Multilingualism is a Superpower!

The mission of the Randolph Public Schools Multilingual Education Department is to empower all multilingual students to excel both within and beyond the classroom. We are committed to offering the highest quality educational experiences in our schools by providing explicit language instruction and targeted supports to ensure equitable access to meaningful and rigorous learning opportunities that engage all students in cultivating essential knowledge and skills to prepare them to reach their fullest potential.

At the heart of the RPS Multilingual Education Department’s vision for student success is our belief that “Multilingualism is a superpower”. Thus, we strive to foster thriving learning environments in which all multilingual learners and their families have a sense of belonging and are known, respected and valued for the linguistic and cultural assets they bring to our community.

Each year, scholars in English learner programs across the state take the WIDA ACCESS assessment for English language proficiency. This state exam is administered to students in grades K-12 who have been identified as English learners and is an opportunity for students to demonstrate all the ways that they understand and can communicate in English. Results from the exam help schools understand how students are developing their social and academic English across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ACCESS testing is not graded, however results test scores help teachers track your child’s progress in learning academic English and help schools decide what English language support services to provide. Parents can also use test information to advocate for your child at school.

Our multilingual learners will be taking the WIDA ACCESS assessment in the next months. Check in with your child's school to determine specific testing dates.

Please help your child get plenty of rest, arrive on time, and do their best—we are proud of all the hard work our students show every day!

We are incredibly proud of our 12 Randolph High School scholars who successfully passed the World Language Seal of Biliteracy exam! This achievement recognizes students who have demonstrated high levels of fluency and literacy in a language other than English—an accomplishment that reflects dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to multilingualism and multiculturalism.

Passing this assessment is one step towards earning the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy Award upon graduation. This success is not only a milestone in their academic journey, but also a powerful asset for college, careers, and global citizenship. Please join us in celebrating our scholars for honoring their linguistic strengths and for showing that multilingualism is a true superpower!

Alicia Calixte - Haitian Creole and Spanish

Gia Nguyen - Vietnamese

Hung Nguyen - Vietnamese

Luud Jose - Haitian Creole and French

Max Guilloteau - Haitian Creole

Meylah Blanc - French

Nhu Bui - Vietnamese

Norshka Borgelin - Haitian Creole

Son Nguyen - Vietnamese

Thales Moreira de Oliveira - Portuguese

Thang Hoang - Vietnamese

Victoria Chery - Haitian Creole and French

Why the Seal of Biliteracy Matters

The Seal of Biliteracy is more than a recognition—it’s a valuable achievement for students who can read, write, speak, and understand two or more languages. Earning the Seal:

• Celebrates students’ cultural and linguistic strengths

• Provides a special distinction on high school transcripts and diplomas

• Can lead to college credit or advanced placement in language courses

• Gives students a competitive edge for careers in a global job market

• Builds confidence and pride in their multilingual identities

Students who missed the qualifying score by only one language domain will have an opportunity to retake just that domain at the end of February. More details will be communicated soon.

Missed the sign up for this round? Not to worry! A second testing session will be offered in April. More details will be shared as we get closer to the dates.

Speaking more than one language can open doors around the world! Multilingual people can connect with more people, cultures, and opportunities—at school, at work, and in their communities.

Our district is proud to have Interpretation and Translation Specialists who support families by providing communication in the language you understand and prefer. These specialists help interpret during meetings and translate important school information so families can stay informed and involved. They are also available to support you in communicating with your child's school.

You have the right to request and receive school communications in your preferred language. This is a request you can make at any time. Our district and schools are responsible for making sure language is never a barrier to you or to your child’s education. If you need interpretation or translated materials, please contact your school or reach out to the Translation Department at one of the numbers listed below—we are here to support you and value the voices of all our families.

Students in our Adult ESL Academy celebrated the holidays by learning about and comparing different holiday traditions from cultures around the world in a festive event! Students shared stories, traditions, and cultures while practicing English in a welcoming and joyful space. Events like this celebrate our community’s diversity and show that learning a new language can be both meaningful and fun!

The English Language Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) is a group of parents, caregivers, and school staff who work together to support English learners in our schools. The council provides a space for families to share feedback, learn about school programs and resources, and help plan activities that celebrate our multilingual community. ELPAC ensures that families’ voices guide decisions that affect their children’s education.

We value our families, and your experiences and ideas matter. By joining the English Language Parent Advisory Council, you can help shape programs, events, and supports for our multilingual learners. This is a meaningful way to share your voice, connect with other families, and partner with the school to ensure every student has what they need to thrive.

For more information, contact the ML Department at 781-961-6220 x1535 or email the Assistant Director for Multilingual Learning, Kait Zanzerkia, at zanzerkiak@randolph.k12.ma.us.