English as a New Language (ENL) is the state-designated term for programs that support students who are learning English as an additional language. All students identified as English Language Learners (ELLs) are entitled by New York State law to ENL instruction provided by a certified ENL teacher.

At PUFSD, our ENL program is a stand-alone English language development program. Students receive instruction in English using specific ENL strategies designed to build language proficiency across the four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction is connected to the content areas students encounter in their general education classes, so language learning and academic learning happen together.

Our goal is not simply proficiency on a test, it is for every ELL student to feel known, supported, and capable of full participation in the academic and social life of our district.

ENL at Bedford Road School

Bedford Road School's ENL teacher works with English Language Learners in grades K-4, providing dedicated English language development instruction and collaborating with classroom teachers to support ELL students throughout the school day. ENL services at BRS are coordinated with the school's SEL program and counseling services, so that new students receive integrated support from the moment they arrive.

ENL at Pleasantville Middle School

ENL instruction at Pleasantville Middle School is organized into a year-long course sequence for students in grades 5 through 8. Each grade follows a structured, progressive curriculum that builds English language skills across the four domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Units connect language development to real content, such as community, culture, science, and literature, so that students are learning English in meaningful context, not in isolation. By 8th grade, students are working with advanced vocabulary, essay structure, and literary analysis, and preparing for New York State's English language proficiency assessment.

ENL at Pleasantville High School

At PHS, ELL students receive ENL instruction from certified ENL teachers and are supported through the counseling department's college and career programming. The district recognizes that the post-secondary planning process can present unique challenges for ELL students and their families, and has developed specific programming in response.

ELL Night is an annual evening event, offered in partnership with Westchester Community College and the School Counseling team, designed to help ELL students and their families navigate the college application process, understand financial aid options, and explore post-secondary pathways. 

Navigating a new school district in a new language is not easy, and we want families to know that support is available. If your child may be eligible for ENL services, or if you have questions about your child's current ENL program, please contact your child's school directly. Interpretation and translation support is available.

For ELL families at the high school level, we encourage you to attend ELL Night each year and to connect with your child's school counselor, who can help with academic planning, post-secondary exploration, and connecting you to community resources.