Marti Maun
Dianne Elkins
Carolyn Beall
Sheri Lutz

At Thomas Elementary, we not only respect diversity,
we celebrate our differences!!

"We Are the World"

Did you know that Thomas Elementary is quite an international school with one of the most diverse ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) groups in Plano ISD? This year at least 73 students representing many countries and speaking 28 different languages are enrolled in ESOL classes at Thomas. These students' language proficiency in English varies from beginner to intermediate to advanced high.

The Thomas ESOL classes provide a nurturing, supportive environment for students to feel comfortable and "take risks" as they acquire fluency in English and practice their English literacy skills. All students receive instruction at their individual language proficiency level with the goal of helping them master enough English to be mainstreamed into the regular content classes and eventually pass TAKS. In order for students to exit the ESOL program, they must score above 40% on reading and language achievement tests, and all students in grades 3-5 must pass the TAKS test. The academic progress of students who are dismissed from ESOL is tracked for two years after dismissal.