tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66374569066738241982024-02-20T14:41:48.284-08:00English Language LearnersMrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-13077367762313924532016-10-05T14:07:00.000-07:002016-10-05T14:09:19.132-07:00Supporting LearningIt is great to be reunited with my returning students and I am enjoying getting to know my new students. Now that students are settling into school routines, families are searching for activities and resources that can be used to support learning.<br />
There are many ways to extend learning outside of the classroom. Reading and writing every day at home helps to strengthen literacy skills. Encourage your child to read to you as you prepare meals, utilize audio books and read bedtime stories. Creating shopping lists, writing in diaries or journals, sending postcards, email, writing letters and labelling art work are some writing activities that can be done at home.<br />
Below is a link to resources that you may find helpful:<br />
<a href="http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html"><span style="color: #e67200;">http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html</span></a> <br />
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Teachers and families can support students both in and out of the classroom!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-35938680516448516722016-09-09T06:08:00.002-07:002016-09-09T06:08:25.789-07:00A New StartWelcome back to all returning students and a warm welcome to new students! The summer has flown by and it is time to begin a new school year. I look forward to getting to know new students in Westward Public Schools.<br />
Reviewing records, chatting with students and conducting assessments are a few ways to become familiar with students and assist in providing them with an appropriate learning environment. Please feel free to share any information that you have regarding your children to help in this process. Also, if you have any questions or concerns please contact me at :<a href="mailto:phases@westfordk12.us"> phayses@westfordk12.us</a> and I will be happy to answer your questions and address concerns that you may have.<br />
Looking forward to an amazing school year!<br />
<br />Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-57147443842832319312016-06-02T08:29:00.002-07:002016-06-02T08:29:29.609-07:00Happy Summer!It's hard to believe that the school year will be ending soon. As everyone looks forward to summer activities, it is important to include reading and writing during the summer so students will avoid the "summer slide." Here is a link to some resources for parents to use with their children during the summer: <a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/summer-learning-resources-parents">http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/summer-learning-resources-parents</a> <br />
There are many great books to read at the beach, by the pool and on planes and in cars.<br />
Here are some suggestions:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://www.colorincolorado.org/books-authors/books-kids"> http://www.colorincolorado.org/books-authors/books-kids</a><br />
Best wishes for a fun and relaxing summer!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-20732555927313744642016-05-05T08:16:00.000-07:002016-05-05T08:16:05.539-07:00ACCESS ResultsMay is such a busy month! Teachers are preparing for the end of the school year as well as planning for the next school year. The results from ACCESS testing (taken in January) should be available by the end of May. Parents/guardians will receive a copy of the results with an explanation of how to interpret the results. ACCESS test results are part of the criteria used to plan instruction for English language learners. Classroom performance, other assessment scores and teachers' recommendations are also considered when planning instruction. <div>
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding ACCESS scores or any other issues.</div>
Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-52683811582384162892016-04-01T09:16:00.000-07:002016-04-01T09:16:59.328-07:00Spring Is Here!<br />
After a relatively mild winter, we have finally welcomed spring. Many students are experiencing spring in New England for the first time with warm weather one day and cold whether the next. My classes have been discussing the changes that occur during spring and learning vocabulary that describes spring. Some vocabulary words we are learning include: hibernation, migration, daffodils, tulips, crocus, bloom, hatch, and day light saving time.<br />
Follow the link below to view a list of books that are about spring:<br />
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/spring-celebrations">http://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/spring-celebrations</a>Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-24389472317045795782016-03-04T10:24:00.000-08:002016-03-04T10:24:39.470-08:00Conference Time Again!Next week, parents/guardians will meet with teachers to discuss students' progress. Be sure to read the online report cards and any progress reports before attending the conference (available via the Parent Portal in IPass). Write down any questions or concerns that you have regarding report cards, progress reports or other areas of concern. It may be helpful to write down information that is shared during the conference. If you wish to speak with teachers other than the classroom teacher, tell the classroom teacher or contact the teachers directly. Conferences offer the opportunity for parents/guardians and teachers to share information about students so that students will have a successful educational experience.Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-46371142172486920052016-02-04T08:51:00.001-08:002016-02-04T08:53:10.409-08:00VocabularyThere are many ways that parents/guardians can help their children increase their vocabularies, especially their academic vocabularies. Academic vocabulary consists of words that are used in a school setting to help students understand what is being taught. Academic vocabulary includes words used in all content areas. For example, words like <b>combine</b>, <b>add</b> and <b>plus</b> are used in math and refer to addition. <b>Compare</b>, <b>contrast</b> and <b>identify</b> are words that may be used in other content areas.<br />
Talking and reading with your child every day are two great ways to develop vocabulary. Ask questions about comments your child makes or text that is being read.<br />
<i>Colorin Colorado</i> and <i>Reading Rockets </i>offer some wonderful suggestions that will help you increase your child's vocabulary:<br />
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/building-your-childs-vocabulary">http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/building-your-childs-vocabulary</a><br />
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I hope that these strategies will be helpful!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-7678435831513698752016-01-07T08:41:00.002-08:002016-01-07T08:41:42.965-08:00ACCESS TestingACCESS testing will be administered to all English language learners between January 7, 2016 and February 10, 2016. Students will be assessed for English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Kindergarten students will be assessed individually and students in grades one through twelve will be assessed in a small group setting except when taking the speaking test, which is administered individually. Test results will be reported in late May or early June, 2016.<br />
Please contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding ACCESS testing.<br />
Happy New Year!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-74842771799626499812015-12-04T10:41:00.000-08:002015-12-04T10:41:39.685-08:00First SnowGreetings! It's already December and though the weather has been mild, it's only a matter of time until the snow begins to fall. This year, many of my students are newly arrived from countries that experience mild winters with no snow. They are very excited to experience snowfall and have the opportunity to go outside to play in the snow.<br />
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There are many great books written about snow and winter as experienced in New England. These books will provide background information to help students and their families enjoy the snow as it blankets our area:</div>
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/snow-snow-snow">http://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/snow-snow-snow</a> </div>
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Let it snow!</div>
Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-53282032755889580002015-11-05T08:30:00.000-08:002016-02-11T08:09:35.950-08:00Report Card Time!November is a very busy month at school. The first trimester marking period ends on November 6th. Teachers have been busy assessing students and preparing for report cards and parent conferences. ELL students will receive a progress report that will be sent home with students or mailed to students' homes. Classroom grades are available via IPASS on November 20, 2015 at 4:00 P. M.. If you have difficulty accessing grades online and/ or prefer a paper copy of grades, please contact your child's teacher.<br />
After reviewing your child's report card / progress report you should make note of any questions and/ or concerns that you may have to discuss at your child's parent conference. Teachers will be available to help you understand your child's progress and will be happy to share information and resources with you. Parent conferences offer an opportunity for sharing information about students and how to best meet their needs. I have provided a link from <i>Colorin Colorado </i>that lists several ways that parents/ guardians can provide support for their children:<br />
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/tips-parents-parent-teacher-conferences">http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/tips-parents-parent-teacher-conferences</a><br />
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Happy November!<br />
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Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-42081906762046167712015-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:002015-12-18T07:12:21.897-08:00Welcome FallWelcome Fall! Welcome new and returning students and families! Now that it is October, students should be comfortable with school routines. I hope that you enjoyed visiting your children's classrooms and meeting teachers and other staff. Some parents have asked for resources to support their children. Last year I provided a list of websites that many students found helpful. Since I have welcomed several new students, I am again providing the link to these resources:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html">http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html</a><br />
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Please contact me and/or your child's classroom teacher if you have any questions or concerns.Working as a team, we can help students experience a successful year!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-2425707763202068802015-09-05T09:03:00.000-07:002015-09-05T09:03:01.301-07:00Getting to Know YouWelcome back! I am excited to be back at school and working with my students. The first few weeks of school offer many opportunities to get to know my students. We will participate in many activities that offer students a chance to share information about themselves. Some examples are favorite foods, family members, favorite school subjects and summer vacation experiences.<br />
Another way that I will become familiar with my students is to assess academic and social English language in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing so that I can provide appropriate instruction for each student. Classroom teachers and support staff will also be assessing students.<br />
I hope that your children are having a smooth start to their school year. Please talk to them each day about their time at school. It may be more helpful to learn about their school day by saying," Tell me something that made you smile in school today." " Is there anything that made you feel worried at school today?" rather than asking, "How was school?"<br />
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you have. Since I travel among schools, email is the best way to communicate with me:<br />
<a href="mailto:phayes@westfordk12.us">phayes@westfordk12.us</a> .<br />
I am looking forward to a fun and productive year with my students!<br />
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Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-1107931785570735382015-06-06T08:47:00.000-07:002015-06-06T08:47:20.414-07:00It's hard to believe that June has arrived. This month, ACCESS test results will be forwarded to parents and guardians. These results report students' scores in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Please contact me (<a href="mailto:phayes@westfordk12.us">phayes@westfordk12.us</a>) if you have any questions or concerns regarding these results.<br />
During the summer, I hope that my students will take time to read and write each day. Journals, diaries, email, shopping lists and writing post cards are great ways to practice writing. Take advantage of reading programs offered by local libraries, relax under a tree, by the pool or at the ocean with a good book. <br />
Many families will be traveling this summer. May your travels be safe and your summer filled with relaxation and fun. Happy summer!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-44286547461020801522015-05-04T13:40:00.001-07:002015-05-04T13:40:07.966-07:00Books About MomsHappy May! Such a busy month with lots of activities planned in school and at home. One of the most special days, Mother's Day, is celebrated on May tenth.<br />
There are many thoughtful ways to remember and honor mothers. Kind acts, cards and flowers are gestures moms appreciate. Another great way to celebrate Mother's Day is to read a book about mothers. Below is a link to a list of books that are about mothers and the special place they hold in our hearts. Some of these books are in languages other than English. Whether you borrow these books from the library or purchase them, I hope that you will enjoy sharing them with your families.<br />
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/read/forkids/mothers/">http://www.colorincolorado.org/read/forkids/mothers/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-75536464834287197722015-04-03T14:08:00.001-07:002015-04-03T14:08:30.499-07:00Parents/ guardians have many questions about what they should do to help their children acquire another language. Is it okay to speak in their native language? What about reading and writing in their native language? Proficiency in more than one language is an advantage that is enriching and beneficial. Please click on the link below to read about some frequently asked questions that parents/ guardians have regarding second language acquisition:<br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1428094917956_2254" style="font-family: Geneva; font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/multifamilies/talking.html">http://www.pbs.org/parents/readinglanguage/articles/multifamilies/talking.html</a>Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-10406798059531754892015-03-04T14:24:00.000-08:002015-03-04T14:24:30.008-08:00Help With AcronymsAs you head into another round of parent conferences, do you wonder about the meanings of several terms used by educators? Many acronyms are used by educators and sometimes it's difficult to know what they mean. For example, <em>ESL</em> stands for English as a Second Language,<em> ELL</em> refers to English Language Learners and <em>LEP</em> means<em> </em>Limited English Proficient. Be sure to ask teachers what the acronyms stand for if you are unsure of what they mean. The links below may be help you to understand some frequently used acronyms and terms:<br />
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<a href="http://harrisonburg.k12.va.us/HarrisonburgCitySchools/media/images/Documents/Instruction/ESL/LEP%20101/Common-Acronyms.pdf">http://harrisonburg.k12.va.us/HarrisonburgCitySchools/media/images/Documents/Instruction/ESL/LEP%20101/Common-Acronyms.pdf</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/parentinfo.cfm?subpage=43704">http://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/parentinfo.cfm?subpage=43704</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.colorincolorado.org/glossary/">http://www.colorincolorado.org/glossary/</a><br />
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I hope you enjoy learning about your children as you meet with their teachers.<br />
Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-67428801664121801612015-02-02T07:38:00.003-08:002015-02-02T07:38:53.986-08:00Apps for English Language LearnersAnother snowy day! What a great opportunity to explore some apps that are both fun and educational! Check out the following to find applications for reading, writing, handwriting, vocabulary, phonics, grammar and much more:<br />
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<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1422890093709_4058">
<a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/search?cx=004997827699593338140%3Anptllrzhp78&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&as_q=apps" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1422890093709_4057" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.readingrockets.org/search?cx=004997827699593338140%3Anptllrzhp78&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=UTF-8&as_q=apps</a> </div>
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During these snowy days , February vacation or any time these apps are sure to be entertaining and educational.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<em>Mrs. Hayes</em></div>
Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-25436276642280828932015-01-06T14:37:00.000-08:002015-01-06T14:37:01.967-08:00ACCESS TestingJanuary begins the testing period for ACCESS testing (January 8th to February 11th). ACCESS testing is required for all students who have been identified as limited English proficient in the SIMS report that is submitted by schools in October to the Massachusetts Department of Education. <br />
Students will be assessed in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The speaking and kindergarten tests are administered individually. Listening and reading sessions are administered in small group settings. Students are not allowed to use dictionaries during ACCESS testing. Results will be available at the end of May.<br />
For more information about ACCESS testing please visit : <a href="https://www.wida.us/assessment/access/background.aspx">https://www.wida.us/assessment/access/background.aspx</a><br />
Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-35727312453400099682014-12-06T07:50:00.000-08:002014-12-06T07:50:39.428-08:00Curl Up With a Good BookNow that the nights are long and the weather is cold, what could be better than curling up with a good book? Visit school and public libraries, download books to your e-reader or electronic device. Books are just a click away at websites such as:<br />
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<em><span id="goog_1598276962"><a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/">www.readingrockets.org/</a> </span></em><br />
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<span id="goog_1598276962"><div class="action-menu ab_ctl">
<a href="http://www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp"><em>www.tumblebooks.com/library/asp/home_tumblebooks.asp</em></a><em> </em><br />
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Encourage your child to share what he/she has read by retelling the story, discussing characters, plot and setting and making connections to his/her own experiences. Ask what was interesting about the story, whether your child liked or disliked the story and why he/she liked or disliked the story. Read every day in English or your native language to develop literacy skills.<br />
Happy reading!</span><br />
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<em></em><br />Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-86723589662089370522014-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:002015-04-02T14:55:45.127-07:00ConferencesNovember has arrived and teachers will begin the process of scheduling conferences with parents. When you receive the Conference Request Form be sure to indicate which teachers you would like to meet with along with the classroom teacher (reading, SSS, ELL). I am hoping to meet with many parents during conferences.<br />
Since conference time is limited, it is a good idea to write down information that you want to share about your child as well as questions and concerns that you may have. During the conference you will be shown samples of your child's work. The teacher(s) will inform you of your child's strengths and areas that may be less strong. Feel free to ask for advice on what can be done at home to support your child in the classroom. Remember that teachers welcome your support and are happy to forward information about your child throughout the year.<br />
The following link may give you some suggestions to help prepare for conferences:<br />
<a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/FamilyResources/Activities+For+Parents.htm">http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/FamilyResources/Activities+For+Parents.htm</a><br />
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I am looking forward to meeting you at conferences and sharing the many accomplishments of your children!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-85189013085776168522014-10-10T11:19:00.000-07:002014-10-10T11:19:00.637-07:00ELL ResourcesThere are many resources available online to help ELL students. Check out the Curriculum Links on the homepage of your school's website. Visit the classroom pages that teachers post to the schools' websites.<br />
A website that provides several links to ELL resources is: <a href="http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html">http://www.nwlsd-orc.org/esl.html</a> .<br />
Other ways to help your child develop skills include:<br />
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<ul>
<li>writing lists</li>
<li>labeling items</li>
<li>writing about a picture </li>
<li>keeping a journal</li>
<li>writing in a diary</li>
<li>sending postcards </li>
<li>reading books</li>
<li>reading signs</li>
<li>reading names for items in stores</li>
<li>audio books</li>
<li>listening to a story</li>
<li>predicting what will happen next in a story</li>
<li>telling about what was happy/sad/ exciting about the day</li>
<li>describing the weather</li>
<li>retelling a story </li>
</ul>
I hope that you find these suggestions helpful!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-36138017522805333732014-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:002014-09-21T08:33:01.470-07:00Introduction
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span>September,
2014<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Dear Parents/Guardians,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I would
like to welcome both new and returning students to my ELL (English Language
Learners) class. My name is Patricia Hayes and I will be your child’s ELL
teacher this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>ELL class
will include instruction to develop English language proficiency in the areas
of listening, speaking, reading and writing. I am very excited to have the
opportunity to work with your child to help him/her achieve success in
acquiring English language proficiency.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Please feel
free to contact me during the year with any questions or concerns that you may
have. Your input is important to me and will help to ensure that your child has
a positive experience this year. Since I travel among schools, email is usually
the most efficient way to communicate with me though phone calls and notes are
certainly welcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Warm regards,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Patricia Hayes<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
ELL Teacher<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Westford Public Schools<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
phayes@westfordk12.us<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Mrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6637456906673824198.post-24777735841300412282014-08-23T12:07:00.003-07:002014-08-23T12:07:57.266-07:00Welcome!September, 2014<br />
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Welcome to the English Language Learners web page. Please visit often to learn about resources and information regarding the ELL program. Looking forward to another great year filled with many opportunities for learning!<br />
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Mrs. HayesMrs. Hayeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11263764298012876088noreply@blogger.com