Nearly 1,000 Modesto students recognized for reaching fluency in English
Modesto City Schools is honoring the achievements of more than 900 students for their accomplishments in multilingualism and civic engagement.
On Tuesday, the district hosted its annual Reclassification Celebration at Davis High School to recognize 607 English learner students in grades seven through 12 who have reached a significant milestone: becoming reclassified as Fluent English Proficient. The district celebrated elementary-level reclassifications at a separate ceremony last week.
According to the district, MCS last year doubled its reclassifications from the prior year — and saw that number rise again this year.
English learners make up about 23.6% of the district’s total student enrollment — roughly 7,000 students — and speak more than 30 languages, including Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Punjabi, Pashto, Vietnamese and American Sign Language.
“This celebration acknowledges our students’ resilience and hard work and is also the result of tremendous work and dedication by our teachers and staff,” MCS Superintendent Sara Noguchi said in a press release. “It represents not just language proficiency but cultural pride, family support and new opportunities in their academic and social journeys.”
The event began at 6 p.m. in the Davis High School gymnasium, where students and families received medals and certificates. Tables were set up with popcorn, cotton candy and animal balloons, while a DJ played music.
Arlene Guerrero, a seventh-grader at Hanshaw Middle School, attended with her family. Spanish is her first language and the primary language spoken at home. She said it feels good to be fluent in English now.
She began practicing English in kindergarten but said she started learning more seriously in fourth grade. The hardest part, she said, is not mixing up words.
“Personally, I think they work so hard. There’s a lot of requirements they need to beat that are very rigorous, so when they beat it, you can see their pride, especially because they’re like, ‘Yes, I did,’” said Maricela Mota, director of English learner services.
Celebrations continue Friday with the Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Civic Engagement Ceremony, set for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Modesto High School auditorium. The event will honor 320 high school seniors who have earned the California State Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrating proficiency in English and at least one other language.
Languages represented among this year’s honorees include Spanish, French, Farsi and ASL. One standout recipient is Downey High School senior Yareli Jacobo Moreno, who will receive the seal in both Spanish and French.
The Friday ceremony also will spotlight students who earned the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, which demonstrates a commitment to civic participation and ethical leadership through service projects. This year’s initiatives included clothing drives, peer mentoring and advocacy for neighborhood services.
“We believe civic education is essential for developing responsible, informed and engaged citizens,” said Laurie Hulin, senior director of curriculum, instruction and professional development. “These students are living examples of how young people can make meaningful contributions in their schools and communities.”
This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 7:57 AM.
