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Willard school starts multilingual ambassador program to help newcomer students
Summary
Willard Elementary launched an ML (multilingual) ambassador program in which student volunteers who speak multiple languages provide tours, translation and social support to newly enrolled students; the program covers five languages and is intended to smooth newcomer transitions.
Principal Bodine introduced an ML (multilingual) ambassador program at Willard Elementary and said the school is using student volunteers to welcome and orient newly arrived pupils. "Willard is the personal monthly building to have ambassadors," a school staff member said, describing the program’s creation in response to an influx of newcomer students.
Mrs. Henderson, who oversees the ambassador work, told the board the program pairs newcomer students with current students who share language or cultural familiarity, and ambassadors provide tours, explain lunch and pickup routines, and give a consistent point of contact. She said the ambassador team includes six students who together cover five different languages.
The presenters described Willard’s multilingual population as 51 students, about one‑third of the school’s 158 students, and listed languages represented in the school community: Spanish, French, Dari, Swahili, Sabiki and Minas. The staff member said the ambassadors’ duties include office introductions, classroom orientation, and student‑to‑student social support; ambassadors also participated in a local article that highlighted their experiences.
Student ambassadors spoke briefly to the board about their roles. One student said helping newcomers reduces anxiety and makes the first day less intimidating. The program uses a checklist, developed with Kate Schuchner, to guide introductions and orientation steps.
Board members asked how long pairings last and how ambassadors are trained; presenters said buddies act as ongoing contacts and that the checklist and staff coaching structure the role. No formal board action was taken; the presentation was informational.
