ESL CLASSES
ESL stands for English as a Second Language which refers to educational programs, classes, or instruction for non-native English speakers living in an English-speaking environment. It focuses on improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for immigrants, refugees, and international students.
Classes began in January of 2020 and ended in March of 2020 because of The Pandemic. Two women of the diocese were chosen from other churches of the diocese to run the program. One of the women was The Reverend Deacon Chris Marcin-Miller at St. Peter’s in Lewes and the other was Lee Ann Walling.
A grant was received for educational supplies and a fully equipped nursery with an experienced bilingual salaried head teacher. There were thirteen students registered and 16 children were accommodated in the nursery. Classes were represented by a volunteer from within the parish. Sharon Blackwell of St. Paul’s in Georgetown was a teacher. Volunteer childcare workers were also obtained from within the parish of St. Paul’s where the classes were to be held as well as St. Peter’s in Lewes, Delaware. Our own Mary Ann Torkelson answered the call for childcare workers.
At the Vestry meeting held April 3, 2022 a discussion was held to to approve a group approved and paid for by the Diocese to come to St. Paul’s in July to teach English as a second language. The basement is presently set up for the ESL class closed during the pandemic. A motion was made and seconded and voted to accept the new group.
In July 2022 Sharon Blackwell took over as program supervisor. The previous women were gone. Teachers from Sussex County Adult Ed donated their time. Money was received from the Diocese to restart the nursery and to pay Libby Stevenson to run the nursery.
We had a rotating cadre of St. Paul’s volunteers to assist Libby: Nance Havrilack, Carol Roy, Rick Edwards, Helena Smith, Linda Solum Bennett, and Jeff Stevenson.
At the end of the 2022 session in December we served the students
and children a lunch in the parish hall.
During 2023 the same program continued and in December the students
and their children were treated to refreshments. As a special treat the children were paid a visit by none other than Santa Clause (Clayton Townsend). Each was given a present by Santa.
Unfortunately the program that would be continued for 2024 was abruptly cancelled and moved to the Georgetown Public Library. This happened to just about all the ESL programs that were held where there existed a public library.
