The VDLI program is open enrollment through grade 1 for students with no prior Vietnamese language ability. Vietnamese is a complex tonal language with multiple vowel tones for equivalent English Vowels, a 29 word Romanized alphabet, and monosyllabic words. Word order generally informs meaning, whereas in English meaning comes from morphological changes to polysyllabic words.
At 2nd grade, the VDLI students at Painter have undergone anywhere from 3-4 years of Vietnamese language learning through our preschool, TK, Kindergarten and 1st grade in addition to home and community based learning.
Parents may request late entry into the VDLI above 2nd grade after review of the general following criteria from the student, parent, and home through our teacher and VDLI leadership team.
Have evidence of Vietnamese language ability (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) already through prior Vietnamese language learning as evidenced through our suite entry assessments in RWLS.
Have full commitment to accept and engage in the language and culture learning process through the VDLI with robust support committed to the language learning process.
Evidence of Vietnamese learning can occur through the home, overseas immersion, and participation in Vietnamese language weekend schools.
Assessment of Vietnamese language ability will happen for students at the beginning of the year through general teacher observation and formal VDLI late entry assessment under the coordination of our specialist and VDLI lead Mrs. Thao Doan and/or Ms. Jenny Tran.
If one of the criteria are not met, then it is advised for the student to enroll into a standard English program.
Our team has a suite of assessments that can be used to determine prior Vietnamese ability and language learning disposition for late entry VDLI in grades 2 and above.
The cafeteria will serve breakfast for Painter students every morning from 8:10 am until 8:27 am. We will no longer serve breakfast in the classrooms, to avoid pest infestations and focus on academic learning time. Late students should grab breakfast on the way to class as second breakfast will no longer be served.
TK lunch will be lunch 1 (11:20 am) and Kindergarten lunch will be lunch 2 (11:40 am) or as otherwise determined.
2025-26 Bell Schedule, NEW 8:30 am start time daily
School uniforms are worn at Ben Painter School to create an environment that focuses on school work by the individual and not on individual attire. (See below for specific details!)
Acceptable Top and Bottom
White or burgundy polo shirts or Painter spirit/program T-shirts
· Solid navy blue slacks (cotton or twill, etc.), joggers, pants
· Solid navy walking blue shorts, skorts, skirts, jumper (cotton or twill, andmust be fingertip length)
· Turtleneck- white or burgundy
· Tights or leggings (can be worn with a skirt) solid navy blue or white
· Button shirt/blouse- white, burgundy/maroon, or grey
· Jacket and outerwear must be solid in color, and may not contain logos or other markings
· Belts are optional, but are recommended to wear with any “bottom” that has belt loops. Belts must have a simple buckle of a single color.
· Shoes must be fully enclosed
· Gloves, beanies, scarves- may be worn outdoors on cold days
· Jacket and outerwear must be solid in color, and may not contain logos or other markings
Uniforms must fit appropriately
Not Allowed on Campus
· No logos or teams except during spirit days
· No caps or hats
ABSOLUTELY
NO RED OR BLUE
(Navy blue bottoms only)
No t-shirts, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, sleeveless tops
· No other colors allowed
· Belts – no chains or spikes
· Pants – no sagging, denim pants, pajamas, jeans, sweat pants or athletic shorts (nylon or mesh)
· No sandals, flip flops, open toe shoes, shoes with wheels or slippers
· Make-up, or spray on hair dye
The school reserves the right at any time to amend the above dress code without the prior warning to the students.
Important: A letter will be sent home the 1st time a student comes to school out of uniform. The second time, parents will be contacted to bring required clothing to school before the student is admitted to class, if a parent cannot be contacted, or is unable to bring a change of clothes, the student will be given loaners for the day if available. The third incident will result in a consequence and a parent conference with the principal. Please support our school uniform policy in Compliance with Education Code 35183 and 35294.1.
