The document describes the Somali educational experience and a program called the Newcomers Class at Renton High School that helps Somali refugee students learn the basics of being students in the American school system. The Newcomers Class provides self-contained instruction on English, core subjects, and school structures to ease the adjustment of Somali teenagers struggling to stay in school. Over 50 students have benefited from the program by graduating into regular classes and many have even gone on to college.

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

18. GONE

19. The displaced
were sent to
refugee camps
in Kenya . . .
. . . but many have found their
way to the United States . . .

20. Over 30,000
Somali refugees
currently live
in King County,
Washington . . .
. . . where they learn to adapt to a
new country and culture.

21. Many Somali
teenagers find it
hard to adjust to
the American
educational
system . . .
and they struggle to stay in school

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

23. From what to do
in a classroom . . .
. . . to how to interact with their
fellow students and teachers.

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

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

26. The Newcomers Class

27. In 2008, teachers at Renton High
School began The Newcomers
Class in order to help Somali
refugees learn
how to be
students .

28. Students spend the entire day in
a self-contained classroom with
two teachers
devoted
to the class.

29. Students learn English and other
elements of the core curriculum,
such as math,
science,
and history
during a
morning
session.

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

31. Basic school structures are
covered. . .
. . . such as what
students should
do when the
bell rings . . .

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

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

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

35. . . . and
listening to
your teacher.

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

37. Students are encouraged to
celebrate their culture and traditions

38. The Newcomers
Class throws a
food festival,
inviting the entire
school to sample
their traditional
foods.

39. The Newcomers Class helps the
students become active
participants in
their high school
experience.

40. Students stay in
The Newcomers
Class for at least
one semester, but
are welcome to
stay for the entire
school year.

41. At the end of the
year, students
are graduated
into mainstream
classes and are
ready to join their
fellow students.

42. From 2008 to 2011, 57 students
have gone through The
Newcomers Class . . .
. . . 35 students are
currently attending
Renton HS as regular students . .

43. 11 have graduated . . .
. . . and 7 students are currently
attending college.

44. The Newcomers Class offers
students a chance
at success . . .
. . . and gives them the tools
they need to fulfill their dreams.

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

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

47. These students deserve a chance. . .