Welcome packets can play a pivotal role in helping multilingual learners and their families feel valued and included within the school community.
Last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting with a cohort of students, ranging from middle school to college age, as part of my fellowship with LatinxEd through the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University. Sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, my fellowship aimed to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in my local community.
As part of my immersion experience with LatinxEd, I met with the students in small and whole groups, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives and experiences to be shared. Participants expressed feeling underprepared when understanding graduation requirements. They mentioned needing help to navigate the complexities of credit requirements, course selections, and the integration opportunities offered. Additionally, they expressed concerns about accessing resources and support systems that could have helped them succeed academically and guided them toward higher-level education.
Following my internship with LatinxEd, I continued these discussions within my community by meeting with migrant and multilingual teachers and parents of students in Lee County Schools during the 2023-24 academic year. We discussed various topics pertinent to Latinx students’ education including academic preparedness, cultural competence among educators, access to resources, and the importance of inclusive policies. These discussions often highlighted systemic barriers that Latinx students face, including inadequate preparation for standardized tests, lack of clarity around graduation requirements, and limited access to college readiness programs. Through these meetings, I gained insights into the challenges migrant and multilingual students face as they navigate school systems.
One recurring concern was the need for greater preparedness. Most students felt unprepared to tackle the school year, affecting their integration into the school community, and academic progress. Due to language barriers, they relied on school counselors and teachers to make decisions on their behalf, because they lacked awareness of what was required and what the school had to offer.
As a multilingual learner, I understand that the impact of welcome packets on a student’s educational journey is not just theoretical. Reflecting on my own experience as a student, I can vividly recall moments when a comprehensive welcome packet would have made a world of difference.
However, I once naively believed that my struggles would end with me. Yet, reality proved otherwise. Both of my daughters now face similar challenges. My eldest daughter and I had the honor of speaking at the Hunt Institute, as lead co-speakers for Avanza, where we openly shared our experiences as Latinx individuals navigating the public school system. We recounted tales of triumph over adversity, embracing our cultural heritage, and our fervent advocacy for equity and inclusivity in education. It was a profoundly moving experience, as we aimed to inspire others and demonstrate that success is attainable, even amidst formidable hurdles.
According to the #SOMOSNC report by LatinxEd, Latinx students have driven nearly all public school enrollment growth since 2000. Despite this, a significant equity gap remains. Latinx students are less likely to graduate high school on time and are most likely to be first-generation college students in North Carolina, the report states.
Recognizing the need for a more inclusive approach, I began exploring how schools and districts could better welcome foreign families into our schools. One effective approach is providing welcome packets.
According to Sara Burnett’s article in Edutopia, welcoming immigrant students into classrooms involves creating a supportive environment from the outset. Similarly, the Henderson County Public Schools’ Migrant Education Program emphasizes the crucial role of welcome packets in providing essential information to migrant families and facilitating their integration into the school system.
These packets, tailored to English language learners in their native language, highlight all that the school and district have to offer. The packets include academic terms and acronyms and serve as a single point of reference for all documents necessary for enrollment. These packets have the potential to be an indispensable resource providing essential information and guidance to migrants, multilingual learners, and their families as they navigate the U.S. educational system for the first time.
While some school systems have implemented welcome packets, this tool would benefit all. After my fellowship with LatinxEd, I created a sample welcome packet for school districts to implement. To develop this packet, I collaborated with teachers and community members from Lee County to gather relevant information and resources. Although I didn’t translate all the documents myself, I enlisted the help of bilingual staff and the Lee County School District’s interpreter to ensure accurate translations.
On May 2, 2024, I shared my version of a welcome packet with the Migrant and English Language Learner Council of Lee County Schools. The sample packet includes information on school policies, academic programs, extracurricular activities, support services, community resources, and essential documents, translated into their native language.
Ideally, these packets will be distributed during student orientation or upon registration, and the school staff member enrolling the student would review the information in the packet with students and parents to ensure they understood its contents and could address any questions or concerns. Schools and districts could also make the packets more engaging by including items such as T-shirts, stickers, or water bottles with the school’s logo. The goal is to empower families and students to actively engage in their children’s education and represent the school community.
By providing translated versions of important documents, such as the student handbook, enrollment forms, and academic calendars, welcome packets ensure that all stakeholders can access crucial information in a language they understand. It establishes multiple channels for feedback and dialogue that institutions use to understand the needs of their student population. Additionally, it facilitates constant communication while empowering families with a clear understanding of the school’s expectations.
By acknowledging and respecting their linguistic and cultural diversity, educational institutions demonstrate a commitment to creating an environment where all students can thrive. This sense of belonging is essential for fostering positive relationships between schools and families. Schools and districts that prioritize the development and implementation of welcome packets demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and excellence in education.
Resources
Sample right side of packet, part I
Sample right side of packet, part II
Editor’s Note: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund supports the work of EdNC.
