Ohlone Elementary School has a rich history of embracing innovation, and one individual who played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory is Grace Mah. As a parent and advocate, Grace was instrumental in the establishment of the Mandarin Immersion program at Ohlone.
Grace was impressed by the Spanish immersion program at Escondido. In an interview, she shared, “I kind of asked rhetorically, can we do this in Mandarin? Can we do a program just like this, just as successful, just as brilliant and do it in a different language?” Motivated by the success of a her own children in pre-K immersion programs, Grace embarked on a six-year journey to bring Mandarin education to Palo Alto Unified School District.
Despite challenges like ongoing building construction and recruiting staff to the school, Grace, along with dedicated parents and administrators, persevered. With the support of then Principal Susan Charles, the program was approved in 2007, and the first classes commenced in 2008, marking the beginning of a unique and successful Mandarin Immersion program.
Grace's advocacy extended beyond program initiation. She emphasized the importance of involving the community and garnering widespread support. "We formed a small grassroots group of about 200 families, and said that we really wanted to have this happen. And we were able to get a petition. We did candidates forums for school board members so that we could make sure that they understood that foreign language, world language was really important for parents, for education," Grace explained. They engaged in advocacy efforts, attending numerous school board meetings, and even securing a federal grant of $750,000.
Grace fondly recalls the kindergarten teachers who played a crucial role in her children's early education. Judy Kislitsyn and Lu Sun, two of the first Mandarin Immersion teachers, epitomized the nurturing and open atmosphere of Ohlone. Their impact extended beyond language education, contributing to the students' overall development. Reflecting on her children's early days, Grace emphasized the importance of the initial bond with teachers. "The first few days that the kids really bond with the teacher," she noted, emphasizing the welcoming and nurturing environment created by the educators.
Grace's dedication to language education didn't end with the elementary years. She successfully advocated for a Mandarin middle school program, ensuring continuity for students. Her own children continued their language learning journey, with one pursuing Mandarin through high school and the other exploring a passion for multiple languages, including Italian and Japanese.
Having transitioned from a parent advocate to a seasoned education professional, Grace offered valuable advice for those seeking change. She emphasized the importance of community buy-in, stating, "Make sure that you've got the buy-in, that you've got a lot of people behind you." In her experience, building a coalition of supporters with shared values was essential for successful advocacy.
Grace Mah's story is one of passion, perseverance, and positive impact. Her contributions to Ohlone Elementary School have left an indelible mark on its history, showcasing the power of dedicated parents and community engagement in shaping innovative educational programs. The Mandarin Immersion program stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved when individuals come together to advocate for a shared vision of education.
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