Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the adult learners who are graduating this spring from the CCPS Adult Essential English classes.
The Essential English program, a gateway to stronger language skills and community engagement, welcomed learners from across the school division, including staff members and family representatives from all ten CCPS schools. The 2024-2025 academic year featured three full sections of Essential English and one section of ESL Adult Literacy, with graduates now poised to transition to more advanced literacy instruction and ultimately the Literacy Council. Classes are offered at the Family Resource Center (FRC) and Farmington Elementary.
Among this year’s graduates are CCPS custodians Roxana Beltran and Reyda Solis, who exemplify the school system’s values of continuous growth and commitment to service. Their success speaks to the empowering nature of the Essential English program, which not only builds language skills but also fosters deeper connections with schools and the broader Culpeper community.
Led by instructors Steven Rice and Cariely Morales, the class cultivates a welcoming and supportive environment, helping families build the confidence to learn and thrive together. One graduate, Liliana, celebrated her achievement alongside her daughter from A.G. Richardson Elementary School—underscoring the intergenerational power of education.
CCPS Family Resource Center Director Karie Lane shared that this program would not be successful without the hard work and dedication of its instructors, “Steven and Cariely build the class with trust and commitment, without that, it would not be successful. Adult learning can be scary, and they make it a safe learning environment where our adult learners thrive.”
Morales and Rice play a vital role in creating the warm and supportive learning environment that helped these adult learners thrive. “Being part of the Essential English Classes team has touched my heart in many ways,” said Morales. “Watching our adult learners chase their dreams with courage and determination has been a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. I’m deeply thankful for the chance to be a part of their journey, and I feel truly blessed to have shared this time with them.”
Rice echoed the sentiment, adding, “For me, it has been an absolute honor to assist our adult English language learners on their language learning journey. The ebbs and flows of an entire school year together chasing after a common goal has created heartfelt bonds and mutual admiration.”
The adults who completed this year’s program expressed appreciation for the program’s impact:
“Thank you to our teacher for being so patient and kind. You made learning feel safe, even when it was hard.”
“Before this class, I felt unsure. I can go to the grocery store and speak without feeling lost.”
“To everyone who helps make this program happen, thank you. Even if we don’t see you, please know that we are truly thankful.”
CCPS remains committed to strengthening families and schools through programs like Essential English, which play a vital role in building inclusive, empowered communities.
For more information about these classes, contact the Family Resource Center (540) 445-5025.