Previous Letters
Letter from the Principal / Carta de la Directora
3 Pillars of Dual Language Education - 3 pilares de la educación dual
Pillars of a Magnet School - Pilares de una Escuela Especializada
Dear HOLA School Community,
It is with excitement and enthusiasm that I write to you as the new Principal at Holbrook Language Academy. I am an experienced, fully bilingual and biliterate educational leader who has served in Dual Language Schools for over 28 years. My experience in the field of education ranges from experiences in the U.S. and abroad. I was an English Learner Coordinator, and a bilingual teacher (Spanish and English) in International Baccalaureate Schools abroad. In the U.S. I served as a bilingual teacher, bilingual coach, bilingual education trainer and bilingual administrator.
I have two degrees in Education, a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, and a Master's degree in Teaching Leadership. My education is anchored in the principle of equity with a strong belief in bilingual education as the door to fostering global citizenship. I wholeheartedly believe in the pillars of bilingual education as the venues to increasing language acquisition, biliteracy, cultural competency, and college, career and life preparedness.
I am originally from Argentina and grew up in Buenos Aires. I moved to the States in 2001 and immediately felt the US as my second home. My husband, Sergio, and I have two children. Rosario, who is a College student, and Alan, who will be a Freshman in High School in the Fall. As a family, we enjoy eating together, traveling, camping, and family movie nights. Personally, I enjoy reading, listening to music, staying as much active as I can, and connecting with others.
A few more examples of my experience include: MDUSD English Learners Master Plan Task Force Member, co-developer of the MDUSD Bilingual Program Transitional Model, Bilingual Literacy Coach, District-wide Facilitator, School Improvement Coach, Teacher Induction and Support Coach, Vice Principal, and Principal at a Dual Language School.
I am honored to serve as the new Principal at Holbrook Language Academy and look forward to meeting our children, teachers, staff, parents, and community members. My door is always open to you, and I sincerely welcome your input and support. I am excited about all we will accomplish together on behalf of our children and look forward to celebrating our collective success this school year.
I wish you all a great school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Silvia Orellana Barrera, M.A.
Principal
Holbrook Language Academy
