Diversity rules at the GCS Newcomers School.

The principal speaks French; teachers are from the four corners of the world except for Antarctica, and students hail from Thailand, China, Burma (largest new population), Niger, Mexico and other countries. Every day this diverse group convenes for the sole purpose of learning English and transitioning newcomers into the United States at the GCS Newcomers School, the first of its kind in North Carolina.

The GCS Newcomers School is a prime example of educational innovation that not only meets the needs of a continually growing diverse population but demonstrates the vision of a district that continues to attract attention across the nation for its creative approaches to education.

Teachers like Shirley Marcus remember when GCS did not have the English as Second Language (ESL) program. The 25-year career ESL teacher is from Sweden and understands firsthand what is like to come to the United States as a non-English speaking person.

 “The GCS Newcomers School is an ESL dream world,” said Marcus. “The teachers and staff are dedicated and use the best teaching practices including content-based learning. Within weeks, we are seeing a difference in speaking ability when students are immersed in language. I think this school will become a national gem that other educators from across the U.S. will model.” Currently Marcus assists other ESL teachers with scheduling, teaching strategy and curriculum.

ESL teacher Leisa Huddleston hails from Minnesota where she started her career in 1983. Huddleston particularly enjoys working with refugees. “The atmosphere here is encouraging and comfortable for newcomers,” explained Huddleston. “The positive attitude is fostered by our principal and it filters down to the teachers. The community is excited about this school, and we have volunteers of all ages and interns from local universities.”

The diversity of the teachers is as interesting as the variety of students. Two such teachers are Leonard Ruiz from Bogota, Columbia and Vanina Hackett from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Teaching English as a foreign language in their respective countries prepared them for the GCS Newcomers School.

Leonardo Ruiz and Vanina Hackett are dedicated to making a difference at the GCS Newcomers School.

Ruiz knew as a young boy that language was the key to opportunity. “I wanted to know what people were saying and knew that if I wanted to travel and deal with people that I needed to know English,” smiled Ruiz. He remembers the tears of non-English speaking children in traditional schools and that it was often months before they could speak English. “I had a student from Thailand who could not speak a word of English on the first day of school. Now three months later, this student is helping another student.”

Both teachers site challenges such as culture differences and diverse abilities (some students have never been to school). Differences are respected, but the primary goal remains to assist students with a successful transition into American culture. Students are allowed to speak their native language when helping other students but overall, English is reinforced. “When you are multilingual, you see the world in a different way,” said Hackett.

Ruiz recalled introducing students to French fries and hamburgers for the first time. “We have children who have never seen these types of food,” said Ruiz. “In another setting it would be traumatic. Here we gently introduce them to American foods so they aren’t overwhelmed.”

Hackett has also seen children come out of their shell quickly at the school. “I had a Burmese student who was extremely shy, and now he is very outgoing,” said Hackett.

All agree that the school is a confidence builder for these students who are often overwhelmed in traditional schools. To help the transition for students and parents, Principal Jake Henry visited the parents before school started. “Relationship-building is a priority and will be the key to our success” said Henry.