BoHua Chinese School celebrated the successful conclusion of the school year 2009-2010 with a year-end party at Fairview High School in May.

Principal, Li Yan, highlighted the school’s impressive achievements. As a BoHua tradition, all teachers received roses from students as a symbol of appreciation. Students demonstrated their language skills and, as always, dance classes highlighted the ceremony.

BoHua has much to celebrate. The Sunday Chinese language and culture programs have grown rapidly the past few years. There are now 20 Chinese language classes, serving students from kindergarten through high school and including adults. There are eight various cultural classes offered for children and their parents.

Two language tracks are offered, each with a different philosophy for students. The Chinese Taught in Chinese (CTC) curriculum is designed for students who have extensive exposure to the language at home. These 16 classes teach reading and writing in an authentic Chinese context, such as folk tales, legends and classic stories. The Chinese Taught in English (CTE) program is designed for students who have little prior exposure to the language. These four classes are taught as a foreign language, with an emphasis on conversation and preliminary reading skills.

In addition to the main language and cultural program on Sundays, BoHua has expanded language classes to Boulder Valley Public Schools. University Hill and Crest View elementary schools have offered Chinese lessons for two years. A new Chinese program has started at Eldorado elementary school in Superior. With generous sponsors, volunteers and outstanding teachers, BoHua plans to expand its public program to additional schools in the coming year. This would not be possible without the outstanding support of Ching and Wie Wu, grandparents of a BoHua student. The program has also received support from the ExxonMobil Foundation Educational Matching Gift Program.

In addition to its academic program, BoHua stays connected to the community by celebrating the Chinese New Year with dance and martial arts performances at senior and community centers. For outstanding community service, Ashuka Xue, a BoHua student, has received the 2010 Service Recognition Award from the Yudian Community Service Board. Congratulations to Ashuka!

Although summer is here, the BoHua volunteer management team is already planning for the coming school year. In addition to a curriculum review and the hiring and training of teachers, the team is evaluating an online school management system that potentially can automate registration and be used as a database for families, teachers and school administrators.

A transition in the BoHua management team will also occur this summer. Xiao Zhang, who has led BoHua for the past three years, has stepped down. His leadership has been key to BoHua’s expansion and success, especially at Fairview High School. Li Yan, who was acting principal the last two months, is now taking on these responsibilities and is the newest addition to the BoHua board of directors. His leadership and direction as acting principal ensured BoHua completed the school year on a strong note.