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Program Newsletter

EWSD Multilingual Program

ProgramNewsletterEWSD Multilingual Program

Special Statement

We extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all community members affected by the violence in Israel and Gaza. We are especially concerned about our community members in the Essex Westford School District who have family, friends, and loved ones directly impacted by this tragic situation.


We would like to remind everyone that resources are available for students and staff seeking connection and support through our counselors and human resource department. Any instances of bias or harassment within the EWSD can be reported to school staff and administrators.


We as a larger community can be mindful of how these events could be affecting our friends, colleagues, and community members. We can be present for anyone hurting for any reason as it relates to this conflict.


Collectively, we can demonstrate an increased level of compassion and understanding towards one another in the upcoming days. We continue to hope for a resolution to the ongoing turmoil and, most importantly, the safety and well-being of everyone affected.


-The EWSD Multilingual Advisory Council


*If your students are asking questions and you would like support please feel free to contact Seham Alsakkaf, EWSD Multilingual Liaison, or Tamara Parks ML Program Coordinator

Essex Westford Hires New Americans

With dozens of facility positions open in schools statewide, districts are working to fill gaps to ensure all the buildings are running smoothly. The Essex Westford School District is doing this by connecting with the new American community in the area. The initiative allows the schools to receive needed staffing while new hires get jobs and paid English classes. Check out the WCAX story here.

The Intersection of Multilingual Learners and Special Education

Evaluating students for special education who are multilingual and learning English requires additional considerations. EWSD teachers and leaders have developed this tool to support teams in that process. We want to provide this resource to help with special education referral and determination for multilingual learners.


Initial Considerations

Special Education Referral & Determination Checklist for Students Receiving EL Services


For EWSD Staff: After reviewing the checklists, please let us know what types of follow-up would be most helpful by completing this short survey.

Multilingual Advisory Council

Are you interested in being a part of the EWSD Multilingual Advisory Council? Please contact Tamara Parks at tparks@ewsd.org to begin the application process. The council meets monthly to provide guidance on the direction of the Multilingual Program. You can also ask any Multilingual Liaison or translator to help you apply. We hope you can join us!

Happy Dashain!

EWSD Multilingual Program Field Day

Thank you to the EWSD Multilingual Advisory Council and all of the volunteers for hosting an outdoor family event on Saturday, September 23rd in the big pavilion in Maple Street Park. All EWSD multilingual families and friends of the multilingual community were invited to attend. Families and students participated in badminton, soccer games, a potato sack race, giant Jenga, face painting, henna, and many more fun activities! All families who attended received a book about a child's immigration story called "Where Butterflies Fill The Sky" by Zahra Marwan.
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Giant Jenga

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Balloon Animals, Face Painting & Raffle

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Watching Soccer

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Pick Up Soccer Game Led by Volunteers

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Some of the Council Members

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Spectrum Multicultural Youth Program

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Potato Sack Race

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Henna Artistry

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Competition!

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Gathering

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Relay Races

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Watching the Relay Races

Analyze the Video- EL Teaching Strategies

In this video, Professor Robert Jiménez discusses the strengths that English language learners bring to the classroom, the importance of high expectations, and the benefits of connecting students’ cultures with the curriculum. You will also see classroom examples that illustrate the research-based strategies Professor Jiménez describes. A big thank you to EWSD educator Kate McCawley for sharing this resource!

Recommended Conferences for Educators

  • Northern New England TESOL- 3 EWSD Educators are going, come join us!


  • ESEA Conference Portland, Oregon- At least 4 Vermonters will be there either presenting or attending!

Support for Newcomers

Here are some links and contacts that may be helpful:


  • Vermont Foodbank 3SquaresVT Application Assistance: 3svt@vtfoodbank.org https://www.vtfoodbank.org/nurture-people/3squaresvt


  • VT Legal Aid's intake information (for benefits or other legal questions): https://vtlawhelp.org/how-we-can-help


  • Association of Africans Living in Vermont: 802-985-3106 or info@aalv-vt.org

  • Vermont Immigrant Assistance at Vermont Law School: 802-831-1552 or viaclinic@vermontlaw.edu

  • Vermont Asylum Assistance Project: vaap@caspvt.org

Leadership for Welcoming Newcomer Students 6 Steps

The Internationals Network has released a one-pager for school leaders about how to welcome newcomers. Click here to see the resource!

Programs to Welcome Newcomers

Are you interested in learning about programs that will help refugees come to Vermont? Here are some programs mentioned by our Vermont State Refugee Office:


1. Welcome Corps

2. Uniting for Ukraine | USCIS

3. Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans | USCIS

Kiribati Translator

We are searching for a Kiribati translator. Please help us by sharing this job posting widely. Thank you!

Multilingual Program Web Page

Would you like to learn more about the EWSD Multilingual Program?


Here are a few links you may find helpful:


  • EWSD Multilingual Program Home Page
  • Eligibility for EL (English Learner) Services
  • Resources for Families
  • Translation Services

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EWSD Multilingual Program

Email: tparks@ewsd.org
Website: https://www.ewsd.org/page/multilingual-learner-program
Phone: (802) 878-8168

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