The document describes the educational challenges faced by Somali refugee students in the United States. Many Somali teenagers struggle to adjust to the American educational system since their only prior experiences were lessons from elders in Somalia. A "Newcomers Class" was created in 2008 at a high school to help these students learn the basic structures of school, such as following schedules and classroom norms. The class teaches students not just academic content but also how to be students, with lessons on note-taking, using computers, and participating in class. Since 2008, over 50 students have benefited from the program, with many now attending the high school or college regularly. The Newcomers Class provides these students a chance at educational success.

1. A typical day
at school . . .

2. . . . the bell
rings . . .

3. . . . students
go to class . . .

4. . . . and spend
the day learning and socializing.

5. But what if the bell
meant nothing to you . . .

6. . . . and your only
experiences with education
were lessons from your elders. . .

7. . . . what if you had to
learn how to go to school?

8. Learning How to Go To School
The Somali educational experience

9. Somalia . . .

10. . . . inhabited
since 9000 BC
by a proud and graceful people.

11. In 1991 . . .
. . . dictator
Mohamed Siad Barre was
overthrown by rebelling clans . . .

12. . . . and the country
was thrown into
Civil War . . .

16. By 1993 . . .
. . . it is estimated that over
300,000 Somalis were killed . . .

17. . . . and over
one million
Somalis were
displaced. . .

18. . . . that is almost half
the population of Somalia . . .

19. . . . GONE

20. The displaced
were sent to
refugee camps
in Kenya . . .

21. . . . but many have found their
way to the United States . . .

22. Over 30,000
Somali refugees
currently live
in King County,
Washington . . .

23. . . . where they learn to adapt
to a new country and culture.

24. Many Somali
teenagers find it
hard to adjust to
the American
educational
system . . .

25. . . . and they struggle
to stay in school

26. Known as
“Newcomers” . . .
. . . some Somali students must
learn what it means
to go to school . . .

27. From what to do in a classroom . . .

28. . . . to how to interact with their
fellow students and teachers.

29. In addition to learning the English
language and core curriculum . . .

30. . . . students must learn
how to go to school.

31. The Newcomers Class

32. In 2008,
teachers started
The Newcomers Class.

33. Students spend
the day
in a classroom
with two
dedicated
teachers . . .

34. . . . learning English and
core subjects, such as math,
science, and history
during a
morning
session.

35. Afternoon sessions focus on how to
be a student . . .

36. . . . basic school structures are
covered. . .

37. . . . such as what
students should
do when the
bell rings . . .

38. . . . and how to
sit quietly in a
classroom.

39. Students learn concepts such as
borrowing and returning . . .

40. . . . raising your
hand to ask a
question . . .

41. . . . and
listening to
your teacher.

42. Note-taking and using a computer
are also covered . . .

43. Students celebrate their culture and
traditions . . .

44. . . . by inviting the entire school to a
food festival.

45. Students become active in their
high school experience.

46. Students stay for
one semester,
but are welcome
for the entire
school year.

47. At the end of the
year, students
are graduated
into mainstream
classes.

48. From 2008 to 2011,
57 students have gone through
The Newcomers Class . . .
.

49. . . . 35 students
currently attend Renton HS as
regular students . . .

50. . . . 11 have graduated . . .

51. . . . and 7 are currently
attending college.

52. The Newcomers Class offers
students a chance
at success . . .

53. . . . and gives them the tools they
need to fulfill their dreams.

54. Is your school prepared to help
students learn how to go to
school?

55. Schools with a high refugee
population need
The Newcomers Class

56. These students deserve a chance. . .