Friends of MIP
What is Friends of MIP?
The Friends of Mandarin Immersion Program (MIP) of the Capistrano Unified School District has been a part of the South Orange County community for over nine years. In this time, MIP has expanded from K-5 classes at Marian Bergeson Elementary to a full program that continues on to Newhart Middle School and culminates at Capistrano Valley High School. Students in MIP have come from all over Orange County to be a part of our internationally recognized program, including the cities of Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and San Clemente. MIP offers students a unique opportunity to learn the Mandarin language and become competent and competitive candidates in an increasingly global workforce and world.
Friends of MIP is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization originally created to advocate for and support the establishment of a Mandarin Immersion Program in the Capistrano Unified School District of Orange County, California. Now, Friends of MIP’s primary goal is to raise funds to support additional educational needs in MIP that are not funded by normal school district funds and are important for bilingual learning particular to the Mandarin language. Friends of MIP also seeks out cultural enhancement opportunities to help MIP students and their families better engage with the Chinese culture and enhance the immersive experience. Friends of MIP is led by the Executive Board of Directors that includes 10-11 parents who volunteer their time to oversee the organization's social and financial activities. The Friends of MIP Executive Board also act as a liaison between the parent community and the school administration, teachers, and school district.
Friends of MIP is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization originally created to advocate for and support the establishment of a Mandarin Immersion Program in the Capistrano Unified School District of Orange County, California. Now, Friends of MIP’s primary goal is to raise funds to support additional educational needs in MIP that are not funded by normal school district funds and are important for bilingual learning particular to the Mandarin language. Friends of MIP also seeks out cultural enhancement opportunities to help MIP students and their families better engage with the Chinese culture and enhance the immersive experience. Friends of MIP is led by the Executive Board of Directors that includes 10-11 parents who volunteer their time to oversee the organization's social and financial activities. The Friends of MIP Executive Board also act as a liaison between the parent community and the school administration, teachers, and school district.
Our MissionFriends of MIP provides funding, outreach, and community support to further our students' development of communication and literacy skills in both Mandarin and English, to strengthen learning within the classroom, to foster multicultural appreciation and understanding, and to provide a strong community for the families in the program.
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Our VisionWe envision MIP students as being leaders in a global market with an appreciation for diverse backgrounds and cultures.
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Our Values
Excellence in Learning: We value enhancing the learning experience in the classroom and at home so that students can successfully develop bilingual and biliterate skills.
Excellence in Teaching: We value providing additional opportunities for the program's teachers to develop the best pedagogical methods in teaching Mandarin communication and reading skills.
Community: We value creating a strong community for families in the program for support, guidance, and fun.
Multicultural Appreciation: We value encouraging an understanding and appreciation for the Chinese culture as well as a general appreciation for diverse backgrounds.
Excellence in Teaching: We value providing additional opportunities for the program's teachers to develop the best pedagogical methods in teaching Mandarin communication and reading skills.
Community: We value creating a strong community for families in the program for support, guidance, and fun.
Multicultural Appreciation: We value encouraging an understanding and appreciation for the Chinese culture as well as a general appreciation for diverse backgrounds.
What We Provide
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Mandarin Teaching Aides: Friends of MIP provides funding for Mandarin speaking teaching aides that assist elementary students in the classroom for a couple of hours every day. These aides are able to help work with smaller groups of students to enhance their Mandarin communication skills.
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Technology: Friends of MIP provides Chromebooks for 3rd grade students, Middle School students, and High School students in MIP to access Mandarin learning programs, such as Better Chinese, which are also funded by Friends of MIP and help support students' curriculum. We also provide and maintain smart boards in elementary classrooms.
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Teacher Development: Friends of MIP provides funding for substitute teachers so that MIP teachers can participate in pedological development opportunities to enhance their skills in teaching Mandarin and English. Attendance at conferences and other training opportunities are also funded by Friends of MIP.
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Proficiency Testing: Friends of MIP provides funding for proficiency testing for all MIP students beginning in 5th grade to ensure that students are meeting expected standards for listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin in alignment with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
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Mandarin Library Books: Friends of MIP provides funding for purchasing Mandarin books in the libraries in order for students to practice their reading skills in Mandarin outside of the classroom.
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Cultural Events: Friends of MIP offers or coordinates cultural enrichment events including Martial Arts demonstrations, calligraphy demonstrations, and Middle School field trip to the Bowers Museum. We also organize MIP community events such as the Moon Festival and Lantern Festival celebrations and Chinese New Year performances.
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