We need help with our Spanish

I was recently speaking with three members (all sisters) of the Hernandez Family at Station Creek Camp. Although their parents are from Guatemala, all five of their children were born in the United States. The Hernandez Family leaves Wachula, Florida at the end of the school year to pursue farm work in South Carolina. In July, they family will proceed northward to Maryland to harvest more tomatoes. When school resumes in Florida, the mother will return to Florida with the children while the father continues work in the fields. In the late fall, they will all be reunited in Florida.

I told the high school girls that most of our classes in the camps are focused on basic English skills. The oldest girl looked at me and said, That is the last thing I need. I need to learn Spanish. The only time I use it is when I am speaking with my mom and dad.

I have encouraged the Hernandez girls to help the other women in the camp at Station Creek with their English. I hope they will follow up on my request. I'm not sure who will help them with their Spanish. I have never even considered that ELLs might eventually become so fluent that they could possibly lose the ability to communicate in their primary language. This is a bit sad to me.