Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — Welcomed by red, white and blue balloons, U.S. flags and banners representing their countries of origin, more than 100 Lynwood students who recently arrived in the United States received an opportunity to bond with peers and connect with district leaders during the second annual Newcomers event on Aug. 30.
The event, designed for English learners who have been in America for three years or less, aims to help students ease their anxiety about attending school in a new country, learn what is expected of them to graduate from high school and befriend classmates who share their nationality.
“The students are super excited to be here, said Aranzazu Garcia, English language learner coordinator for the Lynwood Unified School District. “This is a great, welcoming environment for the new arrivals. This event helps the students establish rapport with each other and lets them know they are not the only ones who have come to a new country, which is very important for them.”
As the students arrived — many hailing from Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Venezuela, Guatemala and Peru — they were each presented with a flag representing their country of origin, along with a pin featuring both the American flag and the flag of their homeland, symbolizing their dual heritage.
“I’ve met so many classmates like me who are learning English,” Hosler Middle School student Diana Vazquez said. “Lynwood Unified is very supportive of those who speak Spanish and if you need help understanding something, they are there to help you.”
The middle school breakfast session focused on acclimating students to their school, the importance of learning a new language, how they can succeed in and exit the English language development program, and how to prepare for high school. The high school lunch session covered the key requirements for graduation and free on-campus programs to support their English development and academic success.
“I learned what I have to do to get my diploma, how to improve my English and how everyone here is helping us get to college and get more opportunities in our lives,” said Firebaugh High School student Joshua Ponce Garcia, who plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Students bonded through an icebreaker bingo game where they connected by finding others who have traveled to Europe, know how to drive, play a sport and other fun prompts. They also learned about academic and social-emotional resources and supports available at their schools.
“Transitioning to a new country, learning a new language and adjusting to a new school system is a daunting challenge for our newcomers,” district Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “We are committed to supporting our newest scholars on their journeys to success and ensuring they have the same opportunities their families envision for them.”
