The CPCSC English Language Learners (ELL) program recently held their first Multicultural Family Literacy Night. ELL services are available to all CPCSC students whose primary language is not English. Our district is culturally and linguistically diverse, with more than 20 languages represented. Currently, our ELL program serves 254 students who speak a wide variety of languages including Spanish, Macedonian, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Polish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and others.

Held at the Crown Point Library, the Multicultural Family Literacy Night was an opportunity for students and their families to take a reading trip around the world, “visiting” five continents. Before setting out on their “trip,” everyone made a passport.

In North America, Thanksgiving was in the air, and the participants made their own gratitude trees, writing all the things they are grateful for. In South America, families played a fun-filled la Lotería game, learning some Spanish words and winning prizes. While visiting Asia, travelers learned about Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, and made their own diya, or a clay lamp, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Next, families had to solve European literature-themed riddles and discover a secret message. The trip ended in  Africa, where everybody enjoyed delicious food and refreshments. 

Each “continent” was filled with books in different languages that our multilingual families could read with their children. Students left with free books to provide them the opportunity to continue strengthening their bilingual literacy skills with help from their parents or guardians.

Involving parents in education is an important part of the district’s ELL program. ELL District Specialist Anna Retzlaff says that “Parent involvement is crucial for the academic success of multilingual learners, so we take steps to involve the families and support them on their student’s path to English language proficiency.” The ELL team’s mission is to collaboratively support and develop language learners who are socially and academically prepared to meet their educational and post-secondary goals.