School visit highlights multilingual mentorship program and student leader at Grimmsrud

Board member Hager reported a school visit to Grimmsrud Elementary (noted in meeting as Grimmsrood/Grimmsrud) and highlighted a peer-mentor program in which Century High students support multilingual newcomer elementary students.

Hager described speaking with a Century High student, Emilio, who volunteers during off periods to assist English learner students and who the board member said speaks Spanish, some Russian and some Mandarin. Hager said Emilio is a former Grimmsrud student and that he had been helping multiple learners in the school during the board member’s visit.

Doctor Johnson said the mentorship program began as a social-emotional support effort developed by school psychologist Bridget Johnson and social worker Liz Schmidt Kuntz and coordinated with Director of Student Support Services Danica Nelson, EL coordinator Lisa Simmons, principal Doctor Upton and Century staff (including Steve Madler). About 16–17 Century High students applied, were interviewed and were selected; most are juniors or seniors at high proficiency levels in language study. The program initially targeted upper-elementary newcomer students and emphasized social-emotional transition supports; administrators said academic support (reading and mathematics assistance) is now being added to the mentors’ work.

Doctor Fosnott and others noted the district repurposed older staff cell phones as translation devices while the program expanded, and board members praised the model for using existing student talent to provide language and social supports.

Board members characterized the visit as a positive example of community and student leadership and encouraged continued expansion of the model to other schools.