Welcome to Office of ELL and Multilingual Programs
There are 1492 emerging bilingual students enrolled in the English Language programs in Waltham Public Schools. These students represent 35 languages! WPS ESL teachers are actively instructing with anti-racist pedagogy to dismantle systems of oppression. Our staff build on the strengths of students and advocate for equitable access for all.
Office of ELL and Multilingual Programs Team
2021 ELL and Bilingual Department Vision and Mission
Vision
The WPS ELL and Bilingual Department is committed to building on the strengths of students. We advocate for equitable access to and participation in school and community opportunities, including the Seal of Biliteracy, Waltham community partners, school-based clubs, sports, and activities. Our bilingual students engage in high-quality instruction in a community that is culturally responsive.
Mission
The ELL and Bilingual Department supports the Waltham Public Schools Mission through three pillars.
Academic:
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Integrate language and content through research-based high quality instruction.
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Promote English language development and biliteracy aligned with WIDA standards.
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Activate and build on prior knowledge through culturally responsive pedagogy.
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Foster independence through the consistent application of learning strategies.
Cultural:
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Value and cultivate first language and home culture.
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Bridge from first to second languages.
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Respect differences and facilitate engaged academic conversations about culture, race, and language.
Socioemotional:
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Create a positive learning environment where students make personal connections.
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Make connections and build trust.
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Serve as a bridge to the community and larger society by participating in community service.
Bilingual English Language Learners Parent Advisory Committee
The English learner parent advisory council (ELPAC) is made up of parents and legal guardians of English learners. Membership is voluntary and is open to all parents and legal guardians of students who are or have been identified as English learners.
The mission of the Waltham ELPAC is to work to promote multilingual and multicultural values for all students. We will welcome and support the families of new English language learners into the Waltham community. To that end, members will work to:
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Promote a network of parents of multilingual children, and provide a forum to share information.
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Advise the School Committee, Superintendent, and the Directors of English Language Learning on the development and evaluation of programs, long range planning, district-wide policy decisions, and the budget for English Language Learning.
B/ELPAC Monthly Meetings
Hablamos en español, Kreyòl Ayisyen, português y otros idiomas que se necesitan. Nos reunimos de 6:30 - 8:00.
September B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, September 28 ·
Martes 28 septiembre, 2021
6:30 – 8:00pm
October B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, October 26 ·
Martes 26, Octubre 2021
6:30 – 8:00pm
November B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, November 30 ·
Martes 30, Noviembre 2021
6:30 – 8:00pm
December B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, December 14 ·
Martes 14, Diciembre 2021
6:30 – 8:00pm
January B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Martes 25, Enero 2022
6:30 a 8:00pm
February B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, February 22, 2022 ·
Martes 22, Febrero 2022
6:30 – 8:00pm
March B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, March 29, 2022 ·
Martes 29, Marzo 2022
6:30 a 8:00pm
April B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 ·
Martes 26, abril 2022
6:30 a 8:00pm
May B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Martes 17, mayo 2022
6:30 a 8:00pm
June B/ELPAC meeting
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Martes 7, junio 2022
6:30 a 8:00pm
Parent Liaisons
Each school in WPS has their own parent liaison who can help to welcome incoming families to schools. If you have questions for your parent liaison, please contact your child's schools.
Waltham High School
Stephania Grijalba
(781)-839-9186
Kennedy Middle School
Federica Concepcion
(781) 296-5168
McDevitt Middle School
Ruth Ramirez
(781) 472-9420
FitzGerald Elementary
Rosa Halleran
(781) 330-1323
MacArthur Elementary
Aura Veliz
(781) 392-7607
Northeast Elementary
Abigail Torres
(781) 354-3047
Plympton Elementary
Margarita Grande
(857) 266-1226
Stanley Elementary
Stephania Grijalba
(781)-839-9186
Whittemore Elementary
Paula Mendoza & Darlene Molina
(781) 319-1656
Dual Language Program
Maria Vaquerano & Adela Escobar
(781) 492-4473