Gardner schools celebrate English Language Learners graduation: what does this mean?
It was an evening of games, music, food, and laughter at the Gardner Elementary School on Tuesday, as family members, friends, and teachers gathered to celebrate the over 30 students who graduated from district’s English Language Learners, ELL, program.
Graduates of the program are deemed proficient enough in English to attend classes without the support of ELL teachers, officials said.
The annual event marked the second year that graduation ceremonies for the program, which includes students in grades K through 12, have been held at the Gardner Elementary School. For several years, the event was held at the former Waterford St. School building.
“This is our end-of-year celebration, where we invite the parents to come in and bring a potluck dinner, and we are recognizing the students who have met the criteria to exit the ELL program,” said Lori Simpson, director of multi-lingual learners.
Over 200 families and friends attended graduation event
Over 200 people showed up at the school’s cafeteria to watch the 34 students receive a certificate of completion from the Gardner Public School district.
More: Photos: 620 students graduate from MWCC during school's 59th commencement ceremony
“Honestly, it’s just so great to see so many smiling faces, and to see the kids celebrating their success and their participation in the program – and it also creates that sense of community,” said Dr. Mark Pellegrino, superintendent of Gardner Public Schools.
It is a tradition at the ELL end-of-year celebration for families to bring in a dish that is reflective of their culture to the potluck dinner. Among the edible offerings at the event were Sandwichitos from Puerto Rico, Basaml pasta from Egypt, and Assado de Atum (tuna cakes) and Bolo Cremoso de Milho (creamy corn cake) from Brazil.
Graduation event an opportunity for families and teachers to meet
Erica Corrall, the district’s family services and translations coordinator, said the event was an opportunity for students and their families to celebrate their accomplishments.
“They’ve come here from another country, not knowing the language, but coming here and learning it, and now they get to graduate and get their certificate,” Corrall said. “And this (celebration) is a great way for their families to see their child’s accomplishment, and they also get to see friends and families that they wouldn’t normally meet. They get to meet here and talk about their children.”
Everyone who attended the event was invited to enter to win a variety of themed gift baskets. Among the baskets being raffled off were a ‘Summer Fun’ basket, which included a frisbee and butterfly nets, a sports-themed basket, a collection of restaurant gift cards, and some passes to see the Worcester Bravehearts.
“It’s just a night for families to get together, talk to each other, and the teachers will be here, so they can ask questions of the teachers,” Corrall said. “It’s a very fun event for the families.”
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Gardner English Language Learners program graduates 34 students
