Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy

Dear Newburyport Elementary & Middle School Families,

Newburyport Public Schools offers students the opportunity to earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This designation is included on a student’s high school transcript.

All students are eligible to pursue the Seal of Biliteracy, including English learners, students with disabilities, and students who have learned a language outside of school.

Students may earn the Seal of Biliteracy in any language, including languages not offered through our world language program.

The purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy are to:

• encourage students to study and master languages;
• certify attainment of biliteracy skills; recognize the value of language diversity;
• provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;
• provide universities with a method to recognize and give credit to applicants for the attainment of high-level skills in languages;
• prepare students with skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society; and
• strengthen intergroup communication and honor the multiple cultures and languages in a community.

To earn the Seal, students must meet all graduation requirements and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language through language assessments.

Newburyport Public Schools ensure equitable access to required assessments. Students identified as low-income may access required assessments at no cost. At present testing fees for all students are covered through grant funding.

Encourage your child to continue using and developing all their languages, including those used at home or in the community. Speaking, signing, reading, and writing in these languages help build the skills needed to earn the Seal of Biliteracy in high school.

Your language is valuable! The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes all languages, and students may earn the Seal in any language. Students who use a language at home or in the community—including signed languages such as American Sign Language (ASL)—are encouraged to continue developing that language. Regular speaking or signing, reading, and writing help students build the skills needed to earn the Seal while strengthening language development overall, including in English.

As students move through school, a foundational language program becomes available. This program is offered as part of the regular school schedule and is accessible to all students, including students receiving English learner services or special education services, consistent with state and federal civil rights laws. Enrolling in these programs helps students continue developing their language skills over time.

In Newburyport Public Schools, world language programs are available as follows:

• Spanish: Foundational — begins in grade 6
• German: Foundational — begins in grade 9
• American Sign Language: Foundational — begins in grade 9

Families are encouraged to explore available options and enroll students as early as possible.

For questions or to get started, please contact Alden Metz at Newburyport High School (ametz@newburyport.k12.ma.us). Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions for Students & Families, is available on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education State Seal of Biliteracy webpage.

Sincerely,

Alden Metz and Chrissa Pissios

Co-coordinators for the Seal of Biliteracy

Newburyport Public Schools

ametz@newburyport.k12.ma.us

cpissios@newburyport.k12.ma.us