Superintendent's English Language Learners Council

The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, members participated in an icebreaker activity that encouraged them to learn more about each other. Next, Ms. Castillo began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and thanked them for their support. He shared  the significance of the school environment, particularly for English language learners. “Schools are not only essential for their academic progress but also for supporting their mental and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Gray. To meet these needs, Jefferson Parish Schools offer a wide range of resources tailored to English language learners.

Next, Ms. Castillo presented insights on English Learners in Jefferson Parish Schools. Her presentation included data on student enrollment, the percentage of students’ home languages, four strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, dual language and newcomer programs, 2025 English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) outcomes, and models designed to support English Learners’ success.

Ms. Castillo highlighted that Jefferson Parish Schools have shown consistent growth in overall ELPT scores over the past five years. “This is important because it means our students are meeting their proficiency targets,” she explained.

Members then reviewed the statewide trajectory table, with Ms. Castillo emphasizing that the district is held accountable for ensuring students meet these trajectory measures.

She also discussed the instructional approach, noting that students learn language and content simultaneously. Research supports this method as more effective than teaching language separately before content. “If we were to separate the two, we would see a significant decline in overall language development, instructional learning, and an increase in negative behaviors,” Ms. Castillo said.

Next, Ms. Castillo reviewed the staff members in her department, helping members better understand the workflow and team structure. She also shared that the district provides interpreter request forms, which can be submitted to ensure interpreters are available at meetings, including district-led events such as board meetings.

Next, the group reviewed potential topics for future meetings. Members took part in a small group activity to brainstorm additional ideas, which they later shared with the full group for discussion.

The suggested topics included:

• Offering supplemental programs and resources automatically, without requiring families to make a request
• Supporting student mental health
• Digitizing the registration and enrollment process
• Encouraging families to be transparent and provide all requested information to schools
• Ensuring emergency notices are translated into all languages and shared on social media

Dr. Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communication, addressed the final point by explaining that the Communications and Translation teams work closely to ensure all important information, including emergency notices, are translated and shared via social media. She clarified that while images or graphics may not be translated, the captions containing critical information are automatically translated on each user’s device based on their language settings.

Following this, members had the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Gray. The discussions with Dr. Gray focused on several topics, including teacher raises, district-funded pay increases, safety measures, disciplinary actions related to drugs and weapons, and the need for cultural competency training for faculty and staff. Dr. Gray explained that while the district cannot make cultural competency training mandatory, optional opportunities are available for staff and faculty at the school level. He concluded by encouraging members to reach out directly to their school leaders to address any concerns or issues.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.

• Angela Herrera
• Paula Belanger
• Hasan Hammad
• Sheila B. Simmons
• Velma Denise Poublanc
• Deidre Taylor
• Emily LeBlanc
• Julie Gamze-Elçin
• Olivia B. Monk
• Julieta Llamas-Abrazaldo

2023-24 ELL Council Members

• David Alvarez
• Andrew Bullock
• Ingrid Bustos
• Jesus Emanuel Castillo 
• Julie Gamze-Elçin
• Olivia Monk
• Mi Ra Moon

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2023-24 Meeting Dates

The council will meet four times during the 2023-2024 academic calendar year from 11:30 to 1:00 PM at alternating sites. If selected, you are committed to attending and actively participating in council meetings on the following dates:  

• October 17, 2023 at the JP Schools Administration Building at 501 Manhattan Blvd.
• December 12, 2023 at the Paul Emenes Building at 822 S. Clearview Pkwy.
• February 27, 2024 at the JP Schools Administration Building at 501 Manhattan Blvd.
• April 23, 2024 at the Paul Emenes Building at 822 S. Clearview Pkwy.

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2023-24 Council Recaps

April 23 The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself and welcomed council members and members introduced themselves. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, Ms. Castillo introduced special guests Tatiana Pino, Nazira Amigo and Anna Quatermaine from JP Schools Mental Health Support team for ELL Students. The team shared a presentation that provided an overview of the type of support provided to ELL students which include collaborating with school based staff, providing district and community resources, individual/group mental health sessions, trauma/crisis intervention and psychoeducation support for students and families. The presentation provided additional information on services provided to students/families, ELL student enrollment, ELL student linguistic demographics and challenges faced by ELL students.

Lastly, the team shared that their role is an additional layer of mental health support for ELL students.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members. Members were encouraged to participate in a rapid fire with Dr. Gray. Dr. Gray and members had open discussions for topics such as staff shortages across the district, growth within JP Schools, newcomer programs and future possibilities. “My goal is that every student receives the best education possible”, said Dr. Gray.

To conclude, Ms. Castillo shared reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

February 27 The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself and welcomed council members. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, members introduced themselves then participated in an interactive ice breaker activity in which members were able to get to know each other.

Next, Ms. Castillo introduced special guests Kelly Dimarco, Director of Workforce Development and Dr. Arkeia Thomas, Director of Graduation Assurance. Dr. Thomas shared part one of the presentation on the graduation requirements for high school students and career tech opportunities within Jefferson Parish Schools. This presentation included information on graduation pathways, LEAP 2025 requirements, Members also learned about additional forms needed for graduation forms which included FAFSA, LOSFA and Louisiana Workforce Commission Parental Consent form. 

Ms. Dimarco shared part two of the presentation which addressed career tech opportunities within Jefferson Parish Schools. Ms. Dimarco presented information regarding “Fast Forward” opportunities which include higher education choices, community and businesses partnerships and school districts. She explained that the goal is to build students to be ready for the next level of education regardless if a students’ graduation plan is to attend college or go into the workforce. Members were given information on dual enrollment, apprenticeships and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Next, members participate in a rapid fire discussion which includes topics such as ESL staffing, graduation requirements and processes that are currently in place for new ELL students.

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by reviewing topics for the meeting. Ms Castillo also shared reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

December 12 The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself and welcomed council members. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, members introduced themselves then participated in an interactive ice breaker activity in which members were able to get to know each other.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation on English Learners in JP Schools. This presentation included updated data for student enrollment, home language percentages of students, strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, ELPT data and models that support preparing for success for English Learning students. Ms. Castillo explained the current ELPT data results and the 22-23 school year ELPT results by grade level. “Students must show improvement each school year”, said Ms. Castillo. She explained that the district continues to review and analyze data to enhance support. She explained that the dedicated team of ESL professionals are carefully selected to enhance language support, which ensures a comprehensive educational experience.

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members. Members were encouraged to participate in a rapid fire with Dr. Gray. Dr. Gray and members had open discussions for topics such as teachers' storage, communication concerns for families, potential community partnerships, student testing concerns and graduation pathways for students. “The district is consistently working towards closing the communication gap with families," said Dr. Gray. 

Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by reviewing topics for the meeting. Ms Castillo also shared reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation. 

October 17 The Superintendent’s English Learners (EL) Council was led by Karina Castillo, Executive Director of Language Equity of Acquisition. Ms. Castillo introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Next, she began the meeting by discussing the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and outcomes with the council. 

Next, Ms. Castillo invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members and informed members that councils were designed to have two way communication with stakeholders in efforts to close communication gaps. Dr. Gray explained that this is the sixth year that JP Schools has hosted Superintendent Councils but this is the first year for the EL Council. “We are excited to have an EL Council,” said Dr. Gray.

Next, Ms. Castillo shared a presentation on English Learners in JP Schools. This presentation included data for student enrollment, home language percentages of students, strategic initiatives, instructional approaches, ELPT outcomes and models that support preparing for success for English Learning students. Ms. Castillo explained that models used in JP Schools are designed to address the needs for EL students and produce successful outcomes during academic years. “Our goal is that every student shows growth each year,” said Ms. Castillo. She explained that the dedicated team of ESL professionals are carefully selected to enhance language support, which ensures a comprehensive educational experience.

Next, the group reviewed future meeting topics. Members participated in a small group activity to brainstorm additional meeting topics for future meetings. Members presented their ideas to the group for discussion. Future meeting topics shared included:

• Graduation options for students who can’t pass LEAP since many immigrant students don’t have any options if they can’t pass LEAP and therefore believe that they can’t graduate and drop out of school. 

• Bullying & Discrimination against students new to the country who don’t speak the language

• Dual Language attendance zone options for students who move out of district from a DL School as transportation is not provided for students who apply for an option to stay 

• Recruiting the best teachers, and bilingual employees

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions to Dr. Gray. Finally, Ms. Castillo wrapped up the meeting by informing members with reminders and encouraged members to participate in the meeting evaluation.