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DCPS ESOL Center for Language and Culture

Coordinator Ms. Joanne Ortiz

Phone: 904-390-2526

Email: ortizj2@duvalschools.org

Office: 5354 Betty Ann Ln. Jacksonville, FL. 32207

Clerical Team at the School Board Building & Center for Language and Culture

Ms. Astrid Cox-Matos - Clerical Support/DL Testing/Appointments 

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC)

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC) is a service center for refugee, immigrant and newly arrived families who speak a language other than English. The CLC offers homework assistance to students, evening language classes for parents, informational community sessions in various languages, and orientation to American schools for newly arrived families.  We are trying to make a positive difference through our actions and services so that families new to Jacksonville have a smooth transition into the American culture and into the Duval County Public school system.  Our goal is to make our community a better place for all of its members.

The CLC serves three main objectives:

1. Testing Center for Student

  • Initial English Proficiency Testing for Students

  • Utilize results of the Home Language Survey to designate testing for all new students entering DCPS Advise parents on program options (Home School, Dual Language, Newcomer)

  • Assist parents with registration documents including lunch registration and transportation

2. Orientation Services for Parents and Families

  • Complete registration forms

  • Information about American schools and service agencies

  • Information on clinics and health care centers

  • Provide Translations

  • Referrals to VPK centers and summer programs run by the city of Jacksonville

3. Resource Center and Multifunctional Classroom

  • School Orientation Meetings

  • Streetwise and Safety - Jacksonville Sheriff's Office 

  • Immunizations  & Children’s Health

  • Parent and Community Outreach Programs, offered at various school locations throughout the school year

Also, as of September 2020, the following services will be offered virtually through Skype:

  • Rosetta Stone

  • The Immigrant Guide in English & Spanish

  • Homework Help and Resources for Students and Parents

  • Women’s Meeting

  • US Citizenship Preparation Test

  • ESOL Parent Workshop

  • Parent Academy/ DCPS Workshops 

Coordinator Ms. Joanne Ortiz at the CLC event

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