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ENL staff report 280 students served; 30 students earn Seal of Biliteracy in North Syracuse
Summary
Ariana Rosario told the North Syracuse Central School District board that 280 students received ENL services this year and 30 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, including one student who earned the seal in five languages; district leaders credited UPK early-intervention and recent professional development for improved outcomes.
Ariana Rosario, assistant principal at Smith Road Elementary, told the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education that the district currently provides English as a New Language (ENL) services to about 280 students across seven of nine schools and that 30 students earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy this year.
Rosario said the district serves students who speak more than 32 languages and highlighted what she called an early-intervention success: 46 children who attended the district’s UPK program and had a language difference produced only five students who ultimately qualified for ENL services. "That's a direct result of that early intervention," she said, tying the result to stronger early literacy work.
Rosario credited summer professional development led by Dr. Valentina Gonzalez with helping classroom teachers better differentiate instruction and reduce unnecessary referrals to special education. "Dr. Valentina Gonzalez is the guru of all things ENL. She is well known across the country," Rosario said, describing training on culturally and linguistically appropriate tier-one instruction.
She also described the district's first ENL graduation this year and the Seal of Biliteracy cohort: 30 students completed the Seal process, including one student who earned the designation in five languages and another who completed a tri‑lingual seal. The Seal process, Rosario said, requires an independent, student-driven research project and presentation to external judges.
A board member questioned participation and outreach when comparing North Syracuse to neighboring districts, saying they were disappointed that relatively few students had engaged with an external program; Rosario said the program information had been presented to the entire high school and that staff would follow up to improve outreach and timing.
What’s next: Rosario said district ENL staffing changes and the addition of an ENL TOSA and a new ENL director are intended to sustain the work, and staff will provide follow-up on Seal outreach and participation.
