The Beamer Park Elementary School community came together on May 16 to proudly celebrate a historic milestone: The 40th anniversary of its groundbreaking dual immersion program.

On a warm afternoon, students, families, alumni, and staff gathered at the school for its annual school carnival, known as “Kermes” in Spanish, to mark the special occasion with vibrant student performances, music, food, and festivities.

“Today is more than just a celebration, it’s a tribute to four decades of dedication, perseverance, and the power of bilingual education,” said Beamer Principal Hortencia Hernandez, who served as the emcee and welcomed everyone in attendance. “It’s also a moment to honor our past students, families, and educators who believed in this vision from the beginning and gave it life for future generations.”

Launched in the 1985—86 school year, Beamer’s dual immersion program was one of the first of its kind in Northern California. At a time when bilingual education was still emerging in public schools, Beamer stood at the forefront of a transformative movement that would help redefine how language and culture are taught in schools across the region.

For four decades, the program has empowered generations of students to develop fluency and literacy in both English and Spanish while promoting academic achievement, cultural awareness, and community connection.

WJUSD Board President Deborah Bautista Zavala, a former Beamer student and now a champion of bilingual education, reflected on the program’s deep personal and community impact.

“This program helped shape me as a student, a leader, and now as a parent raising bilingual children of my own,” said President Bautista Zavala. “I remember my mom sitting in the audience, full of pride and ‘amor.’ Now I stand in her shoes, feeling the same joy watching the next generation thrive. Beamer’s impact runs deep, through the dedication of teachers, staff, and families who believed in the power of dual immersion when it was still new. As a Board, we’re proud to carry this legacy forward and expand access to high-quality bilingual education throughout our District.”

Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin praised the program’s legacy and the community effort that built it over the past four decades.

“Congratulations to all of you,” said Superintendent Ortega-Lampkin. “This marks 40 years of dual immersion in Woodland, and if you didn’t already know, Beamer was home to the first program of its kind in Northern California. You’ve created a powerful legacy. I want to thank our dedicated Beamer teachers who have led this work with heart and passion, and the families who chose this path and helped shape its success for generations to come.”

The district has since expanded dual immersion to Dingle and Woodland Prairie Elementary Schools, with middle and high school pathways now available for students to continue building their bilingual skills.

Dr. Annie Duong, Region 1 Board Member of the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), was also among the special guests in attendance.

“It is my honor to be here with you today, celebrating your 40th anniversary and the pioneers of bilingual education,” said Dr. Duong. “Forty years of creativity, community, collaboration, resiliency, and hard work. You led the way to produce bilingual, bicultural, multilingual, and multicultural citizens. Congratulations!”

Following student performances, which included cultural dance and mariachi music, former Beamer principals, teachers, families, and alumni gathered in the school library to watch a historical video and share memories of the program’s early years.

“We are especially honored to welcome our former dual immersion principals who helped build and grow this beautiful program,” said Principal Hernandez. “Their leadership and vision laid the foundation for generations of students to thrive academically, linguistically, and culturally.”

“This event is a powerful reminder of our District’s long-standing commitment to bilingualism, multiculturalism, and student success,” added Superintendent Ortega-Lampkin.