VIEW GALLERY: Multilingual Learning Family Night at Saltonstall School
The Multilingual Learner Department held its second annual Multilingual Learner Family Night Thursday, Mar. 14, from 6-7:30pm at the Saltonstall School auditorium. The ML department provided information to more than 100 families on summer programming options, registration for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Salem Public Schools’ Dual Language Program. Teachers were on hand and showcased student work and connected with families to build community. Pizza and popcorn was served and families had a chance to get to know other families, teachers, and staff across our schools in a celebration of our large and growing multilingual learner community.
Salem Public Schools is grateful to all of the families that attend our schools and hopes this event was another step towards making sure they feel informed, validated, and have the opportunity to connect with other families and staff.
One of the highlights of the evening was having Monika Carcani, herself a parent of two SPS children and Chairperson of the English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC), share about the ELPAC and encourage families to join.
“We have a wonderful population of Multilingual Learner students and families, that is large and growing daily,” said André Fonseca, Director of Multilingual Learner Education. “This event serves as a way to make sure they are kept up-to-date on the latest offerings the District provides. We strive to do this in a way that is community-oriented and joyful for families. Providing them the opportunity to participate in an event that is held in multiple languages gives families, students, and staff the chance to come together and celebrate the progress their students have made while also looking forward to new opportunities they can participate in Salem.”
Taylor MacDonald, the Director of Out of School time, presented to families on summer programming options and how to register for summer programs. Sayonara Reyes and Yari Acevedo from the Parent Information Center provided information to families on how to register for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and the Dual Language program lotteries. Julio Mota, from the City of Salem, shared information on free Easter meals available to families while Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike attended and connected with families one-on-one.
Director Fonseca recognizes the special contributions that all families, teachers, and staff made to the evening, and would like to give a special shout-out to our Chairperson Carcani and to organizers Luz Villarreal and Daylin Muñoz, who graciously volunteered to plan and organize the ML Family events with Mr. Fonseca.
