'Familias' welcomed at Pearson School

WINSTED — It was a night to celebrate familias at Pearson Middle School on Thursday, Dec. 9, when the school hosted a bilingual family night.

The event was held to bring together families who have English Language Learners (ELL) students who attend the three schools in the district.

More than 50 people, including ELL teachers, students, parents and family members, attended the event. A pasta dinner was served as attendees discussed school district resources and celebrated the achievements of students who are in the program.

“We’re looking at this event as a way to get parents involved with the school district’s activities,� Pearson Middle School Principal Clay Krevolin said. “I’ve been involved with education for 24 years and I usually find the best way to get parental involvement is to showcase student’s work.�

Krevolin estimated that there are about 26 students currently enrolled in the district’s ELL program.

Brunhilda Seaton, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for the fifth grade, said the district’s ELL program can open doors not just for students, but their families as well.

“We want to let families know that they can communicate with others locally who knows their language,� Seaton said. “Sometimes people who do not know English are afraid to speak up. We want people to know that we are here to help them.�

Seventh- and eighth-grade ELL teacher Sandra Garcia agreed with Seaton and said advocacy for both students and their families are important for the district’s ELL program.

“It’s also important for students to relate to culture and not just assimilate to their new culture in America,� Garcia said. “It’s important for children to identify with people and their customs.�