For Immediate Release

January 25, 2013

PR 06513-Multicultural Night and ESL Meeting    

                               

 

ESL teacher Rona Johnson presents student Stefani Lopez Ilescas with an ESL Program Graduation Certificate.

Glassboro ESL Program Parent Night and Multicultural Night Encourage Community Involvement

             GLASSBORO – Glassboro Schools’ ELL (English Language Learner) students and their parents joined others throughout the Glassboro School District on January 17 for a Multicultural Night that coincided with an ESL (English as a Second Language) Program Parent Night. This is the second year that the district has combined the two events at the same location to encourage attendance. The combination proved successful in boosting turnout at the parent night.

            “We had our biggest turn out ever,” remarked Rona Johnson, an ESL teacher in the Glassboro School District.

            Multicultural Night kicked-off at 5:30 p.m. at Glassboro High School with a long buffet table of international food contributed by students, families and faculty. Community guests enjoyed the opportunity to share conversation as well as their family recipes.

            “Glassboro is a diverse community, and we like to celebrate our diversity. Nothing made me happier than to see the strong showing of families in our program,” said Superintendent Mark Silverstein, Ed.D.

            “It gave them a chance to see that Glassboro School District is not just an educational avenue, but a resource for them to learn about opportunities available to their families. It was also a fun evening because we had the opportunity to sample various ethnic delights. I was amazed at the number of delicious dishes that I sampled for the first time,” he added.

            Glassboro’s  Multicultural Night showcased voice, dance and instrumental performances by student groups. Students Melanie Beebe and Mike Gillespie hosted the show. Selections included the:  National Anthem, Irish Suite, Korean Pop Dance, Señora Salsa and Island Holiday, Vois  sur ton Chemin (a French song composed by Bruno Coulais), Trinidadian/African Dance Mix, Libertango, Avant Qu’elle Parte French Song, Traditional Italian Dancing, Bachata Dance, Japanese Pop Dance, Skye Boat Song and Mairi’s Wedding Scottish Instrumental, Reggaeton Dance, and a Rap about the Spain Trip. The district’s rich diversity was reflected in videos and Powerpoints produced by teachers Marilyn Appel,  Maureen Morrison, Esther Mas and their ELL and World Language/Cultures students.

            The ESL Program Parent Night gave the district an opportunity to share  school and community information with families. School nurse Marian Dunn spoke about immunizations and other school health topics. The program  featured desserts along with a question and answer session and a parent survey. Parents, students, teachers and administrators celebrated the accomplishments of ELL graduates (those who have completed their ESL coursework).  

            The evening resulted from a collaboration of  the Glassboro High School World Language, Art and Music Department and the district ESL and World Cultures/Languages faculty. Grant funding has enabled the district to host family nights throughout the school year.

            Danielle Sochor, director of curriculum and personnel, remarked, “Our ESL Program Parent Nights have been an effective way to reach out to our families and support them through their children’s education. This support group allows our families to interact with one another in their native languages while learning about our educational program. The program embodies a cohesiveness by involving each individual and allowing parents to share their experiences with other stakeholders.”

            More pictures of the evening appear below: