Newcomer Center
The main goal of the English as a Second Language Newcomers Center is to successfully mainstream English language learners in grades one through five by:
- Creating a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
- Immersing students in varied and rich English language experiences that provide demonstrations of the interdependence of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Developing students' language abilities through the use of many different modes and technologies.
- Providing multiple opportunities for students to use English to successfully interact with others as they study meaningful and challenging content across the curriculum.
- Establishing ongoing communication with parents.
- Collaborating with staff to promote students' academic, social, and emotional development.
- Familiarizing students with their newly adopted American culture.
The Newcomers Center is a program designed to make the transition easier for non-English speaking students as they enter American schools. Students are in the Newcomers Center for part of the morning. The rest of the day is spent in a grade-level classroom with English-speaking students, and also, at certain times, with ESL paraprofessional support.
The Newcomers Center provides a safe, secure, nurturing atmosphere - a place where students can take risks with language and have FUN! The focus of the program is on communication skills - listening to and speaking English. Reading and writing skills are also taught through language-based, hands-on activities. Our goal is to prepare the Newcomers as quickly as possible for a successful experience in American schools. We, however, will always be there to support the Newcomer as he/she moves into a full English curriculum.
Mrs. Jennifer Frankowiak, Newcomer Center ESL Teacher
jennifer.frankowiak@wbsd.org
For additional information on the Newcomer Center and our ESL program, please call:
Mrs. Hadeel Azzo, District ESL Coordinator
248-865-6428
hadeel.azzo@wbsd.org
Suggestions for Newcomers
- Continue to speak your native language at home. This provides continuity and reassurance for your child. Speaking your native language also reinforces the connection with your home country and its culture.
- Get involved with your child's school (including volunteering in the mainstream classroom and/or in the ESL Newcomers center). This will help you know procedures and schedules
- Read to your child each day - both in your native language and in English. Talk about what you have read.
- Encourage your child to invite his/her new friends to your house after school.
- Encourage your child to join an after-school activity or sport.
- Learn about American culture with your child through friends, books, television, movies, the library, newspapers, and school events.
- Join an ESL class yourself.