Christina School District English language learners

In September, the Christina School District’s elementary English as a Second Language site moved from Brookside Elementary to West Park Place Elementary School in Newark, Delaware, which is now home to 58 elementary ESL students. These young pupils come from over 25 nations with a concentration from Arabic-speaking countries. Ms. Kalia Reynolds, the principal at West Park Elementary School, has led the shift effectively, enabling the program to make a smooth transition. West Park teachers also deserve credit for helping with these youngsters’ adjustment. As they hop off their buses and head to their homeroom classes, all students display happy smiles.

At a recent West Park open house, Ms. Reynolds told parents about the ESL program, emphasizing the partnership between West Park Place Elementary and the University of Delaware. Excited about their new location, ELI instructors Jan Hocking, (kindergarten through second grade) and Lisa Grimsley, (third through fifth grade) teach the elementary international pupils as they progress from the beginning through the advanced ESL classes. Madhav Kafle, a UD teaching assistant, along with Kristina Curtis and Della Hoffman, both student teachers from the MA TESL Program at UD, assist Hocking and Grimsley. Having the program at West Park offers many future opportunities for collaboration between West Park, the ELI and the University of Delaware.  • LG

Teacher Lisa Grimsley with her young language learners at Brookside Elementary School