English Language Learners are the fastest growing student population group. How do we ensure that ELL students, and by extension their families, feel welcome, appreciated for their origin culture, and included in the goings-on at school? The monthly ELL newsletter aims to do just that.

The ELL Newsletter is designed for all SMSD staff. Each month, we will focus on one relevant topic. We will also include timely hints and reminders for working with your ELLs throughout the school year.

If you read something that you'd like to know more about, or would like ELL support in your school or classroom, reach out to your ELL iCoach (see below!).

• Find your ELL students in Skyward (look for the pink E flag, or go to My LEP Students).
• Locate your students' ELL plans.
• Familiarize yourself with your ELL students' proficiency levels, classroom & testing accommodations, goals, etc.
• Remember to include any accommodations in your sub plans.

Across the district, we have several new students who have moved here from Ukraine. While we don't always know their family circumstances, many of these students are refugees who have experienced or are experiencing trauma. The Newcomer Guide from the SMSD ELL Homepage is a great place to start when welcoming any newcomer to the classroom.

The table below defines the Four Stages of Acculturation. This information can be helpful in understanding what a newcomer may be experiencing. As educators, we strive to be empathetic as we help our students navigate a new culture without losing their own identify and culture.

*The language in the table has been updated to reflect a culturally-responsive teaching environment.

Below the table, you'll find a link to a Colorín Colorado page with resources specifically for teachers supporting students affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Amy Culey has been in education for more than twenty years. She's worked with English language learners for the entirety of her career and has taught students from PreK through adults. She has a plethora of degrees (too many to mention) that focus on her three passions: international studies and languages (she speaks both Spanish and Portuguese), education (with an emphasis on ESL) and writing (specifically writing genre fiction). Amy spends her free time writing and publishing books for children and young adults (under the pen name A.J. Culey), teaching English to adult learners and traveling as much as possible. She's also crazy about cats, in every possible way.

Email: amyculey@smsd.org

Katie Hearn is an ardent educator and advocate for ELLs. A graduate of Truman State University, Katie holds degrees in elementary education, English, linguistics, and Spanish. With more than a decade experience working with ELL students, both as a classroom teacher and a specialist, she is excited to connect with SMSD educators in her new role as ELL Instructional Coach. Katie and her husband are the parents of three girls (ages 7, 5, and one on the way!) and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, working out with the Peloton instructors, and drinking lots of coffee and Diet Coke.

Email: katherinehearn@smsd.org
Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=17740544643128892125
Phone: 913-993-4208
Twitter: @mrshearn512

Below is a menu of ways the ELL iCoaches can support you and your building. Reach out to Katie or Amy for more information or to set up a meeting.