WPS Receives $300,000 Grant to Support Handley Newcomers

WPS Receives $300,000 Grant to Support Handley Newcomers

Winchester, VA: Winchester Public Schools (WPS) has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the Extended School Year Grant Program from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). The funding will support WELCOME 2.0: Winchester English Learners and newCOMErs, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen language acquisition, academic success, and community connections for high school English Learners and newcomer students. Students in grades 5-8 participated in the first round of the WELCOME program last year. 

WELCOME 2.0 will serve students in grades 9-12 at John Handley High School through a combination of school-year and summer programming. During the school year, WPS will implement an afterschool program that supplements students’ daily English instruction and provides academic support. A Saturday extension of the program will offer hands-on learning through field trips to local businesses and community organizations, including the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, the public library, and local colleges. These experiences will help orient students to their new community while fostering meaningful relationships with peers, educators, and community partners.

The WELCOME 2.0 summer program will include a 16-day experience for rising 9-12 grade students, focused on language development and community building in preparation for the upcoming school year. Students will receive daily, targeted English instruction from English Learner teachers with an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction will also introduce academic language in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies/History, and Science to support a successful transition into high school coursework. Students will continue to participate in community-based field trips at least twice per week.

“This grant allows us to intentionally design learning experiences that support both language development and a sense of belonging,” said Jennifer Buckley, Assistant Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools. “WELCOME 2.0 is about more than academic growth—it’s about helping students feel connected, confident, and supported as they build their future in Winchester.”

WELCOME 2.0 reflects Winchester Public Schools’ commitment to providing equitable, high-quality educational opportunities and ensuring that every student – regardless of background – has the support needed to thrive.

Learn More Here: https://www.winchesterstar.com/winchester_star/wps-receives-300k-to-support-handley-newcomers/article_3b0754ba-1004-5ec4-95f1-61d39f8d2139.html