Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please tell me about the Doris Henderson Newcomers School.

We serve recently arrived immigrant and refugee students in grades 3-12 who are learning English.  Our goal is to prepare students to transition to mainstream schools in Guilford County. 

Who can attend the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Students who meet the following criteria may attend our school:

· They must be in 3^rd grade through 12^th grade

· This must be their first U.S. school experience

· English is not their first language

· Students must choose to attend.  Students who do not wish to attend our school may enroll in their attendance zone school within the Guilford County School System.

Are all newcomers required to attend Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Students must choose to attend our school.  Students who do not wish to attend may enroll in their attendance zone school within the Guilford County School System.  Students who do not choose to attend our school and who qualify for English as a Second Language services will receive those services in their home school. 

How are students enrolled?

Call or visit the school to set an enrollment appointment (316-5883).  You will need to bring the following items with you for each student:

· Proof of birth (I-94, passport, or birth certificate),  

·  Proof of your address (utility bill in parent’s name or copy of a lease), and

· Each child’s immunization record. 

· For high school students, if you have transcripts from previous schools bring those as well.

How are students placed into grade levels?

Age appropriate grade placement is used by our school.  Grade level placement is determined by age.  High school grade levels are determined by the number of credits students have earned at the high school level.  If students have high school transcripts from their previous schools, our staff will review them and credit may be awarded for courses completed. 

How long can students remain at the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Students may remain at our school for one calendar year.

How are students transitioned out of your school?

Transitioning begins early in the year at our school through various meetings and lessons with students about their new school.  Our counselor meets to develop graduation plans for high school students and visits classes to prepare elementary and middle school students for the transition early in the final semester.  High School students visit the school their new school to meet with counselors about scheduling needs.  They also tour their new school to meet teachers and peers.  All records are transferred to new schools by our school.

What schools do students attend once they are transitioned from the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Students attend the schools based on where they live.  They are assigned to schools based on their address. Students wishing to apply for magnet schools may do so following the same procedures as all GCS students.

Do students continue to receive services once they leave the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Students qualifying for ESL services will continue to receive those services in home schools.

What curriculum is taught at the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Focused instruction is provided by staff members in English as a second language.  In addition, we believe in comprehensive reading instruction and integrating content objectives to provide students access to Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and English Language Arts curriculum.  Art and Physical Education are also offered.  Our staff is committed to helping students adjust to their new home and school system.

Are students making progress at the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

Yes! As an annual measurable achievement objective, North Carolina ESL students must demonstrate progress on the required state identified English language proficiency test. Progress is defined as improving at least one proficiency level in at least one of the subtests of reading, writing, speaking, or listening.  Students who have spent a minimum of 6 months at our school are meeting and exceeding that goal:

Levels of Growth on NC Language Proficiency Exam (WIDA)

READING GROWTH

In 2009-10 all students entered our school reading below grade level in English. Many were illiterate in their first language as well.  Students who spent a minimum of 6 months at our school last year grew an average of 2 GRADE LEVELS inreading.  This represents significant gain in a short amount of time and we are proud of our students for their hard work! 

How many teachers are at the Doris Henderson Newcomers School?

There are 19 teachers, 1 media specialist, 1 counselor and 1 social worker.  We also have interpreters in our main languages Vietnamese, Burmese, and Spanish.

What are the Saturday Adult Literacy Classes?

Adult Literacy classes are provided on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12pm September through May.  English Instruction is provided to adults to increase oral proficiency, reading and writing.  Tutoring for children in grades k-12 is also provided in addition to daycare for infants and pre-school aged children.  Limited transportation is also provided to families of students at the DH Newcomers School. Classes are provided for all Guilford County residents needing assistance with English.