The school where I am completing my service-learning hours
is very diverse. We have a large majority of Hispanic children and families,
there are several families from the Polynesian islands, both Tongan and Samoan,
as well as African American. I am sure that there are several more cultures
that I am unaware of. From what I have seen, all students are treated as equals
and I haven’t noticed or picked up on any cultural bias. There are several
children who are learning English in the classroom, and these children will be
taken for small groups where they work along with a teacher and a few other
students on improving their English.
I have noticed that with such a high population of Hispanic children, most of which speak both English and Spanish, but in their home they only speak Spanish. There are modifications to notes and information sent home so that it is in Spanish and the parents are able to read it. We are lucky to have several Spanish speaking teachers and administrators, so when parents do come into the school they are easily able to communicate their child's needs.
I have noticed that with such a high population of Hispanic children, most of which speak both English and Spanish, but in their home they only speak Spanish. There are modifications to notes and information sent home so that it is in Spanish and the parents are able to read it. We are lucky to have several Spanish speaking teachers and administrators, so when parents do come into the school they are easily able to communicate their child's needs.
