At the Oct. 16 Madison County Board of Education meeting, students from Clark Moores Middle School and their teacher described how the district’s English-as-a-second-language program has expanded and helped newcomers integrate into school life.

The presentations, introduced by a district staff member, featured English language learners who described academic progress, extracurricular involvement and daily life improvements tied to ESL support.

Katie Isaacs, the district’s English language teacher for all middle schools, told the board that the ESL program was small in 2002 — “around 30 students across the district” — and has since expanded to 513 students. Isaacs said Clark Moores is one of the middle schools with the largest share of those students and that families and staff set up a display in the lobby and students wore cultural clothing for the presentation.

Students described how the program has affected them. Evelyn, a 13-year-old student from Mexico at Clark Moores Middle School, said, “It was really confusing. Right now, I can learn more English, and I can talk with people. When the teachers are asking me questions during the class, I can talk with them, and it’s more easy.”

Sofia, another student, said the program helped her communicate and translate for her parents and improved her grades. Emily, who enrolled in 2023 and said she speaks German, Russian and English, told the board she benefited academically and socially and had performed in school drama and joined the dance team since enrolling.

Isaacs said program delivery varies by need: recently arrived students may receive focused ESL sessions two or three times per week for about 30 minutes, while others receive instruction less frequently if that better suits their placement and class schedule. She also highlighted student participation in athletics and school clubs as signs of progress.

Board members and administrators at the meeting praised the students and staff for the outreach and cultural displays. After the presentations, students and families were invited to an outdoor reception with refreshments and photos.

The board did not take formal action on the ESL presentation. The district’s instructional staff and participating schools will continue classroom and extracurricular support as described during the presentation.