For the fourth year, the World Language Department of Cranston East held a special meet and greet for teachers, parents, students and families of their ELL students in the senior café on October 18.

The Feast is run in conjunction with the school’s English language learners and world language departments. The evening provides parents with information to empower them to support students at home. Information about the Cranston Public Schools Electronic Parent Portal (ASPEN), graduation requirements, and post-secondary options for students will be presented.

“Just under nine percent of our students are identified as English Language Learners. By far, most students speak Spanish (43%), followed by Arabic, Mandarin, Khmer and a number of others,” said Assistant Principal, Joe Potemri.

Students’ countries of origin are Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Bolivia, Syria, Haiti, China, Cambodia, Russia and Liberia to name a few.

Guests were treated to a buffet of salad, pizza, chicken, wings and rice, donated by Ronzio’s Pizza and La Gran Parada. Mrs. Lunghi, Chairperson of the World Languages Department, and Mrs. Carolyn Szcebinski, District Supervisor for World Languages, donated desserts.

Addressing the room after dinner, World Language Teacher, Mrs. Andrea Mueller, thanked everyone for coming out on a Wednesday night.

“I know you are all very busy. But, this shows how much you care about your children’s educations. You know and we know, that when we work together, that is when children are successful,” she said.

After Mrs. Mueller spoke, Spanish teacher, Isa Tejada translated what Mrs. Mueller had said.

East Principal, Sean Kelly welcomed everyone to the event, and gave his thanks kudos to Mueller and Tajada for all their hard work and coordination on the evening.

 Kelly started off by announcing that Mrs. Tejada would be leaving the classroom and joining the administration as Dean of Students. 

“Don’t worry, she is not leaving the building,” he assured them.

“She will be working very closely with families on educational issues, on attendance, and on how to access education. We are very excited for her to join us,” he said, followed by a large round of applause.

With over 100 people in attendance, they are calling the event a success.

“Feedback from parents was positive and felt that they can support their children better. They appreciated the information about Cranston East and post-secondary options. Parents also expressed that they appreciated that computer teachers Mr. Labanca and Mr. Bowling showed them how to check grades electronically and how to communicate better with the school,” said Mueller.

Teachers were grateful to the 25 student volunteers and many teachers who assisted with the event.