English as a New Language (ENL) Family Support
At the English as a New Language (ENL) Department, we understand that a student’s success is built on a strong partnership between school and home. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting not just our students, but also their families. We believe that when families are engaged and empowered, students are more likely to thrive academically and personally.
How We Support Families
Our ENL Family and Community Engagement Parent Liaisons Carlton Elouidor, Muskan Qaderi, Charlotte Uwimbabazi are here to help parents and guardians become active participants in their child’s education.
They offer:
- Parent Workshops and Information Sessions: Regular sessions that cover important topics such as understanding the school system, helping with homework, and advocating for your child’s educational needs.
- Cultural Integration and Community Building: Opportunities to connect with other families, share experiences, and build a support network. We encourage a sense of community where families can learn from and support one another.
- Bilingual Support: Our team is committed to maintaining open lines of communication in both English and your home language, ensuring that all families feel heard and understood.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: We provide bilingual assistance for conferences, ensuring that parents can participate fully in discussions about their child’s progress.
- Family Engagement Events: Throughout the year, we host events designed to bring families and the school together to celebrate student achievements and foster a sense of community.
Get Involved
We encourage families to be active partners in their child’s education. Whether it’s attending a workshop, volunteering, or simply staying in touch with our team, your involvement makes a difference. We’re here to help with any questions or concerns you may have along the way.
We Are Here for You
Our goal is to ensure that both students and families feel supported and confident as they navigate the educational journey. Please reach out to our team with any questions or to learn more about how we can assist you.
Together, we can create a strong foundation for your child’s success!
Resources for Families of ENL Students
These bilingual parent resources offer tips on helping your child learn to read, succeed in school, and learn a new language. They also provide information about the U.S. school system and share ideas on how to build a relationship with your child’s teacher and school. In addition, you can find fun reading tips and games, bilingual booklists, ideas for using the public library, and videos of children’s authors, illustrators, and musicians.
https://www.colorincolorado.org/families
The English Learner Family Toolkit was created to help families choose education services that meet their child’s needs.
https://ncela.ed.gov/educator-support/toolkits/family-toolkit
Free English language classes for non-native English speakers in central Indiana
https://indyreads.org/programs/english-language-learners-ell
Language Justice Policy
At the English as a New Language (ENL) Department, we are deeply committed to the principle of Language Justice. This means ensuring that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have the right to fully participate in their education, express themselves freely, and access resources in the language they are most comfortable with.
What is Language Justice?
Language Justice is the practice of ensuring parents can communicate effectively, understand information, and be understood using the language in which they feel most comfortable. Language justice is grounded in respect, inclusivity, and empowering all voices. It asserts that an individual’s preferred language should never be a barrier to their ability to fully participate in educational experiences and opportunities. It leverages cultural competency to honor an individual’s unique cultural experiences. It also actively challenges the idea that there is a dominant language because multiple languages can coexist within our society.
IPS School Board Language Policy Links
Our Commitment
To promote Language Justice, the ENL Department works tirelessly with other district departments and schools to:
- Provide Multilingual Access: We ensure that important information, including school communications, resources, and instruction, is available in multiple languages. This includes written materials, meetings, and events.
- Inclusive Instruction: Our district’s instructional deliveries and resources are designed to respect and integrate students’ cultural backgrounds to create a learning environment where diversity is celebrated.
- Bilingual Support: We offer bilingual staff, translators, and interpreters to assist students and families in navigating the school system and understanding academic requirements.
- Advocate for Linguistic Rights: We advocate for students’ and families’ right to communicate in their preferred language without facing discrimination or exclusion.
Why Language Justice Matters
- Equity in Education: Ensuring all students have access to educational resources and opportunities, regardless of the language they speak, is essential for achieving equity in education.
- Empowering Multilingual Learners: By recognizing and supporting students’ home languages, we empower them to excel academically and socially, fostering greater confidence and self-expression.
- Strengthening Community: Language Justice creates a more inclusive and welcoming school environment, where everyone—students, families, and educators—can connect and collaborate across language barriers.
How We Implement Language Justice
- Translation and Interpretation Services: We provide translation of school documents, reports, and important notices. Our interpretation services ensure that students and families can actively participate in meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school events.
- Language Justice Training: We train staff and educators on Language Justice principles, ensuring that they are aware of the importance of multilingual inclusion and are equipped with strategies to support it.
- Student Advocacy: We work directly with students to make sure their voices are heard and respected in any language they choose to use.
Partnering with Families
We believe that Language Justice extends beyond the classroom. We collaborate with families to ensure they are informed and involved in their child’s education, providing them with resources and support in their home languages.
Join Us in Promoting Language Justice
We invite students, families, educators, and community members to join us in our commitment to Language Justice. Together, we can create a learning environment where every language is honored, and every student can thrive.