Lower Merion High School recently played host to LMSD’s English Language Development (ELD) Ice Cream Social & Community Resource Fair – a fun-filled and educational evening providing an opportunity for the District’s many English Language Learners and families to meet ELD teachers, learn about the community, discuss shared experiences and celebrate cultural diversity!

This special program, organized by ELD Director Dorie Martin-Pitone and ELD Coordinator Dawn Chapman, is an example of one of the many ways the District strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all! LMSD is proud to serve families from around the world with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which includes nearly 30 different languages from Amharic to Yue and everything in between! #LMSDBuildingBelonging

During the event, students had some fun engaging in the assortment of crafts and activities organized by staff while parents and guardians were able to socialize and learn more about the opportunities and resources available to them at the school, District and community levels. Volunteers and employees from a variety of local organizations were in attendance to provide information and answer any questions families had. On hand at the event were representatives from the Office of Child Development & Early Learning, Lower Merion Fire Department, Home & School Associations, Narberth EMT Services, Montgomery County Mobile Crisis Team, HIAS Pennsylvania, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Urban Affairs Coalition and ElderNet, among others.

Families also were able to take part in demonstrations of the District’s newly acquired “Pocketalk” devices, which staff can use to provide instant translations during conversations with non-English-speaking parents and guardians.

And last, but certainly not least, everyone in attendance enjoyed some delicious ice cream!

To see some pictures from the ELD Ice Cream Social & Community Resource Fair, click through the slideshow below!