Community Connections: South Newton Elementary

by Sandy Arini

South Newton Elementary School is actively reaching out to its Hispanic community to make families feel welcomed and a part of the school community. The school sends home newsletters, personal notes, and other communications in Spanish as well as English; Yolanda Carcamo, the ESL instructional assistant, translates for parents during conferences, registration and school programs; and English classes are offered for parents in the evening.

After surveying the needs of Hispanic families, the school worked with the County Extension Educator and the Newton County Adult Education teacher to secure funds for an instructor to teach an English language class one evening a week. The school provides an educational assistant, a meeting space, and classroom supplies. Teachers and administrators volunteer to provide childcare.

Currently, a group of 18-20 parents meets each week to learn written and spoken English. The curriculum includes field trips to the local clinic, a bank, and the fire station for hands-on experience with filling out forms, using specialized vocabulary, and practice using English in real-life situations. Many of these older students decided to take this class to alleviate communication frustrations with employers, co-workers, and their children’s teachers. As a result of this class, the adult learners have felt more confident in their interactions on the job, at the doctor’s office and at their children’s school. Some have even begun working on their GEDs. In one case, a local employer called to inquire about enrolment for employees after the class had begun; this employer even indicated that the employees would be paid to attend the English language course.

Another benefit of the program is the strong rapport that has developed between the school and the parents. Families feel more comfortable in the school environment as they come to appreciate the interest the teachers and administrators have in them and their families. Their children, who were once embarrassed by their parents’ decision to attend these classes, are now proud of their parents’ achievements.

Providing supplies, support personnel, and a few nights of childcare add up to more than just a successful after-school program. In fact, South Newton Elementary is extending its hospitality to welcome and engage new community members into the local culture, and to lay the foundation for an active and involved citizenry’s contribution to the future success of its entire community.

Sandy Arini

Sandra Arini is the principal of South Newton Elementary. She has been in education for the last thirty-eight years. Sandra has been a kindergarten through sixth grade teacher, an elementary counselor, and for the past 16 years an elementary principal. She received her bachelors degree from Ball State University and her masters degree and further post graduate work at Purdue University.

This featured article appeared in Volume 3, Number 4 issue of the Write Connections quarterly newsletter. View other archived newsletters , a topical organization of all newsletters, or sign-up to receive notification when the next newsletters are ready to download.