English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Program Director: Beverly Catlin, Coordinator of Instruction
(434)245-2421
Beverly.Catlin@ccs.k12.va.us
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is designed to teach English to non-native speakers so that they may acquire the language and communication skills necessary to participate successfully in the mainstream classroom from kindergarten through grade twelve. Our ESL population includes refugees, immigrants, and children of staff affiliated with the University of Virginia. The student's home culture is appreciated and the culture of the United States is explained.
Volunteers Needed …
for ESL K-12 classrooms. Please call Cherry Stewart, ESL Special Counselor at 245-2815 for current openings in elementary, upper-elementary, middle and high school classrooms.
The program is designed to help students develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the English language as well as to assist students in adapting to a new culture. Language and culture taught in the program reinforce skills and concepts taught in all areas of the regular curriculum. Instruction designed to meet the needs of students at various English proficiency levels is offered in all schools, and includes all linguistic minority groups.
Children Served
Limited English proficient students in grades K–12
Services Offered
Eligible LEP students are provided with instructional support to build sufficient English skills to function effectively in regular classes and adjust to the American school system. They are assigned to programs based on their level of native-language literacy, academic level and level of English literacy. Opportunities are designed to assist students from a variety of educational backgrounds and to help students improve English proficiency and progress in subject areas. A comprehensive continuum of services is offered to ESL students in the Charlottesville City Schools.
ESL Staff
- Charlottesville High School 245-2410
- Joseph Gallagher
Tina Vasquez
Luke Fischer - Buford Middle School 245-2411
- Gail Heard
Renata Germino (half-time) - Walker Upper-Elementary 245-2412
- Solène Thomas-Blatt
Renata Germino (half-time) - Burnley-Moran Elementary School 245-2413
- Tracy Schwandt-Hardley (half-time)
- Clark Elementary School 245-2414
- Barbara Brannock (part-time)
- Greenbrier Elementary School 245-2415
- Tom Connaughton
Kari Miller - Jackson-Via Elementary School 245-2416
- Lisa Utz
Tracy Schwandt-Hardley (half-time) - Johnson Elementary School 245-2417
- April Hoffman
Leslie Scally (half-time) - Venable Elementary School 245-2418
- Barbara Brannock (part-time)
- ESL Special Counselor - ESL Registration 245-2815
- Cherry Stewart
Leaving the ESL Program
When ESL Program students meet established proficiency levels in oral and written English and are performing satisfactorily in their regular classes, they can discontinue ESL instruction. Their performance continues to be monitored, however, and they may be re-enrolled, if they need additional help.