“The immersion teachers are a dream team,” says a Smith Magnet Elementary School parent. “They are incredibly dynamic. [My son] loves both teachers and is eager to go to school each day.” | Photos provided by Wake County Public School System
Did you know? Bilingual elementary students have an academic advantage as they enter middle and high school.
In addition to developing strong communication skills and above-average performance in the areas of divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving, students understand that global citizenship means valuing diversity, global perspectives, and the inter-connectedness of all people.
Interested in getting your student on board? Here are two Wake County Magnet Schools that emphasize developing bilingual skills + global citizenship.
Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School
Serving students in the western portion of Wake County, Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School ensures students have proficient bilingual skills and focuses on fostering diverse relationships and making a positive impact in the world. Dillard’s core pillars of learning are:
Spanish Immersion: In this 90/10 immersion model, students learn in Spanish for the majority of the day, developing fluency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish and English.
World language electives: All students explore French or Spanish language and culture.
Global studies: Students learn about cultures, experiences, and challenges across the globe within each of their content area classes.
Dual language instruction: Students can engage in 50/50 model with 50% Spanish + 50% English instruction, which promotes both bilingualism and biliteracy.
World language courses: All students take a daily course in Spanish or Mandarin.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme: Governed by the International Baccalaureate Organization — representing 60+ countries and serving two million students worldwide each year — this program emphasizes transdisciplinary instruction across subjects and allows students to gain in-depth insight into diverse cultures.
Enroll + apply by Jan. 25
Important: Interested parents should note that applying is a two-step process that takes a few days — so be sure to enroll at least three days before the application deadline of Thursday, Jan. 25.
Mixology Techniques for Dry January | Friday, Jan. 19 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Current Wellness, 219 S. East St., Raleigh | $24-$30 | Learn new mixology skills to make fun new mocktails from home.
Do Portugal Circus | Friday, Jan. 19-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Triangle Town Center, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh | $20-$50 | Be amazed by talented artists as they perform death-defying acts.
Craftapalooza | Friday, Jan. 19 | 10:15-11:15 a.m. | East Regional Library, 946 Steeple Square Ct., Knightdale | Free | Young children are invited to enjoy a day of cutting, pasting, coloring, and creating.
Saturday, Jan. 20
NC Vintage Bazaar | Saturday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 21 | 12-7 p.m. | Expo Center at State Fairgrounds, 4825 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $10-$15 | Join the biggest vintage clothing and thrift convention in NC to shop thousands of vintage T-shirts, jackets, sweaters, and many more treasures to sift through.
Raleigh Girls Club Premiere Event | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 1-4 p.m. | Teets, 425 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $10 | Make new friends at this event benefiting the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.
Backyard Birds with Frank Doherty | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Logan’s Garden Shop, 707 Semart Dr., Raleigh | $5-$10 | Learn about native birds and how to attract them to your yard.
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band w/ Cosmic Superheroes | Saturday, Jan. 20 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $15-$25 | Listen to this tribute band perform songs like “The Space Between” and “Crash Into Me.”
Sunday, Jan. 21
The Maxwell’s Winter Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 21 | 12-2 p.m. | The Maxwell, 330 Gideon Creek Way, Raleigh | $15-$30 | Browse dreamy wedding vendors in The Maxwell’s sophisticated space — proceeds will be donated to The Green Chair Project.
Synergy Founder Anna Churchill has more than 30 years of aesthetics experience. | Photo provided by Synergy Face + Body
You asked, Synergy Face + Body founder Anna Churchill answered. Keep reading for this local expert’s advice on fitness, aging, and dry skin.
I am finally ready for a skincare change. How do I know what I need?
An expert consultation will provide an honest facial aging assessment and treatment recommendations. Plus, new Synergy clients receive complimentary Full Face Assessments and VISIA SkinAnalysis through February.
I’m back on my fitness grind, but I’m not seeing results. Can you tell me more about Accufit?
Accufit™ is an amazing tool for toning the body to complement the hard work you’re already putting in. The FDA-approved treatment uses electromagnetic stimulation to contract your muscles.
I think SkinVive could be great for my dry skin. Is it worth the hype?
Yes! SkinVive is a hyaluronic acid-based serum delivered directly into the dermis to hydrate the skin from within + give a noticeable glow for at least six months.
Devereux Neighborhood Bar is hosting its grand opening tonight in the former Pink Boot space near Layered Croissanterie. Pop into the renovated spot to listen to tunes and raise a glass to this bar and sister concept Prospects Craft Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, now open next door.
Closing
Sam’s Bottle Shop, a long-term Durham business, will close its doors on Feb. 11 after serving the community for more than 80 years. Shop owner John Boy Jr. announced the news on Facebook and stated that it’s his time to retire. (INDY Week)
The Dix Park Conservancy is hiring a full-time operations manager. If you think you have what it takes to lead operations staff for five Dix Park Conservancy-controlled properties, what are you waiting for? Apply online.
Try This
Cheers to four years. The Longleaf Hotel & Lounge is celebrating its four-year anniversary with an apres ski-themed party on Saturday, Jan. 27. Show up in your winter best to participate in a puffy vest contest and to enjoy fondue + music.
Plan Ahead
Take your green-thumbed partner to a paint + pour date night event at Atlantic Gardening on Feb. 2. Grab a sip from the bar and learn how to paint monstera leaves — tickets are $75 per person for this beginner class.
Asked
What big events in Raleigh are you most looking forward to attending this year? We want to know what’s marked on your 2024 calendar (think: Dreamville Festival, Art in Bloom, and the North Carolina ‘Cuegrass Festival). Tell us what you’re excited for in 2024.
Finance
Erasing interest on purchases and balance transfers into 2025 can really make a difference. Throw in no annual fee, and there’s no wonder why thousands are lining up for these cards.*
Absentee voting begins today, Jan. 19 for the primary election.
Eligible voters who submitted an absentee ballot request form will start to receive their absentee-by-mail ballots from the county boards of elections, kicking off voting for NC’s March 5, 2024 primary election.
Before you plan on voting early in-person to snag a cute “I Voted Early” Wake County sticker designed by 11-year-old Shannon Fisher, here is some need-to-know voting information.
Important dates + deadlines
Feb. 9: Voter registration deadline
Feb. 15: In-person early voting begins
Feb. 27: Absentee ballot request deadline
March 2: In-person early voting ends
March 5: Primary Election Day (Wake County Public Schools are closed)
“The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal.” Written by happiness and relationship coach Dr. Sophia Godkin, this journal inspires gratitude with prompts to answer every day — and it only takes five minutes.
Did you knowyou can suggest new Cardinal Bikeshare stations in downtown? I’m more of an electric scooter gal myself, but if you have an idea for the perfect rack spot, fill out a request form to get wheels rolling.
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