The Sandwich Public Schools English Language Education (ELE) Program is committed to ensuring that every Multilingual Learner has equitable access to a high-quality education through the Massachusetts Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) model.

We provide rigorous English language development instruction, collaborate with SEI-endorsed educators to make grade-level curriculum accessible, and partner with families to support every student's academic, linguistic, and social-emotional growth.

Our program champions culturally and linguistically responsive practices, supports newcomers and Students with Interrupted or Limited Formal Education (SLIFE), and provides ongoing professional learning for educators to strengthen instruction for multilingual learners.

Together, we celebrate languages, embrace cultures, remove barriers to learning, and empower every student to achieve academic excellence, develop confidence, and become lifelong learners who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

Sandwich Public Schools follows all requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and provides services through the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) model.

In Massachusetts, learning English does not mean being separated from academic learning. Instead, students develop English while continuing to learn rigorous grade-level curriculum alongside their English-speaking peers.

Our instructional model combines:

• English Language Development (ESL) instruction provided by licensed ESL teachers.
• Sheltered content instruction delivered by SEI-endorsed classroom teachers using research-based instructional strategies that make grade-level curriculum understandable while promoting English language development.
• Ongoing collaboration between ESL teachers and classroom teachers to ensure appropriate accommodations, language supports, and equitable access to instruction.

At Forestdale School and Oak Ridge School, English language instruction is typically provided through a pull-out model. Students receive targeted instruction individually or in small groups with peers at similar English proficiency levels. Service frequency and duration are determined according to each student's English proficiency level and educational needs.

As students become more proficient in English, services are adjusted while maintaining access to challenging academic content and grade-level expectations.

At Sandwich Public Schools, we envision a community where every multilingual learner is empowered to thrive academically, linguistically, socially, and culturally. We believe multilingualism is a strength that enriches our schools and prepares students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged global citizens. Through high expectations, equitable opportunities, and meaningful partnerships with families, we inspire every student to reach their fullest potential and succeed in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

At Sandwich Public Schools, we believe multilingualism is a strength and cultural diversity enriches every classroom.

Our commitment extends beyond teaching English. We are dedicated to empowering multilingual learners, partnering with families, supporting educators, and creating schools where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed.

Together, we celebrate languages, embrace cultures, and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

Learning a new language is a gradual process that develops over several years.

The ELE Program supports students as they develop both:

Social English (BICS) – the everyday language students use to communicate with friends, participate in conversations, and navigate daily school life.

Academic English (CALP) – the language needed to understand classroom instruction, read complex texts, write across content areas, solve problems, participate in academic discussions, and demonstrate learning.

Because conversational English often develops more quickly than academic English, students may continue receiving ELE services even after they appear fluent in everyday communication.

Every multilingual learner brings a unique educational journey.

Some students arrive with strong academic backgrounds in their home language, while others are newcomers who have experienced interrupted or limited formal education due to migration, displacement, or other circumstances.

Sandwich Public Schools is committed to identifying and supporting Students with Interrupted or Limited Formal Education (SLIFE). These students may require additional support in developing foundational literacy, numeracy, academic vocabulary, and school routines while simultaneously learning English.

The ELE Department collaborates with classroom teachers, interventionists, special educators, school counselors, and administrators to develop individualized instructional plans, monitor student progress, and implement evidence-based practices that support long-term academic success.

Our goal is to ensure that every newcomer feels welcomed, develops a sense of belonging, and has equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities regardless of previous educational experiences.

The ELE Department serves not only students, but also educators throughout the district.

We provide ongoing professional learning, coaching, consultation, and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure Multilingual Learners receive equitable access to instruction and meaningful participation in every classroom.

Professional learning topics include:

• Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) instructional practices
• WIDA English Language Development Standards
• Supporting newcomer students
• Supporting Students with Interrupted or Limited Formal Education (SLIFE)
• Second language acquisition
• Social English versus Academic English
• Effective classroom accommodations and scaffolds
• Differentiating instruction while maintaining high academic expectations
• Culturally responsive teaching practices
• Building welcoming and inclusive classrooms
• Collaborating with multilingual families

The ELE Department regularly partners with classroom teachers to review student progress, recommend instructional strategies and accommodations, co-plan lessons when appropriate, and ensure that multilingual learners have full access to grade-level curriculum.

Families are essential partners in their child's education.

The ELE Department works closely with multilingual families throughout their educational journey by helping them understand school procedures, educational programs, available services, and district expectations.

We assist families with:

• School registration
• Home Language Surveys
• Interpretation and translation requests
• Parent-teacher conferences
• School meetings
• ACCESS testing information
• Program placement and services
• School communication
• Connecting families with school and community resources

The ELE Department also serves as a liaison between schools and multilingual families, helping ensure clear communication, meaningful partnerships, and a positive school experience for every child.

Our goal is to ensure every family feels welcomed, informed, respected, and empowered to participate fully in their child's education.

Each year, Multilingual Learners participate in ACCESS for ELLs, Massachusetts' annual English language proficiency assessment.

ACCESS measures students' progress in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Assessment results help educators plan instruction, determine appropriate English language services, and monitor students' language growth over time.

Students remain eligible for ELE services until they meet Massachusetts' exit criteria. After exiting the program, former Multilingual Learners are monitored for four years to ensure continued academic success.

Sandwich Public Schools is committed to meaningful communication with every family.

Language access services include:

• Professional interpretation services through KeyLingo
• Live interpreters for meetings, conferences, and school events
• Translation of important school documents
• Bilingual staff members, when available

Families may request interpretation or translation services at any time by contacting their child's school.

ParentSquare is the district's primary communication platform.

Families may select their preferred language within the ParentSquare app or website. Once selected, school communications are automatically translated into their preferred language.

ParentSquare also supports two-way communication. Families may write messages in their home language, which are translated into English for school staff. Likewise, messages written by school staff are translated into the family's preferred language, helping ensure effective communication and strong partnerships between home and school.

Parents and guardians have the right to:

• Receive interpretation and translation services.
• Request translated written communications whenever available.
• Request an interpreter for meetings and conferences.
• Decline direct ESL instruction (opt out).

Students who opt out remain identified as Multilingual Learners under Massachusetts regulations and continue participating annually in ACCESS for ELLs until they meet state exit criteria.

The ELE Program believes that multilingualism and multiculturalism strengthen our entire school community.

Throughout the year, the department sponsors initiatives that encourage students to learn about, appreciate, and celebrate the many languages and cultures represented throughout Sandwich Public Schools.

At Sandwich Middle High School, students participate in Intercâmbio, a multicultural student club that meets during the school day, allowing greater student participation.

Students celebrate cultures from around the world, share traditions, discuss global topics, and develop leadership skills through student-led presentations, cultural celebrations, and collaborative projects. Club members help select the themes and activities, making each year's experience meaningful and student-centered.

Oak Ridge students have the opportunity to participate in World Explorers, an after-school enrichment club that introduces children to countries and cultures around the world.

Through hands-on activities, music, literature, geography, language exploration, traditional foods, art, and cultural celebrations, students develop curiosity, global awareness, empathy, and appreciation for diversity while "traveling" the world without leaving school.

These experiences help foster inclusion, respect, cultural understanding, and lifelong appreciation for the diverse communities that make up our world.

Oak Rid