Multilingual Newsletter
December 2021
From the Multilingual Learner's Office
Welcome to the December edition of the Multilingual Newsletter! It's hard to believe we are almost near the end of our first school semester! This month we have a series of holidays which are celebrated in many different cultures in unique ways! We aim for an inclusive experience where all of our students feel acknowledged and valued. We can do this by providing meaningful culturally relevant learning experiences in the classroom! Below are some ideas on how you can make this happen. Remember to reconnect with loved ones and practice self-care during the holiday season. This is a time to be thankful for our most valuable treasures... family and friends! As always, to all the teachers in the district, THANK YOU for all that you do!
Happy holidays! We hope you have an amazing winter break and a wonderful New Year!
Best,
Multilingual Learners Department
Here are some resources to help you plan for culturally responsive lessons!
Uncas Elementary News! The second graders wrote fairytales and shared them at a tea party. Here are some pictures of our MLL’s reading!
News...
- Please help us welcome the new EL teacher at Uncas Elem., Connie Magleby! Welcome aboard!
- This month we are getting ready to start the process for the LAS Links Assessments. This year LAS Links are scheduled to start on Jan. 3 to Mar. 4, 2021. Stay tuned for more information. LAS Links are basically the equivalent of state tests (SBAC) for ELs. We are in the process of getting ready for testing to start next month. All testing will be in person this year and it should run smoother. However, careful scheduling is the key factor for a successful delivery of assessments during the designated testing window.
- Language Line is now providing interpreter services for MLL to call into schools! Please see the flyer below!
- To ALL EL teachers... THANK YOU for your amazing commitment to making sure that all Multilingual Learners have access to learning. THANK YOU for being heroes!
Opportunities and Resources
In the past, elementary bilingual education, endorsement #902, authorized service in grades K-8. Middle grades bilingual endorsements authorized service in grades 4-8.
As of July 1, 2021:
• Bilingual elementary endorsement 902 now authorizes service in grades K-9.
• Bilingual middle grades endorsements now authorize service in grades 4-9.
Note that this applies to existing certificate holders as well as to new certificates issued after July 1.
- CT Teacher Residency Program- Resident Openings for the 2022–2023 School Year
Adult Ed would like to ask you to help us spread the word about two new offerings through Norwich Regional Adult Education. Two programs focused on serving our ESL population will be starting in November and we'd like to begin them with full enrollment.
- "Families Learning English" is a Family Literacy program which will be offered at four Norwich elementary schools: Bishop, Mahan, Uncas, Wequonnoc and also at Madonna Place beginning November 8. It runs twice a week from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be open houses next week at each site for families to join! Please spread the word!
- Citizenship Preparation will be offered online on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 beginning November 17. We will also be offering a Citizenship class in person at Otis Library starting in January.
Flyers are attached. Please help us to spread the word. Those interested should contact Adult Education for an appointment to register at 860 823 4299.
Contact Us!
Email: lrivera@norwichpublicschools.org
Website: https://www.norwichpublicschools.org/
Location: 90 Town Street, Norwich, CT, USA
Phone: 860-823-6284