The Portuguese International Parents Association (PIPA) organized a breakfast to present its new Directors to the parents of the school's Portuguese-English bilingual program.

PIPA, a new and vibrant organization, founded in 2010 is dedicated to supporting and enriching this unique and excellent academic program.

A record number of parents participated in the program. Floriana Martinez, PIPA's past President noted that not even the school's PTA attracted so many parents.

American, Brazilian and Hispanic parents were truly interested in listening to the guest speakers: elementary Leader Teacher Mrs. Jackie Sanchez-Jimenez and the President of the Brazil-USA Cultural Center (CCBU) , Adriana Sabino.

Mrs. Sanchez-Jimenez explained that the program has a 40-60 model. It is not a mere language course. In this program the children study the academic subjects in both languages - 40% of the time in Portuguese and 60% of the time in English.

Mrs. Sabino told the parents, many new to the school, the many difficulties the Miami Dade County Public Schools encountered to create this program, and the role CCBU had supporting and spreading the word about the program among the Brazilian community through a well structured campaign.

The program that begun, in September 2003, with few students is now a total success, due to the dedication of Ada Merritt's administration, teachers, parents and students.