English as a New Language

The $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law on Friday includes a program that may allow eligible Catholic schools and (arch)dioceses to pay employee salaries and other expenses through forgivable loans of up to $10 million.

These loans could have far-reaching positive impacts for Catholic schools now facing serious financial hardships brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teachers and administrators are navigating unprecedented challenges as Catholic school communities across America respond to school closures. We’ve heard from many of you concerned that English learners (ELs) and their families are not left behind in the scramble to move to remote learning. In addition to our continued prayers and our profound gratitude for your efforts on behalf of your students and families, we’d like to offer you several ideas to help guide your work. 

Throughout Catholic Schools Week 2020, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Catholic Schools Week reflections that ACE graduates, team members, and friends have submitted over the years. The below reflection is from Jennifer Beltramo and was originally published in 2012.

Last week, as several “partners in mission” began arriving for an appreciation event, I anxiously wondered whether I should have prepared our student ambassadors more fully. “What should we say?” they had asked just two days earlier. “They already know that I believe in Catholic education,” I had shared, “They want to know what you believe.  What makes our school unique? What difference has it made in your life?” That was it, no further guidance, just lofty questions for twelve-year-olds to ponder. 

Throughout Catholic Schools Week 2020, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Catholic Schools Week reflections that ACE graduates, team members, and friends have submitted over the years. The below reflection is from Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC and was originally published in 2011.

I discovered my vocation to be a priest in Catholic schools. Surely, the seed was planted by the diocesan priests and IHM sisters who taught me at St. Pius X Grade School in Broomall, PA, and the Augustinians who taught me at Malvern Prep. But it was while I stood on the other side of the desk, as a teacher, that these seeds took root and blossomed into a religious vocation. Though the details differ, many could tell a similar story….

Name: Emma Vichill

Title: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

School: Our Lady of Talpa School in Boyle Heights, California

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles