Annual gathering connects English Language Learners across the District

More than 35 languages are spoken across the Colonial School District, and many of them could be heard at the annual Family Engagement Night for English Language Learners and their families.

While each school hosts its own gatherings throughout the year for students who are new to speaking English, the districtwide Family Engagement Night focuses on bringing everyone together and celebrating the many voices that make up the Colonial community.

“It really is the highlight of our entire year,” said Joe Pacitti, curriculum supervisor for English Language Development.

The event features games, arts and crafts, open gym time, food, and a giveaway of gently used books and board games.

Vaishali Patel attended the event for the second year in a row with her children. “My favorite thing is the environment,” she said. “It feels very welcoming, and I know the kids love it.”

The evening is co-organized and staffed by teachers and students from the English Language Development department and by students in Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The IB Programme emphasizes global awareness, independent thinking, and student-driven learning. As part of IB, students complete at least 70 hours of Language and Cultural Studies. Planning for Family Engagement Night helps fulfill that requirement.

PWHS junior Eleanor Hormell, one of the IB project managers, was impressed by the turnout. “When I got here, there were already a lot of people, and that was really exciting,” she said. “I like being able to bring people together.”

Rebecca Hepler, an IB and English Language Development teacher, said the event also gives students a meaningful opportunity to grow. “My favorite thing about the event is helping to empower students to take action and get to know people in their community that they may not have seen before or had a relationship with.”

Community organizations, including the Hispanic Heritage Association, the Montgomery County Library network, and local social service agencies, also participated in the event.