Earlier this month, Lynwood Unified held a Newcomers Breakfast to welcome middle and high school students who have arrived in the United States within the last three years, representing an array of countries and diverse cultural backgrounds and the same dreams for a bright future.
The event, held in the District Office on Sept. 1, allowed students to not only bond with one another but also learn about the academic and social-emotional resources and supports available at their schools to ensure they succeed throughout their journeys in Lynwood Unified and beyond.
“Before coming here, I felt like I had no hope for the future or in life,” said Dania Romero, a junior at Lynwood High School who arrived in Lynwood from Ecuador and has been in the District’s English Language Development (ELD) program for the last year.
“When I arrived here in the United States, I was welcomed with a lot of love by the ELD program,” she added. “I’m learning a lot and I know it’s a lovely moment that I will hold in my heart and I’ll remember with love.”
Upon arrival, students picked up flags representing their countries of origin – from Mexico and El Salvador to Argentina and Colombia – and heard words of encouragement from their teachers and counselors as well as District leaders, including Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., and Aranzazu Garcia, coordinator of the District’s English Language Learner program.
Lynwood Unified is proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background, nationality or home language. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that each of our students brings with them.