In a special ceremony surrounded by classmates and teachers, Dows Lane Elementary School celebrated two exceptional students who achieved the “Commanding” level of English proficiency, officially recognizing them as English proficient under New York State Education Department’s standards.
First grader Lea Schmittfull and third grader Laila Sanchez were honored in a special ceremony attended by classmates, teachers, and families. The event highlighted their remarkable accomplishments in mastering two languages; Lea in German and English, and Laila in Spanish and English.
During the celebration, Principal Dr. Andrea Kantor, Assistant Principal Megan Hanson, and ENL (English as a New Language) teacher Paul Manzi commended the students for their hard work and dedication. Mr. Manzi explained that reaching the “Commanding” level reflects a student's ability to use the English language confidently across academic settings.
“When a student reaches the commanding level of proficiency, they are able to demonstrate the ability to use the English language in a variety of academic contexts aligned to their grade level, including using complex grammatical structures, comprehending information in a variety of contexts, and effectively using academic vocabulary” Mr. Manzi said.
Dr. Kantor shared that the recognition was not only a celebration of the students’ linguistic growth but also a tribute to their cultural identities and families. “This achievement is a reflection of each student’s dedication to learning and the support of their teachers and families who nurture their love for language,” she said.
The celebration at Dows Lane Elementary underscored the school’s commitment to fostering multilingualism, cultural appreciation, and academic excellence among all learners.
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