English Learners

English Learners (EL)/ Multilingual Learner (ML)

The Rocky Hill Public Schools English Learner/ Multilingual Learner Program, formerly called English Language Learners (ELL) and English as a Second Language (ESOL), serves students identified as English learners. We examine the needs of each student as an individual, providing instructional support accordingly. We recognize the tremendous advantages of bilingualism and biculturalism, and we celebrate the diversity the families bring to our community! In this section of the website you will find resources for parents of EL/ ML students and also for the EL/ ML students themselves.

On January 3, 2024, the State Board of Education adopted the "Parent Bill of Rights for English Learners/Multilingual Learners." This document explains the rights parents have to language access and affirms the access that ELs/MLs students have to grade level content, language instruction programs, and interventions. This document has been translated into the 16 most commonly used languages in Connecticut. For more information, please visit the Parent Bill of Rights for English Learners/Multilingual Learners page available on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.

The EL/ ML Program helps students to develop their proficiency in English, and to succeed alongside their peers in the classroom. EL/ ML Staff look carefully at the strengths and needs of each individual student and plan EL/ ML services accordingly. In many cases, this involves a combination of support within the classroom (called “push-in”), and focused instruction in the EL/ ML room (called “pull-out”). While we emphasize vocabulary development, we address all language areas (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in compliance with current research and all state and federal mandates.

Join the school's parent organization.
Serve as a parent volunteer.
Attend school events, such as field trips, assemblies, plays, and concerts.
Attend parent-teacher conferences to review report cards and progress of your child.
send emails/letters and have phone conversations with your child's teachers. express concerns or ask questions.
Help your child obtain a public library card and visit the library frequently. Public libraries have books and other media to borrow, as well as programs to promote literacy.
In your interactions with the school, do not hesitate to ask for translation services, if needed.
Reading to or with your child in any language everyday increases their vocabulary and encourage him/her to read daily.

Be the Role model: Share stories of your own educational experiences, as well as family history, and topics of interests. Ask your children about their school.