Chinese Guests from D.C. Visit Three Schools

Representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., visited Fayette County Public Schools to learn about our Chinese language programs and share opportunities of potential interest for leaders, students, and schools. Jiang Hongmin and Li Yan from their Office of Education toured Tates Creek and Bryan Station middle schools and Frederick Douglass High School, spoke with school leaders, and observed student learning in classrooms. Each of these schools offers Chinese language classes within expanding feeder patterns.

“Young people are the hope of the future,” Hongmin said. “If they understand each other better through language and culture, then the future is in good hands.”

Before the school visits, the two women were welcomed by district world language specialist Laura Roche Youngworth, who shared a brief overview of FCPS demographics, the Seal of Biliteracy recognition for proficient graduates, and the course options in our secondary schools. “Last year we had over 10,000 students in a world language class,” she said, including some 1,000 studying Chinese.

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins also thanked the guests for stopping by FCPS during their visit to Kentucky. “We’re proud of our diversity and embrace our children’s native languages and second languages they may learn,” he said.