My name is Margaret Angulo. I grew up about a hour south of Mexico City in the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos. I completed my bachelor degree in Spanish from BYU. I also have a Master of Education from Northeastern University and a Master degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. This school year I will be starting my 22nd year as an educator. In the classroom I have always worked with bilingual students teaching in Spanish and in English. I moved from Chicago, IL to Colorado in 2017 with my three children. The oldest is off to college this fall and my other two boys are now both in high school.
At Boltz Middle School, our Dual Language Program provides students in grades 6, 7, and 8 with a unique opportunity to continue developing bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competency. Students enrolled in the program take two core classes entirely in Spanish each year:
- SLA/ELA Immersion Class (Spanish Language Arts/English Language Arts) – Students strengthen their reading, writing, speaking, and analytical skills through a deep study of literature and language in both Spanish and English.
- Humanities in Spanish – Students explore history, culture, and civic concepts while engaging in critical thinking and academic discourse in Spanish.
The remainder of the school day is taught in English, giving students a balanced academic experience across languages.
Benefits of the Dual Language Program include:
- Academic Growth: Research shows that dual language learners often outperform their peers in overall academic achievement.
- Bilingualism & Biliteracy: Students develop advanced skills in both English and Spanish, preparing them for high school and beyond.
- Cultural Competence: By engaging in content learning across languages, students gain a deeper appreciation of diverse perspectives and global citizenship.
- Future Opportunities: Bilingualism opens doors for college admissions, career pathways, and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through this program, Boltz continues to build a supportive and challenging environment where students not only excel academically but also grow as culturally aware, bilingual leaders.