MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough Public Schools has received statewide recognition for its work celebrating students' multilingual skills.
Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez presented the Seal of Biliteracy Gold Star Award to Marlborough High School English learner coordinator Eileen Bouvier, the district announced on Tuesday. MPS also credited English learner teacher Melanie Martins for helping students earn recognition for their language abilities.
"We're proud to be a recipient of the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Gold Star Award," Rupal Patel, the district's executive director of English learner services, said in the announcement, thanking students, families and educators who contributed to the achievement.
The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating students who meet graduation requirements and demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language, according to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The designation is recorded on a student's high school transcript.
Students may earn the Seal of Biliteracy or the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, which requires a higher level of proficiency. Students can also qualify in multiple languages, including American Sign Language.
More than 18,000 Massachusetts graduates have earned the Seal since 2019, including 4,793 during the 2024-25 school year, DESE reported. About 77 percent of the state's schools and districts are authorized to offer it.
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