Bear Lake Elementary ESOL Program Overview

Bear Lake Elementary proudly serves 86 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students representing a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Languages spoken include Afrikaans, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

Students are identified for ESOL services if a language other than English is spoken at home or if the student’s native language is not English. This information comes from the Home Language Survey completed at registration. An ESOL teacher administers an English language screener to determine eligibility, and if eligible, the student receives daily ESOL instruction.

• Less than 2 years in program: Grades are based on effort. K–2 students receive an ‘S’ (Satisfactory). Grades 3–5 receive 70% (C) or higher for satisfactory effort.

• 2 years or more in program: Students receive the actual grade they earn.

• The ACCESS for ELLs test is a state-required annual assessment measuring English proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

• It is administered in February and takes several weeks to complete. Results are sent to parents the following August.

• This test helps monitor students’ English language development.

• Grades K–2:

o Score 4.0 or higher in Reading and Overall on WIDA ACCESS.

• Grades 3–5:

o Score 4.0 or higher in Reading and Overall on WIDA ACCESS and Level 3 or higher on the FAST Reading Assessment.

• Read together in English or your home language.

• Visit the public library (library cards are free).

• Watch educational programs in English.

• Ask questions about the story (characters, events, predictions).

• Use SCPS Clever portal programs: i-Ready, TumbleBooks, Reading Eggs, Imagine Learning.

• Log into Skyward to check grades and progress.

Location: Rinehart Annex,

239 Rinehart Rd.,

Lake Mary, FL 32746

Contact: (407) 871-1115

Classes Details:

Beginner Level: October 8 – December 10, 2025

• Wednesdays or Thursdays, 9:00–11:30 a.m.

Intermediate (Conversational English):

• Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

As the year progresses and you identify needs for your family, we want to take the time to remind everyone about the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Last year 63% of our families qualified on this quick application to reduce lunch costs to their students which is a huge benefit. Families often think this doesn't apply to them, however some large families with income nearing $100,000 have qualified. If you have needed FEMA support due to the hurricanes you may easily qualify as well. It is a great way to lower the lunch costs for your family. When schools reach over 64% of qualified applications it can also provide extra grant funding to the school to support student instruction.

Our District is committed to providing each student with the tools they need to succeed, including nutritious meals they can enjoy. All students are eligible to apply for meal benefits and we encourage SCPS families needing financial support to submit an application for the 2025-2026 school year.

In addition to qualifying for free and reduced-priced meals, completing the meal benefits application may qualify your family for discounted internet services, after-school programs, and additional resources for your school.

Apply today at:

https://www.diningservices.scps.us/apply-for-benefits

Attention 5th Grade Families! Click below for information on middle school magnet options.

Online Application Period:

October 1 - December 1, 2025