1st Semester 2015-2016

Though I would like to update this blog as much as possible, it is quite difficult with the number of activities we have.  So, due to the lack of time, here is a recap of our 1st semester activities in a video created by Mauricio Rosales:

ELL Leadership 1st Semester Activities SY 2015-2016

School Year 2014-2015 Year End Celebration

The blog has seen a hiatus due to the various projects and activities that the class has been very busy with. As a way to give a quick recap, SY 2014-2015 ended with two great celebrations.  The first was a celebration of accomplishment as well as our tribute celebration for Ms. Debbie Weidner, our ESL Specialist, and Ms. Jennifer Benavides, our ESL Assistant Principal.

On the day of the celebration, we presented this year-end video created by Josue Rosales and Mauricio Rosales.

Here is a link to our video: Year-End Video SY 2014-2015

Here also is a link of a PPT presentation that Hanna Abuhay created to show our accomplishments and activities for the year: 2014-2015 Projects PPT

Here are some pictures from our first celebration:

District Education Improvement Council

The Garland ISD District Education Improvement Council held a meeting last March 18, 2015.  The meeting was about the district's Dual Language programs and how these programs are rearing students to become bilingual and successful.

Three high school ESL students were chosen to give speeches about their experiences on arriving in the United States, their struggles as they first were trying to adapt, and how the ESL program and teachers have supported.

Hanna Abuhay and Daniel Vielman of South Garland HS and Jason Jacob of Lakeview Centennial gave speeches in front teachers, administrators, parents and the community.  The audience was moved by their stories and they were asked to come back to the front at the end of the session.  They were asked some questions, but mostly they wanted to congratulate the students and the district for their hard work.

Other students from South Garland HS, Lakeview Centennial HS and Sachse HS volunteered as greeters and assistants for the said event.

SGHS ELL Leadership Class Volunteers

Daniel, Mrs. Rutaquio (me), and Hannah

Door Greeters

SGHS Leadership Class Volunteers

The reward for volunteering: Cici's Pizza!

With Mr. Pruessner (LC) and Ms. Abello (Sachse)

Hearts for the Staff

To show appreciation for the teachers and staff of South Garland High School, the ELL Leadership Students created hand-made heart cards for their teachers.  The cards had some quotes about love. The students also brought some chocolates that they attached to the heart cards.  The students hand delivered some of the cards on February 13th while some cards were placed in teacher's boxes.  The project leaders, Martha Torres and Marina Barrios really worked hard on making this a success.  The whole class and the officers did their very best to support this endeavor.  All in all, it was a great day of spreading love through effort and hard work.