Skip To Main Content

ENL parents learn information about NYSESLAT Exams at meet and greet and information session

ENL parents listening to presentation
ENL parents learn information about NYSESLAT Exams at meet and greet and information session

Parents of English as a New Language (ENL) students at Graham School visited the school on Wednesday for a meet and greet with Parent Liaison Veronica Graham and a New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) information session.

 “The purpose of this meeting was to hold a meet and greet with our ENL families and the parent liaison, as well as to provide the families with information about the NYSESLAT exam, both the format and process,” said Sherry Solomon, ENL teacher at Graham. “Ms. Graham had a great idea of bringing our ENL families together for an event geared towards making them feel welcome in our school.  We decided to combine it with our annual NYSESLAT presentation, so our students’ parents could gain a better understanding of how to support their children academically.” 

Ms. Solomon and Erin Langton, who is also an ENL teacher at Graham, gave a presentation to explain testing expectations and procedures, and parents were given a NYSESLAT information brochure to take home.

Spanish and Arabic interpreters provided translation via Zoom, and a Haitian Creole interpreter translated in person. All parents were able to receive translated information to better prepare themselves and their children for testing. NYSESLAT testing will begin when students return from spring recess.

Ms. Graham also shared information about the Parent Resource Center and other supports and programs offered by the District. Another purpose for the meet and greet was to connect parents to other families who speak the same language and build the school community, making them feel welcome coming to Graham School. Parents shared how happy they were that they took the opportunity to attend the meeting.

“We were talking to one of the parents and she said that she has not come to any school events because she has been nervous about the language barrier, but she made herself come today, and she is so happy that she did,” said Ms. Langton. “She said it was the best decision of her life!”

ENL parents viewing presentation
Parents listening to presentation

 

A group of children, some dressed in festive attire, sitting on the floor in front of a decorated stage with a Santa Claus figure and a Christmas-themed backdrop.
Groove Phi Groove brings Santa to Graham School for a special visit

Graham School was thrilled to welcome a special visit from Santa and his elf from Groove Phi Groove! Scholars had an unforgettable time filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer. Graham School is proud to have alumni who continue to give back and support their school community in such fun and engaging ways.

Student writing letter to veteran.
Students write letters to veterans during the holiday season at Graham School

Graham School students in second, third, and fourth grade wrote heartfelt letters to soldiers during their resource class to express their gratitude this holiday season. The letters will be delivered through Operation Gratitude, an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting troops serving around the world.

A group of students in their classroom holding up signs.
Graham School third graders bring history to life with their own parade!

Third-grade students at Graham School have been diving into the fascinating history behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade through the book "Balloons Over Broadway" by Melissa Sweet. In Mariah Seebold's, Diana Manganiello's and Luisamaria D’Aversa's classes, they explored how Tony Sarg’s creativity and engineering skills transformed the parade into the iconic celebration we know today.

Principal posing with students of the month.
Graham School celebrates kindness and respect while honoring students of the month

This month, Graham School proudly recognized their September Students of the Month for demonstrating kindness toward others. These students remind us each day that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our school community. 💫 

Graham also celebrated October Students of the Month for showing respect — treating others with care, listening thoughtfully, and helping create a positive learning environment for everyone. 🙌