Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content

How Spanish Immersion is opening the world for one Wake County student

Six questions with Smith Magnet Elementary School first grader Kristina Harper.

Sponsored by
4 WCPSS magnet school students sitting on the grass and reading

Magnet programs challenge students to think creatively and solve problems while being exposed to new experiences.

Photo provided by Wake County Public School System

Table of Contents

Calling all parents: Wake County magnet schools, like Smith Magnet Elementary School, are designed to provide students and families and offer specialized programs that nurture students to “See Things Differently.”

Smith aims to provide an inquiry-based, globally-authentic education to all students. Fun fact: Smith students have two world language options that can be added to their studies. Rising kindergarteners can opt into the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, with daily core instruction in Spanish and English, or can choose Spanish or Mandarin as an elective class.

We recently chatted with first grader Kristina Harper — who is part of the Dual Spanish Language Immersion program — to learn about what she loves about attending Smith Magnet. Warning: Cuteness ahead.

Magnet school student Kristina Harper_WCPSS_RAL.jpg

Kristina and her family.

Photo provided by Wake County Public School System

Q: What are some of your favorite parts of learning Spanish?

A: My mom knows some Spanish, so I want to learn Spanish, too. My favorite word is amarillo, which means yellow. For Halloween, I dressed as a lemon, so I got to wear lots of yellow. 🍋

Q: In the Spanish Immersion program, you have two teachers. What do you like about that?

A: I like having two teachers because I can learn new things from each teacher. It’s not hard because my teachers help me. They are always nice to us and plan fun stuff. Like for Halloween, we got candy corn while solving Math problems .🧑‍🏫

Q: What’s your favorite subject in school right now? Why?

A: I like Art and Library. In Art class, we get to make new things. In Library, I get new books. My favorite one is about ‘Stumpy.’ He’s a pumpkin who doesn’t have a stem. 🎃

Q: Would you tell your friends to come to Smith? Why?

A: Yes, because Smith is fun. We get to do teamwork time in Math, and that’s my favorite. And sometimes we get to go to the park and play. Plus, at Smith, you can make new friends. 🤝

Q: What kind of activities do you like to do after school?

A: I like to play soccer and go out to eat. ⚽

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: I want to be either a chef or a UNC healthcare nurse. 🩺

Learn more about how Wake County’s magnet schools create well-rounded students.*

More from RALtoday
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Raleigh has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Get your hats and mittens — it’s finally snow season in Raleigh. While the 919 isn’t known for its wintery weather, we’re holding out hope for some history-making snowfall soon.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
The Townes at Carlton Pointe offer brand-new townhomes ready for move-in just in time for the holiday season.
Take a look at the new additions and what’s coming soon to the North Hills development.
These grand gifts given to Raleigh are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility, or RUS Bus, will include a multi-use development combining transit, residential, and retail spaces in the Warehouse District.
Hurricane Helene devastated parts of WNC, including areas where the NC-native Fraser fir grows. While many farms recovered, here’s how you can support NC Christmas tree farmers across the state.
Dreamville Festival, one of Raleigh’s largest events, will end in 2025. Explore its financial impact on Raleigh’s economy.
In early 2025, Hone-Sharpen, a unique culinary experience, will open in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow multi-use development. We sat down with the founder behind this innovative experience, Cherisse Byers, and talked about some of what’s to come.