On February 12, 2026, the Port Washington Union Free School District’s ENL Department Pre-K–12 hosted its annual ENL Family Literacy Night at Paul D. Schreiber High School. The event welcomed multilingual learners and their families for an engaging evening focused on literacy, advocacy, and building stronger community connections. Families participated in a series of informative workshops, including a presentation on bilingual books and community programs by the Port Washington Public Library.
The event served as a hub for local resources, featuring participation from numerous community-based organizations such as APACE-LI, Catholic Charities of Long Island, CARECEN–Long Island, the Hispanic Counseling Center, and the Port Washington Parent Resource Center. The coordination of these partners was led by Sylwia Borkowska, an administrative intern from St. John’s University, whose leadership ensured families had meaningful access to trusted local supports throughout the evening. To further encourage literacy at home, families were invited to select free books to build their own multilingual libraries.
The evening concluded with “Literacy in Color,” a bilingual and intergenerational arts experience led by Adriana Devers, President and Founder of Cuentos de Triadas, Inc. This session invited families to explore storytelling, visual arts, music, and movement while reflecting on cultural identity and belonging. “Our schools are at their best when every family, regardless of the language they speak at home, feels a profound sense of belonging within our halls,” said Dr. Gaurav Passi, Superintendent of Schools. “Events like this reflect our ongoing commitment to bring families, educators, and community partners together, ensuring every student has the support and the voice they need to succeed in Port Washington.”
Priscilla Zarate, Director of ENL for Port Washington, emphasized that the night reflects a deep commitment to creating welcoming and affirming school environments where multilingual families feel seen and valued. She noted that literacy is about more than just reading and writing; it is about identity and voice. By strengthening the partnership between families and schools through cultural affirmation, the district continues to build a firm foundation for student success.
