Principal’s Corner: Rutherford Welcomes And Supports ELL Families

PANAMA CITY, FL – When I sat down with Dr. Todd Mitchell, principal of Rutherford Middle and High Schools, his message was clear: Rutherford is a school where every student is welcomed and supported, no matter where they come from.
 
Rutherford serves more than 150 students from multiple countries who are English Language Learners (ELL), approximately 12–15% of the grades 6 through 12 population. “Parent involvement is the #1 indicator of school health,” Dr. Mitchell shared, “and that includes making sure our ELL families are involved, too.”
 
The school’s Newcomers Program began after Hurricane Michael with just a few students and one ESOL teacher. Today, it has grown into a model of inclusion and support. Teachers like Aubrey Robbins-Davey have gone the extra mile to connect with the district and secure resources. Families know that Rutherford is a place where doors are open, interpreters are available, and support systems are in place, including a bilingual front office staff ready to assist every day.
 
Dr. Mitchell credits much of the success to dedicated educators like Melonie Bailey Corbin, who has built patient and meaningful connections with students and families. Rutherford is now in the second year of offering a distinct back-to-school ELL Orientation with translation services with guided tours and Q&A sessions. “It’s about making sure families feel welcomed and informed from the start,” Dr. Mitchell emphasized.

Moreover, Rutherford even began last year to partner with Cedar Grove and Parker Elementary Schools to offer conversational English classes for parents in collaboration with our Community Partnership School.

Teachers, too, are eager to grow; many of them requested conversational Spanish, under the leadership and instruction of faculty member Gabriela Hernandez, so they can better connect and communicate with families. 
 
The program’s growth reflects a larger shift in culture. What began as a sheltered instructional model has evolved into a thriving learning lab and inclusion-based approach. Rutherford faculty and staff members, such as Testing Coordinator, Lin Byrd, and Graduation Coach, Ashley Myatt, play critical roles in ensuring ELL students meet graduation requirements, while the entire team works tirelessly to provide support.
 
“We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas,” Dr. Mitchell said. “ELL families choose Rutherford because we’re open-door. Our goal is to educate whoever comes through the door," and they do it with care.
 
At Rutherford 6–12, that commitment is evident in every program, every class, and every interaction. It’s a school where diversity is celebrated, and every family finds a place to belong.