The Marion Central School District recently received recognition for its participation in the New York State Seal of Biliteracy program.

The District, which is in its fifth year of offering the Seal of Biliteracy, received a Silver Badge from the New York State Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages. Silver Badges were awarded to Districts who have participated in the program from two to four years.

The District also received a badge for its participation in the program for the 2020-21 school year and retroactive badges for being involved in the program in 2017-18, ’18-19 and ’19-20.

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) is an award given to high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational) in English and one or more world languages. The NYSSB encourages the study of languages, affirms the value of diversity in a multilingual society, and provides universities and future employers with additional information about applicants.

Marion offers students the opportunity to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy in German, Spanish and American Sign Language. A total of 33 Marion graduates have achieved this seal during the first four years the program has been offered. In 2018, two graduates received the seal in two or more languages.

For more information on the Seal of Biliteracy program at Marion, please contact Karen Livingston, the seal coordinator and school counselor for grades 10-12, at (315) 926-4228 (ext. 3121) or klivingston@marioncs.org.