Power of communication celebrated
English as a second language certificates are conferred
FITCHBURG » Pride filled the room, along with smiles and hugs on a job well done as Fitchburg Public Schools held an Adult English as a Second Language Class Certificate Ceremony.
The event was hosted at the Fitchburg Art Museum — for 40 families to celebrate the recipients’ amazing accomplishments.
“The continued success of our Adult ESL Program is due to all of the amazing parents who take time out of their busy lives to participate,” said Eva Kelly, Fitchburg Public Schools’ ESL director. “They are a testament of the value of education for their children and our community. We are all so proud of them.”
The following people received an ESL certificate: Shemirelis Garcia, Johanna Diaz, Gloria Pantojas, Ingrid Garufi, Alenny Martinez, Santa Bernabe, Maria Salome, Viviana Mercado, Yendili Cabrera, Maria Dominguez, Claribel Morenos, Betzabeth Morales, Angela Gonzalez, Juana Hernandez,yasmin Luzon, Chariely Ramos, Ana Rosario, Mariela Santiago, Katherine Feliciano, Rosarito Semidei, Silvia Da Rosa, Jeovanny Lantigua, Rosmary Hernandez, Ruth Martinez, Patricia Reyes, Lorenza, Ana Antunez, Marta Diaz, Meisi Castillo, Michelle Carvalho, Gisela Carvajal, Ilsi Estrada, Veronica Pojoy, Helen Rodriguez, Irina Moua, Guadalupe Lugo, Daniela Foy Dejaneira Stone, Delmi Gonzalez and Mariela Rojas.
Fitchburg Public Schools conducted these free ESL classes online for nine weeks and a total of four hours per week.
The museum opened its doors to these 40 families to celebrate the culmination of Session 5 of the program.
“Working with this wonderful group of parents has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire career,” said Luisa Fernandez, the Fitchburg Public Schools community engagement coordinator. “Seeing them work so hard to achieve their goals inspires me to do the same.
“I want to thank Superintendent Robert Jokela and ESL Director Mrs. Eva Kelly, for supporting this program and giving these parents the power of communication.”
Each family was welcomed to the museum by its director, Nick Capasso, and the new director of education, Susan Diachini.
In addition, Fitchburg Mayor Stephen Dinatale and his new Chief of Staff Natalia Oliver were on hand to celebrate and show support.
Superintendent Jokela opened the event with a few words of congratulations to everyone in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Kelly shared with parents important information about the new session, beginning on Monday, May 16, as well as vital information for parents about FPS redistricting, the summer programs, and the planning of opening a learning center for parents.
After the ceremony, parents had the opportunity to stay at the museum and enjoy a short tour.