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Roberto Clemente Dual-Language Program Cites Rising Literacy, Plans Grade Expansion
Summary
Principal Djerka Tomasella presented five years of record improvements in English and Spanish literacy, strong math growth and falling chronic absenteeism at Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School, and outlined plans to extend the program through grade six as part of a district expansion priority.
Principal Djerka Tomasella told the Waterbury Board of Education that Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School has seen steady academic progress and plans to expand its program.
"Our work is grounded in the three core pillars of dual language education," Tomasella said, listing bilingualism and biliteracy, academic achievement and sociocultural competence as the program's guiding principles. She showed district and school assessment data she said demonstrated parallel growth in both English and Spanish reading and notable gains in mathematics.
Tomasella highlighted assessment trends she said reflect five years of improvement: English DIBELS literacy rates rising from 47% to 77% and Spanish literacy from 51% to 74%; I-Ready math typical growth increasing from 94% to 129%; and Smarter Balanced ELA and math results that outperformed district averages. She also said Roberto Clemente earned recognition as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2025.
On attendance, Tomasella reported chronic absenteeism at the school fell from a pandemic peak to 6% and described a goal of reaching 5% this year, attributing declines to stronger family engagement and targeted student supports. "This reflects our continued focus on attendance through strong family connections, consistent expectations, and targeted support for students in need," she said.
Mrs. Torres, part of the school's grade-four team, described professional learning centered on the Leader in Me framework and cross-linguistic instructional practices that help students apply skills across English and Spanish. Mrs. Duronette, who addressed family engagement, described school events such as Clemente Connects and Family Roots Day that she said make families "leaders and partners" in student success.
Board members praised the presentation and asked about outreach and how the school engages families; Tomasella described regular family sessions, community events and plans to begin benchmarks for the state's Seal of Biliteracy at grade five as part of a clear pathway toward biliteracy recognition.
The superintendent noted the district's intention to support the school's expansion to sixth grade next year. The presentation concluded with a short video and student performance demonstrating classroom work and school culture.
