can learn two languages.”

As we reflect on this milestone, we look forward to seeing the continued success of our students, staff, and all English Learning programs.