Addison Trail implements two initiatives to support English Learner students

One of the greatest strengths of District 88 and Addison Trail is the rich diversity represented among the students and staff.

About 40 languages and more than 30 countries are represented among District 88 families, and almost half of the nearly 4,000 students speak a language other than English at home. The district’s core values include ensuring all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

As part of that commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging for all students, Addison Trail has implemented two initiatives to support students who are enrolled in English Learner (EL) courses.

Puentes (“Bridges” in Spanish):
Spearheaded by Addison Trail EL reading teacher Maria DiNovo and the leadership team of Erica Craig, Director of Biliteracy for District 88 and Addison School District 4, and Jenna Phillips, Addison Trail EL and Reading Department Head, this program trains students in advanced EL classes or recently exited EL students to provide guidance and social-emotional assistance to new EL students. Puentes was inspired by pupils in EL 3 classes who were looking for a way to help new students, because they “remember what it was like” when they first came to Addison Trail.

The group met for the second time on March 9 and participated in interactive, teambuilding “get-to-know-you” activities. Mentors will meet regularly with Addison Trail Social Worker Jorge de Leon to develop leadership skills to connect with and guide the school’s newest language learners. The goal is to have mentors and mentees participate in extracurricular activities together to increase participation of language learners in clubs, activities and sports at Addison Trail.

Mural:
Since December, about 15 students who are enrolled in EL 1, 2, and 3 classes have been working on creating two murals that will be showcased in the EL hallway at the school.

The project was organized by Addison Trail EL reading teacher Maria DiNovo, and students are working with Addison Trail art teacher Maria Ramon to design the murals. Guidance Counselor Sofia Daly also led two mindfulness activities and art-therapy sessions to help guide the participants. 

The images will reflect experiences, places, memories and items that are important to the students and have helped form their identity. The murals are scheduled to be revealed in late April.