Stonehurst Hills highlights 'Bilingual Buddies' program to support English learners

At the work session, Stonehurst Hills Elementary principal Dr. Desmond Chisel and EL teacher Christy Bean presented the school’s "Bilingual Buddies" program, which pairs third- through fifth-grade students with newcomers learning English.

The program gives higher-proficiency students a chance to practice academic and social English while helping new students acclimate. Christy Bean described "welcome walks"—buddies escorting newcomers to key locations like the cafeteria and gym—and the use of special lanyards that identify buddies. The presentation also noted a new multilingual math-mentors group for students who have exited EL services but want to continue peer mentoring.

Students in the presentation said buddies help with classroom routines and social connection. The program also involves afternoon announcements in Spanish, done with student participation, and a student thank-you breakfast on May 22 to honor participating buddies and mentors.

Why it matters: Presenters framed the program as both an instructional and social support that builds language skills and belonging for newcomer students. The program’s structure—regular small-group time, classroom push-ins, and cross-grade mentoring—was presented as adaptable to incoming students’ needs.

What the board was told next: The presentation closed with an invitation for board members to attend the May 22 thank-you breakfast and with staff offering to share resources and outcome observations in future updates.