Accomplishments of Adult English Language Learners Celebrated

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Record Number: 17151
Displayed from: May 29, 2018 , until: Jul 29, 2018

The accomplishments of 280 adult students learning English as a new language will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, in the auditorium at the Bill C. Anthis Center, 1200 S. Barr St.

Fort Wayne Community Schools students speak more than 70 languages so it is not surprising the adult ELL program would have a diverse population as well. For the ceremony, many will wear their native dress, and flags representing the students’ first country will decorate the stage. 

“This celebration is an opportunity to recognize adult learners for taking on the challenge of learning English,” said Pat Boles, Fort Wayne Community Schools Continuing Education Manager. “It is also a time to celebrate their heritage and accomplishments made during the 2017-18 school year.”

Students have attended ELL classes for two hours a day, five days a week since August to enhance their English language skills in reading, writing and speaking; learn citizenship skills; and develop workforce preparation skills to become productive students, citizens and workers within the Allen County community. The classes are also an opportunity to transition to the Fort Wayne community by learning about the culture and history of the United States.

“Students come to our classes for many reasons: to speak English to get a better job; to help study for citizenship; to talk to community members, including doctors and their children’s teachers; to get into college and post-secondary institutions; and for personal growth and enjoyment,” Boles said. “The classes provide a vital service for the community and are free to all who wish to improve their English acquisition, citizenship, and workforce preparation skills.”

For more information on enrollment, contact the Fort Wayne Community Schools Continuing Education Program at 467-1060.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.