By now, our Arco Iris community knows our passionate and driven Executive Director Jesús Urdiales. With a rich background in Educational Leadership, and a passion for fostering academic excellence and personal growth, Mr. Urdiales has become a cornerstone of the Arco Iris community. Join us in getting to know a little more about him, in his own words, below.
What is Your Favorite Summer Activity?
My favorite summer activity is to take long walks around my neighborhood, finding new coffee shops while enjoying reading a good book. I also like to take in as many learning opportunities besides those that pertain to the field of education, such as local workshops to create art or that involve musical expression.
Favorite School Project from Elementary School?
This is a good one. I would say my friends and I “created” this AC extension unit that we believed pre-dated those that are found in cars nowadays. The project was to get cool air to flow in the direction of the back seats.
I was also very involved in theater in elementary and then middle school, and these (plays) seemed like projects at times. As theater students we had to create our own wardrobe, props, and be in charge of adding our own personal touch to the original script(s). I have a lot of fond memories from these experiences.
Favorite Memory from your First Year at Arco Iris?
Meeting the community, students, the team, Board of Directors, and everyone involved in this wonderful school has been a highlight for me. My hope is to continue getting to know everyone more deeply, and continue providing an inclusive, academically rigorous, and joyful environment to our community and the city of Beaverton.
What Makes Working at Arco Iris Special to You?
There are many things that make working at Arco Iris special. I would say being around our community of learners is one of those highlights. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to visit classrooms and see students grappling with a Math problem and offering elaborate solutions to different problems - all in Spanish. I get to dance with the students in the lower grades as they are involved in a sing along to remember all of their letter sounds in Spanish. I have the chance to guide students when they are having questions about friendships, home-life, their learning, etc. It is truly a gift to be supporting our Arco Iris community! On that last note, I also believe that as much as I am supporting our community, this community is giving me so much in return.
Favorite Quote?
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of Mary Oliver’s poetry. There are many quotes attributed to her that are inspirational and insightful.
Two that come to mind are:
“My work is loving the world.”
Mary Oliver
“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”
Mary Oliver
Want to learn more about Jesús? Check out the blog Who We Are: Jesús Urdiales that was published during his inaugural year as Executive Director.
Let's unlock your child's full potential together! Our Open Enrollment has closed, but you may still apply by visiting our website and completing the 2024-2025 application. Space is filled on a first come, first served basis. To learn more about Arco Iris, visit www.arcoirisschool.org or call us at (503) 372-6052.
About Arco Iris
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. We’re enrolling for Fall 2024-25.