Submitted photo
From left, Champion Local Schools English Language Learner instructor Rebecca Baxter and students Joanna Miller, Linda Byler, both grade 2, and first-grader Juliette Ahmed, look over books provided by the United Way of Trumbull County through the Title III consortium.

With a growing population of 15 ELL students who speak five different languages, Champion Local Schools is taking steps to ensure every learner is equipped with the tools to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Christine Cope, president and CEO of United Way of Trumbull County, emphasized the importance of accessible learning.

“United Way is proud to support a program that meets students where they are — at home, with their families, and in their everyday lives. These resources are about more than just books and games — they’re about giving every child a fair chance to thrive,” she said.

The school district’s partnership with the United Way provides a vital family engagement component to the program while fostering literacy and English language development. As a member of the Title III consortium, Champion is one of 13 school districts in Trumbull County to receive funding to provide language instruction for English learners and immigrant students, as well as provide professional development for teachers.

Champion’s ELL coordinator and teacher, Rebecca Baxter, shared her enthusiasm for the program’s impact.

“I love working with our ELL students, and through this partnership, I can really see a positive difference in their language skills. It’s such a great benefit to Champion schools to have multilingual students who enrich the school environment with different cultural perspectives, promoting tolerance and global awareness,” Baxter said.

Through the partnership with the United Way, ELL students in grades K-3 are receiving books directly to their homes through the Unite for Literacy initiative. These books come with a digital component — an interactive website that reads the stories aloud in English and in various native languages, encouraging shared reading experiences with family members and reinforcing early literacy skills.

Champion Elementary School parent Katie Ahmed has received the books at home for her daughter, kindergarten student Juliette.

“The books sent home over the past year have been great for not only Juliette, but also for her younger sister Lilianna, who is an emerging reader,” Ahmed said. “This ELL program and partnership with United Way have been wonderful assets to my daughter and provided extra support and instruction. We have seen an immense improvement in her reading skills through this program.”

ELL students in grades 4-12 received a literacy game designed for family game nights. These games not only promote fun and connection, but also serve as tools for reinforcing key English language skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students are encouraged to teach their families how to play, allowing language learning to extend into the home in a collaborative and enjoyable way.

“I am appreciative of the ELL program and how it recognizes my son’s unique needs, providing him with the specific tools and support necessary to unlock his full potential,” said ELL parent Elizabeth DeLeon. “I look forward to having family game night thanks to the generosity of United Way.”

Angela Guarnieri, director of curriculum and instruction at the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, serves as the lead manager of the county’s Title III consortia and works with all 13 member districts to build a budget and service plan that ensures federal requirements are met.

She praises the program and sees how students in all member districts are thriving because of it.

“This is a wonderful example of what collaboration can achieve,” she said. “By working together, we’re ensuring that English Language Learners across Trumbull County receive the intentional, culturally responsive support they need to grow and succeed academically and socially.”

Champion Local Schools is committed to providing inclusive, high-quality education for every student. The district’s membership in the Trumbull County Title III consortium exemplifies its dedication to student achievement, family involvement and innovative educational partnerships, according to a news release from the district.

For more information about the Trumbull County Title III Consortium, contact Guarnieri at the Trumbull County Educational Service Center or visit trumbullesc.org/EnglishLanguageLearners.