International School 45 teaches the world

By Shari Ingles and Maureen Vitali

BengalNews Reporters         

            To someone who is just walking by, International School 45 is nothing more than a dark, brick building. But to the several hundred refugee students that attend school there, it is so much more than that.

 A walk through the doors of School 45, located on 141 Hoyt St., reveals a bright and welcoming interior. A sign near the cafeteria teaches students how to say a new word from a different language each day. A colorful mosaic features a sign that says, “We educate the children of the world.” To the refugee students, who come from refugee camps from over 30 different countries, the school is a symbol of acceptance and hope.

And hope is just what these students are looking for. Oftentimes they come to America after spending most of their young lives in the refugee camp. The resettlement process alone can take up to three years. When these students arrive in America, they often speak little or no English. As a result, School 45 administrators must take special steps to ensure that the students maintain the pace of other students in the Buffalo School District. This is because classes are taught in English.

Teacher Karen Kane, on language proficiency of School 45 students:  

A large map of the world showcases where different students are from and what languages they speak. Some of the popular languages spoken at the school include Karen, Arabic, Somali, Burmese, Kirundi, and Vietnamese, according to the school website.

             “There are over 800 students in the building and approximately 470 are considered limited English proficient,” said Karen Kane, English as a second language teacher (ESL) for 6^th grade. “Many students are living with parents that do not speak English as a first language.

            “We are very lucky to have a lot of resources. We have 14 ESL teachers that work with the K-6 population. We also have a partnership with Journeys End where bilingual academic coaches come in and provide translation services that help families and teachers communicate with the parents.”

            Students are placed in classes based on age, rather than academic or language proficiency. In other words, refugee students are expected to keep pace with their American classmates, despite language barriers. There are 200 faculty and staff members many of which are multilingual as well as four parent facilitators, according to the school website.

Journey’s End is interested in the refugees’ progress during the school year, as well as over the summer with its “Jump Start Academy.”

“The program focuses on English language acquisition, classroom orientation and introduction to American curriculum, schedules, and activities,” said Development Coordinator Brian Brown Cashdollar. “The program is run in conjunction with the Buffalo Public Schools Jumpstart Program and also in partnership with WNY Americorps and Houghton College.” Edited by Kristin Ritch