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2024 Back-to-School Care Fair

Join VB Schools and over 100 youth-serving organizations, agencies and school division departments for an informational and fun-filled day that gives families the opportunity to connect with valuable resources which promote youth development and well-being.

International Welcome Center (IWC)

641 Carriage Hill Rd Suite 233
Virginia Beach VA 23452

Phone: 757.263.2096
Email: iwc@vbschools.com

Purpose

The International Welcome Center will support English learner families as they transition to the U.S.A. and Virginia Beach, provide information regarding school and community resources, provide screening of students to determine if they qualify for English language acquisition services, help facilitate the registration process, review international transcripts, assist with enrolling students in appropriate high school courses, and support the on-time graduation of high school English learners.

Mission

The mission of the International Welcome Center is to provide assistance and support to new English learners' families transitioning to Virginia Beach City Public Schools. The staff at the International Welcome Center will assist new families with the registration process, English language proficiency screening, connections to school/community resources, and academic records review of new students to ensure a seamless transition to a comprehensive school setting.

Vision

At the International Welcome Center, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment to new English learner students transitioning to Virginia Beach, and we are dedicated to supporting their academic journey to ensure they are college and career ready according to the attributes of the VBCPS graduate profile.

Values

Respect · Commitment · Community · Equity · Diversity · Culture

Services

  • Support the registration process for English Learner (EL) families transitioning to the U.S.A./Virginia Beach.
  • Schedule the student's English language proficiency assessment (WIDA Screener).
  • Review international transcripts/academic records to facilitate appropriate high school course placement.
  • Connect families with school/community resources.
  • Provide support to EL high school students to help ensure they meet graduation requirements.

Referral

Parents/guardians will begin the enrollment process at their designated school and be referred to the International Welcome Center if needed.

Office of K-12 & Gifted Programs
Department of Teaching and Learning

Director: Dr. Crystal Wilkerson, NBCT

Coordinator: Title III, English Learner - Kathleen Cahoon-Newchok

English Learner Instructional Specialist – Shannon Leonard
Bilingual School Counselor - Julie Rosario
Bilingual Family Outreach Representative - Alberto Nájera
Family Outreach Representative - Nikeia Pittman
ESL Test Examiner - Elizabeth Heischober
ESL Test Examiner - Patty Jack
ESL Test Examiner - Patti Anderson
ESL Test Examiner - Joan Field