The District’s English as a New Language (ENL) program faculty hosted their annual ENL Family Night at the Middle School last week. The buffet offered an incredible variety of dishes and desserts from around the globe, prepared by families, school staff, and donated by local restaurants. ENL teachers Lynn Bartlett, Amy Chapman, Olga Choedron, Shawn Doyle, and Rosemary Sharpe planned and executed the event, with support from High School teacher Rodrigo Castro and the Students of Color Alliance as well as teachers Bryan Krebs and Daryl Nelsen and the Diversity and Inclusion for Youth Club from the Middle School. Student and staff volunteers participated as greeters, interpreted for new English learners and their families, played games with children, and brought food. Lenape teachers Morgan Profaci and Francesca Houston provided arts and crafts for younger students and siblings, and Angelo Urrico from the District’s technology department assisted families with the Parent Portal and answered questions about technology. Other organizations who provided information and resources included Amnesty International, Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz Recreation Soccer, Ulster BOCES, and Ulster Immigrant Defense Network. 

 

Administrators, faculty, and staff worked together to serve food and connect with families and students providing an evening of smiles and fun.

 

Some special time was also dedicated to acknowledge ENL teacher Lynn Bartlett who will be retiring at the end of this school year after 31 years.