Newcomer students grow their English language skills during the summer

For many English learners, moving to another country and navigating a different education system in a new language is a challenging experience. 

At San Juan Unified School District, newcomer students have the opportunity to enroll in a summer program uniquely designed for English language learners. 

This year, incoming seventh- through ninth-grade students participated in the Middle Newcomer Summer School program. With only four weeks of instruction, students have been able to gain additional English language skills.

Eleonora, an incoming ninth-grader at Mira Loma High School, shared that her favorite thing about the summer program was to learn new words.

“I learn English in ELD (English Language Development) and it is fun,” said Eleonora.

Students are enhancing their English through math, art, ELD and STEM learning opportunities. These activities also allow students to learn how to collaborate through LEGO building and poster making.  

In addition to the support of ELD teachers, students have also found a safety net from San Juan Unified student interns.

Somyyeh, an incoming 12th grader at Mira Loma, is supporting the Middle Newcomer Summer School as a part of her summer internship. 

“They need support, there was a student that kept thanking me for helping her,” shared Somyyeh. “When I told her I go to Mira Loma, she was like ‘You can help me there too!’ I said ‘Yes, of course!’”   

Students from the Afghan community found reassurance from Someyyeh. She understands the experiences that newcomer students are navigating, as she was once in their shoes when she moved from Afghanistan to the United States and soon enrolled in San Juan Unified during eighth grade.

Somyyeh was delighted to see the impact of her support for ELD students and shared that she hopes to become a teacher one day. 

With participation in this program, students gain confidence in their English language skills as they transition to middle school or high school.