Multilingual Learners

At Grandville Public Schools, we are committed to academic excellence  and a sense of belonging for all students: that commitment extends to embracing the rich diversity of our growing global community. Grandville is fortunate to have a vibrant population with over 25 languages spoken in our schools besides English.

To meet the needs of our multilingual learners, we have a dedicated Multilingual Department with a team of seven passionate teachers. This team includes coordinators at the high school, middle school and elementary levels, ensuring a seamless language support system throughout a student's academic journey.

Our two most prevalent languages, Spanish and Kinyarwanda, are just the tip of the iceberg. We celebrate the vast linguistic tapestry our multilingual learners bring to our classrooms. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, we empower them to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives.

Welcome to Grandville Public Schools, where diversity is not just a word, it's a way of life!
 

Educational Pillars of Our Multilingual Program

Our Multilingual Learners Department is dedicated to supporting students whose primary language is not English, helping them achieve fluency in English for academic success and daily communication. Here are the seven pillars of our approach and philosophy:
 
1. Dynamic Language Practice: Our students learn English through active speaking and practical experiences.

2. Gradual Mastery: Our students improve at their own pace, focusing on both everyday conversation and academic language.
 
3. Integrated Cultural Learning: As students learn English, they also gain an understanding of different cultural perspectives, which is essential for effective communication in a global society.
 
4. Equitable and Inclusive Education: We commit to providing equitable access to students of all backgrounds, valuing their experiences and traditions as assets that enrich us all. 

5. Holistic Language Development: We help students develop all English skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing — in concert, rather than in isolation.
 
6. Empowerment through Language: By building strong English skills, we enable our students to succeed academically and participate fully in the community.
 
7. Language and Culture Synergy: Using students’ native language skills helps them learn English more effectively, making use of their existing knowledge to achieve academic success.
 

Department Staff

Dial (616) 254-ext.

English Learners Teachers

High School EL Coordinator
Darcy Shealy
Middle School EL Coordinator
Nicole Dulmes
Elementary EL Coordinator
Elise Beutlich