English Language Learners

Dear English Language Learner Families:

As we continue to navigate towards the goal of the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings, the Gloucester Public Schools’ English Language Learner Program (ELL) continues to support and assist students as they learn English as a second language. It is our goal that all ELL students acquire sufficient skills in English to enable them to participate fully in the regular education program with supportive ESL services as necessary.

ELL programming fosters grade-level social and academic language proficiency and mastery of state content-area standards, while simultaneously building on and celebrating students' cultural, linguistic and educational backgrounds, practices, and experiences.

Our Guiding Principles:

1. Effective programs that provide equitable access and are based on both standards and current research.

2. Effective instruction that meets the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.

3. Effective on-going family engagement to ensure student success.

4. Effective professional development opportunities to improve teaching through the integration of language and standards based instruction.

Gloucester Public Schools’ ELL programs strive to engage students and families by providing information, resources and support for enhancing family and community partnerships. GPS fosters a positive readily accessible community support system; to ensure that families, students and community members have ample opportunities to access resources and information enabling children to reach their full potential.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 978-281-9815 or ccastle@gloucesterschools.com

Thank you for your time and continued support

Christine Castle

ELL Director