EL Parent Newsletter
February/March 2025
Upcoming OELPA testing
Ohio’s English Language Proficiency Tests assess kindergarten through grade 12 students on their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Over the coming weeks, between February 3 - March 28, 2025, students will participate in OELPA. Testing includes four domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—with approximate testing times ranging from 40 to 150 minutes, depending on grade level. Additional practice tests are available to help students become familiar with the format and technology. We recommend ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep and has a healthy breakfast on testing days to set them up for success! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
English Classes in Northeast Ohio
Are you looking to improve your English skills? Here are some great resources available in our community:
- Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) offers a variety of ESL courses across multiple campuses, including the Westshore Campus. Explore their options to find a class that fits your schedule. Visit tri-c.edu for more information.
- Cleveland Public Library offers free ESL classes and valuable resources for English learners. Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Find out more at Cleveland Public Library ESL
- Language classes for non-native English speakers are held at Hope Church on Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Beginner, intermediate, and conversational classes are held weekly. Our ESL teachers are excited to welcome new students at any time! If you want to learn more about our classes or are interested in volunteering as a teacher or helper, contact Kevin Kutcel at kevin.kutcel@hopebrunswick.org.
Events at Brunswick Library
Music and Movement (10:30 AM Session)
Friday, February 14, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Sycamore Room North & South,
Music class, led by Music Izz Groovy, includes instrument playing, singing, dancing, fingerplay, cuddle time, and storytime.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Friday, February 14, 2025 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:30am - 1:30pm
Drop in and read to a therapy dog!
Music and Movement (11:30 AM Session)
Friday, February 14, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Sycamore Room North & South
Music class includes instrument playing, singing, dancing, fingerplay, cuddle time, and storytime, led by Music Izz Groovy.
Family Storytime
Monday, February 17, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Monday, March 31, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Storytime Room
Join MCDL staff for books, rhymes, songs, and fingerplays! All children and their caregivers are welcome.
Baby Storytime
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Storytime Room
Join MCDL staff for books, rhymes, songs, and fingerplays! All babies and their caregivers are welcome.
Drop-In Evening Storytime (Just Added!)
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Storytime Room
Join us for books, rhymes, fingerplays, and dance! Additional evening sessions for winter include January 8, 22, February 5, and 19.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
Friday, February 21, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Learn kindergarten readiness skills with storytime, activities, and crafts. Each session focuses on a different skill.
Adapted Storytime
Saturday, February 22, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room
Storytime in a supportive environment for children with autism and/or sensory integration challenges.
Yummy Kitchen Skills
Monday, February 24, 2025Learn how to select, cut, and present a healthy treat. Please let staff know ahead of time if you have any food allergies.
Preschool Yoga
Sycamore Room North & South
Thursday, February 27, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm'
Sing, move, play and meet other preschoolers and caregivers.
Drop-In Evening Storytime (JUST ADDED!)
Thursday, February 20, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Storytime Room at Brunswick Library
Join us for books, rhymes, fingerplays, and dance! Caregivers required.
Bluey Party
Thursday, February 20, 2025
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sycamore Room North & South at Brunswick
Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
Friday, February 21, 2025
10:30am - 11:30am
Baby & Me Yoga
Thursday, February 27, 2025
10:30am - 11:00am
Sycamore Room North & South at Brunswick
Catch a Leprechaun!
Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Sycamore Room North & South at Brunswick
Hear a leprechaun story and then make your own trap!
Drop In Storytime
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Storytime Room at Brunswick
Join MCDL staff for books, rhymes, songs, and fingerplays! All children and their caregivers are welcome.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Storytime Room at Brunswick
Join MCDL staff for books, rhymes, songs, and fingerplays! All children and their caregivers are welcome.
STEAM Day
Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Sycamore Room North & South at Brunswick
March 27 - Block Printing: Create your own styrofoam block with this artistic technique.
April 24 - Chocolate Science: History, chemistry, and yummy chocolate experiments.
Hey Barbie! Party
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Sycamore Room North & South at Brunswick
Celebrate all things pink and fabulous with crafts and activities.
Here is a link to all of the activities at the Brunswick Library!.
Useful Websites
Easy World of English: This website offers interactive resources designed to support students learning English. Built by teachers, it provides a variety of useful materials to enhance language learning.
ESL Gold is an educational website offering free resources for secondary English learners to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. With exercises, activities, and lessons organized by skill level, ESL Gold helps students build confidence and proficiency in English. Ideal for both students and parents, it provides valuable tools to support language development at every stage.
Did You Know?
Did you know that you can borrow books from the Medina County Library system in different languages? You can find children’s fiction books, picture books and board books featuring text in English paired with another language. Popular Languages Include Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, French, German, Arabic, and Chinese available at all branches
Available at Medina, Brunswick & Highland Libraries
Browse or request materials for adults and children, including magazines and DVDs from more than 40 languages. Featured Languages for Fall Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, and Chinese Made possible through a partnership with Cleveland Public Library.
