SYLVIA HERNANDEZ, EAST FACILITATOR BECOMES A BRIDGE FOR ESL STUDENTS AND PARENTS CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES AT SHAW ELEMENTARY
As a bridge for Hispanic families, Sylvia Hernandez, an EAST facilitator at Shaw Elementary, meets with parents through Zoom to teach them how to use technology to better assist their kids while juggling other roles like Spanish translator, SeeSaw expert, and volunteering as a curriculum creator.
In her 11th year at Shaw, Hernandez was an ESL instructional assistant for 10 years in the district before obtaining her teaching degree. She later worked at Jones Elementary as a kindergarten teacher before continuing her career at Shaw.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Hernandez’s family migrated to Rogers in search of a safer close-knit community. Family members already in that area told them about numerous job opportunities.
While her parents spoke Spanish nearly all the time, Hernandez began to learn English when she was dropped off with the babysitter. At school, Hernandez was pulled aside by her teachers to assist them with new students who were non-English speakers. At an early age she became a bridge of communication by translating.
“I remember teachers asking me to help.” says Hernandez. ESL programs weren’t available at the time. This proved to be a motivating factor in her decision to become a teacher.
“I love working with kids and I believe I could make an impact, especially since I know both languages.” says Hernandez.
Why does she like working at Shaw Elementary?
“Because I feel like I can help the kids. All of our hispanic kids.” She responds, “For Hispanic kids, there is no one else who speaks Spanish except me. Our Spanish speaking parents all have my cell number. They are not shy about using it and they ask me questions. That closes the gap between the cultures and communities and makes them feel like they are part of Shaw.”
Hernandez switched to EAST hoping to make a greater impact and teach more kids. EAST students learn coding and more opportunities are opened for them. She noted how shocked kids are when they realize all the different careers EAST can lead to as they learn of their potential, even as elementary students.
Because of EAST, her daughter learned she had a passion for engineering and is now attending the University of Arkansas to pursue her career in that field.
“Our philosophy of teaching at EAST is the kids think we don’t know anything because we make them research everything. ‘I don’t know’ is what we tell them so they dig deep and research to find out how to work things. I don’t tell them the step by step of everything. Their learning becomes self directive learning. You see the excitement when they accomplish it on their own. It’s amazing!”
In her roles at Shaw, Hernandez is a major asset to teachers, staff and Spanish speaking parents.
“She’s impacting everybody, says Shelly Bewley, Shaw principal. “She’s helping kids and teachers. ESL kids text her and parents text her, she translates the newsletters.”
During this week of remote learning, Shaw is having small groups of students show up at the school for help. Shaw also has a team reaching out to parents and legal guardians with students who don’t connect online. “We call those parents immediately and see if they need any help, if they need internet access, or why their students aren’t completing the work,” says Hernandez.
Hernandez focuses on helping Spanish speaking parents through Zoom calls in order to help them learn how to use their iPad, chrome book or laptop to help their kids. In this way, Hernandez is closing the gap at Shaw Elementary and is another prime example of how the whole district is working together for the whole child. #THEChoice
CHELSEA JENNINGS NAMED ARKANSAS JUNIOR HIGH ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Chelsea Jennings of Lakeside Junior High has been named Arkansas Junior High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.
In her fifth year as assistant principal at Lakeside Junior High, Jennings taught two years at J.O. Kelly Middle School and six years at Springdale High School before becoming a district TOSA (teacher on special assignment.
“I was surprised, excited and a little shell shocked when I found out,” said Jennings, a University of Central Arkansas graduate. “I am proud to represent Lakeside, the Springdale School District and the state of Arkansas, especially considering there are so many great educators in our state.
“This award is the result of a strong collaborative culture at Lakeside. Our principal, Dr. Michael Shepherd, has been a mentor to me, and our faculty members are amazing. They are not afraid to take risks.”
Shepherd said, “Chelsea has all the ideals of leadership. She is an outstanding leader, colleague and friend.”
Springdale District Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland added, “We are very proud of Chelsea. We are excited she is in Springdale and for the work she does every day. Her character shines through in everything she does.”
Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director – Elect of the AAEA, presented the award in the Lakeside cafeteria in front of members of the school’s faculty and district administrators. He explained, “The award is given annually to a secondary level assistant principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and has been acknowledged by peers for exemplary contribution to the profession.”
Jennings is the fifth honoree from Lakeside during 2020. Joel Lookadoo is the current Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Lauren Willis is the Arkansas Junior High Counselor of the Year, Brian Johnson is the Arkansas Junior High Library Media Specialist of the Year and Rachel Cornett is the Junior High Regional Choir Director of the Year.
The whole district working for the whole child is another reason Springdale Public Schools are #THEChoice.
Thank you Walmart for your donation!
Thank you Community Samaritan Center for your donation!
You are invited! Please join Northwest Technical Institute LIVE on December 3rd at 9:45AM and 6PM to celebrate diversity!
J.O. Kelly Middle School is hosting elementary students with Instructional Assistants and After School Program staff. Students receive instruction from their home schools and have mentors available to help. This is the whole district working for the whole child. #THEChoice
J.O. Kelly math instructor Tania Cardenas connects with her students by Zoom during this week of remote learning. She says, "It's pretty cool! We have been preparing for this all year. It has gone very well so far. Students turn in their work every day. We just started a new unit." Innovative instruction is one of many reasons Springdale Public Schools are #THEChoice
Thank you First Security Bank for your donation!
Please enjoy these Thanksgiving videos! Including a turkey going BOOOOOOOM!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHEBmi0yiDOo1cuC_hjt4yzWXiM48WD1w
Have a Happy Thanksgiving from Springdale Schools to your family! #WeAreThankful
Please enjoy this #WeAreThankful video from the JTEConnects.
https://youtu.be/X10EQABtsLU
Please enjoy this Thanksgiving special from Har-Ber High School.
https://youtu.be/6T9u8zn0jFU
Please enjoy this Thanksgiving video from Springdale High School.
https://youtu.be/05yBVupT1rY
We are thankful for our students and families at Springdale School District! #WeAreThankful
Please enjoy this Thanksgiving edition from Springdale Today.
https://youtu.be/zrfMPRDiCko
Please enjoy this Walker "We are Thankful" video from Walker Elementary Kindergarten.
https://youtu.be/phrnf2ErV4g
Please enjoy this Phoenix TV Thanksgiving edition from Don Tyson. https://youtu.be/J0w6dUPyhY4
Becca Woods, instructional facilitator at Elmdale, shares why she is thankful. #WeAreThankful
Greetings Springdale Schools Family,
Please see the newsletter that announces Remote Learning for November 30th to December 4th. Plus includes important information about ASP, Food Services, Remote Learning tips and much more.
https://www.smore.com/w8014
We are thankful for technology to be able to communicate with our families! #WeAreThankful
