History of Wah Mei School

  In 1973, Wah Mei School was formed by the Richmond Bilingual Committee. This committee consisted of community representatives and bilingual educators interested in promoting bilingual/bicultural education. WMS opened its door in 1974, and it was the first preschool in San Francisco that adopted a Chinese bilingual model. Since its inception, WMS has been visited by many distinguished educators and visitors.
   
Nov 1978 

Dr. Joshua Fishman, the nation's leading authority on bilingual education, made a site visit.

Feb 1980 Director and Head Teacher were interviewed on KSFX community hour "What is Bilingual Education?"
Jun 1981 Art of the Muppets Fund-raiser. Secretary of State, March Fong Eu and Mayor Dianne Feinstein co-chaired the event. A Certificate of Honor was presented to WMS by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Mar 1982 WMS staff presented a workshop at the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEYC), the most respected professional preschool organization in the State.
Oct 1982 Director was an honoree at an "Outstanding Women" reception sponsored by the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women.
Nov 1982 WMS was nominated for an award as an exemplary bilingual program to the U.S. Department of Education by its local branch.
June 1983 Head Teacher Dorena Lee received an "Outstanding Teacher" award from the The Association of Chinese Teacher (TACT).
Nov 1984 WMS co-sponsored reviewing of the pandas with Self-Help for the Elderly. Proceeds went to the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association.
Dec 1984 WMS celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Empress of China Restaurant.
Apr 1985 Head Teacher Helen Lee published her book "My Grandfather and Me," which was partially funded by Wu Yee Resource and Referral Center.
Fall 1985 WMS as cited in an article in the CATALYST, a publication of Chevron Corporation, as a model bilingual program and as an example of corporate involvement in community affairs.
Dec 1985 A publication party was held to celebrate the completion of "A Bilingual Manual for Preschool Parents" by Head Teacher Dorena Lee, a videotape by English Teacher Royce Bruce titled "Playing Together," and the "Wah Mei School Songbook" by D. Lee, and Chinese Teachers, B. Nascimento and G. Lam.
Feb 1993 WMS students performed at the Academy of Science, Chinese Family Day and Fish Festival.
Mar 1993 Chinese teacher, B. Nascimento, head teacher, D.Lee, and Director presented at the Research & Curriculum Associate Seventh Annual Chinese Language Teachers Converence in Emeryville.
May 1993 WMS cited in "Finding a Preschool for Your Child in San Francisco", Learning Associates 1993.
Feb 1994 WMS built a float and participated in the Chinese New Year parade.
May 1994 WMS celebrated 20th Anniversary.
Nov 1997 Director interviewed by Channel 26 "Chinese Journal" on Child Safety issues.
Jan 1998 Participated in Chinese New Year's Parade. Sponsored by AAA.
Jan 1999 Participated in Chinese New Year's Parade. Sponsored by AAA.
May 2004 WMS celebrated it's 30th Anniversary.



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Wah Mei School
1400 Judah Street
San Francisco, CA 94122

Telephone: 415-665-4212
Email: wahmeischool@gmail.com