World Events and the EWSD Multilingual Community
We continue to 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 are currently working with community members impacted by these events to set up affinity spaces. More information will be shared soon.
Translated Videos and Support Line- Listening to and talking with our children
Please see the link below for new videos created by the Vermont Language Justice Project that was created for parents. It is called, Listening to and talking with our children.
This work was done by the VLJP and their Executive Director, Alison Segar, and sponsored with funds from the Mental Health Block Grant. You or your child can call 988 on your phone and this will allow you or your child to talk with someone about how you are feeling. Interpreters are available.
You or your child can also text the number 741741 and type in the word HOME or number 4063.
Congratulations Angkith!
Angkith Pradhan is a senior at EHS and in his third year at the Center for Technology, Essex in the Mechanical Engineering Program. He's currently on the EHS Varsity Soccer team and works managing his family's business in Winooski. Angkith is one of two EWSD students recognized as a Vermont Presidential Scholar!
Angkith moved to Vermont from Nepal with his parents and younger brother when he was 7 years old. He will be graduating high school with two dual enrollment credits at VSU, AP Computer Science credit, and his SolidWorks 3-D CAD certification for Engineering. He has applied to several prestigious colleges such as MIT, Clarkson, and RIT.
In addition to being an exceptional student, athlete, and family member, he is kind, driven and has an insatiable curiosity and sense of optimism. His main goal after completing college is to create positive changes in the world and his community through innovative technology. We are incredibly proud of Angkith and can't wait to see what he does after his time with us here in Essex!
Thank you to CTE EL teacher Cynthia Yopp for sharing this wonderful news!
Help Welcome Newcomers
- Volunteer with the EWSD Multilingual Advisory Council (contact: tparks@ewsd.org)
- Spectrum Youth and Family Services
Multilingual Advisory Council
Support for Newcomers
Upcoming Holidays
Please see the EWSD holiday calendar located here for detailed information about holidays throughout the year (scroll down on the webpage). Here are some of the holidays celebrated by community members this time of year. Happy and peaceful holidays to all observing.
Dec 7th-15th Hanukkah
Easy Easy Hands-on Hanukkah Activities for Kids (Kosher.com)
Dec 21st Sheb al-Yalda
An Introduction to Yalda Night (YouTube)
Dec 25th Christmas
Surprising Origins of Modern-Day Christmas Traditions (Lesson for grades 9-12) (Education World)
Dec 26th Kwanzaa
What is Kwanzaa? How is it Celebrated? (YouTube Video)
Dec 31st New Year's Eve
QTEL Training Opportunity
This year, up to 30 elementary teachers in the EWSD are invited to a 4 day long Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) WestEd training from March 11th to March 14th. For details about the training, click here.
We are offering this opportunity to 30 elementary classroom teachers this year, and hope to offer the training to middle and high school next year. This is a grant funded opportunity so there is no need to use personal PD funds.
If you are an elementary school teacher interested in joining this training, please indicate your interest in this short Google form by Wednesday, December 20th.
Present at the Next WIDA Conference!
Hi EL teachers and Multilingual Liaisons! Do you have a strategy or lived experience to share? Let's represent at the next WIDA conference.
The title of the conference is "Bridging Cultures EMPOWERING multilingual voices". Here is the link to submit your proposal.
The deadline for submission is January 24th, 2024. The next WIDA conference will be in Pittsburg, PA from Oct 15-18th, 2024.
Upcoming Conferences/Workshops to Attend
NAELPA Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana- March 26th-27th, 2024
Implementing a Co-Planning Model For Multilingual Learners- April 11th, 2024
Summer School for English Learners
This summer we will be offering summer school for English learners who need additional support. We are still in the planning phase. If you have questions about summer school for English learners in the EWSD, please contact tparks@ewsd.org.
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.
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.
Image source: Colorin Colorado
Leadership for Welcoming Newcomer Students 6 Steps
Multilingual Program Web Page
Here are a few links you may find helpful:
EWSD Multilingual Program
Email: tparks@ewsd.org
Website: https://www.ewsd.org/page/multilingual-learner-program
Phone: (802) 878-8168