Crossroads School runs four-week ESL newcomer program for more than 80 students

Norfolk Public Schools said more than 80 English language learners in kindergarten through eighth grade attended a four-week ESL newcomer program at Crossroads School intended to help students acclimate by improving reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and by teaching cultural norms. "We have some students that at the beginning day 1, they don't even wanna detach from their parents. And by day 4 or day 6, they are literally running into the classrooms," a Crossroads School teacher leading the program said. "They have a wonderful time with their peers. They have a wonderful time learning. We have amazing teachers that really love what they do, and they do create a nurturing" environment, the teacher added. Program leaders said the curriculum includes language instruction and cultural orientation so students feel "more comfortable making friends" and "more a part of each of the classrooms that they're in," improving participation in regular school settings. Norfolk Public Schools maintains summary information and video highlights of the district's summer programs on its website and social channels.