Multilingual Mustangs
January/February 2023
Our Purpose
To communicate up-to-date information and strategies on English Learner instruction with all stakeholders at Russell Cave Elementary.
Our Mission
Ensure a positive, all inclusive environment by providing our linguistically and culturally diverse students with research-based strategies, accommodations, and culturally responsive instruction to promote success in and out of the classroom.
RCE EL Happenings and Celebrations
ACCESS Time
It is ACCESS time at RCE! Testing is well underway and off to a great start! This assessment tests our students English Language Proficiency. Each student must test in the following 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. As you know this is a HUGE test for our school and students. We will still be in to support you and students in the classroom as much as possible. Thank you for being flexible with the EL team as we are in and out of classrooms pulling students as we can.
The ACCESS Window is open from January 6th-February 17th.
K/1
Students are showing off their writing skills!
2/3
Students are practicing their speaking and writing skills in an ELD small group.
4/5
Students are practicing their speaking skills with a focus on using academic vocabulary.
Families/Familia
NTI Days
With winter upon us, we must be prepared for any inclement weather days. Your child's homeroom teacher will assign work for those days. We (the EL teacher) will be available along with the homeroom teachers on zoom for office hours from 8-10. Office hours are open for students to get help or ask any questions about the work they are assigned for the day. You may also reach out to us through dojo or email with any questions or concerns.
K/1 grades- irina.boyechko@fayette.kyschools.us
2/3 grades- austin.bird@fayette.kyschools.us
4/5 grades- andrea.lucas@fayette.kyschools.us
Family Engagement WIDA Resources
Attached is a link for WIDA family resources. Included is an ACCESS Parent information sheet and a Family Activity booklet both in EspaƱola for you to check out! We believe that a strong Parent-Teacher team helps drives student success. We thank you for all you do to help your student at home in their learning. Please let us know how we can help you and your child.
DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging ) News
Multicultural and Multilingual Month
January is Multicultural and Multilingual Month. Check out this link with facts and stats regarding the diversity here in FCPS. It also gives some activity ideas to celebrate in your classrooms.
Equity Champions
The district DEIB team is calling for monthly nominations of staff and students showing inclusion and equity at each school. RCE's nominations Carolina Brock and Kimberly Higareda (5th grade) were district winners for December. Carolina always goes above and beyond to ensure our students and families' basic needs are met. Kimberly was nominated as someone who is kind to all of her peers making everyone feel included.
If you would like to nominate a staff member or student please email me at andrea.lucas@fayette.kyschools. February names will be due by Feb. 25th.
Teacher Resources
Valentino Gonzalez- EL Guru
If you have not heard of or checked out Valentino Gonzalez resources, you should! She has recently written the book Reading & Writing with English Learners. I have a copy if you would like to borrow and read! Below is a link to her website with articles and resources for educators.
Twelve Things Teachers Can Do to Support ELL Success in the New Year
Click here to read a quick article from Colorin Colorado. It is a brand new semester, let's kick it off strong! :)