As students carefully filled notebook pages with colorful words describing themselves, they were doing more than practicing English vocabulary.
They were sharing who they are.
One student wrote words like "angel," "neighborly" and "liberty" to create an acrostic using her name. Another described herself as "joyful," "secure," "sassy" and "interesting." Nearby, classmates searched for new words, practiced pronunciation and built confidence as they learned a new language together.
The activity is part of Killeen ISD's first-ever Newcomer Academy, a summer learning opportunity designed to support middle school students who are Emergent Bilingual learners and new to the United States.
The two-week program is being offered at Rancier Middle School and Live Oak Ridge Middle School for students who have been in the country for two years or less and are at the beginning or intermediate levels of English language proficiency.
The Newcomer Academy provides targeted English language instruction focused on developing students' speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Through daily lessons and collaborative activities, ESL teachers help students build the academic language and foundational learning skills needed to succeed in school while increasing their confidence and English proficiency.
"Our goal is to help students feel confident walking into school on the first day," said Eli Lopez, Executive Director for Multilingual Services. "Through language development, hands-on learning and relationship-building, we're helping students strengthen the skills they need while building a sense of belonging in their new school community."
In addition to language development, students are participating in hands-on STEAM learning experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. Throughout the program, students are completing two science-based projects tied to weekly themes: an Animal Survival Model and an Environmental Science Eco-Dome Habitat.
The academy is designed not only to strengthen English skills but also to help students feel more comfortable navigating their schools, building friendships and preparing for the upcoming school year.
"Learning a new language and starting over in a new country takes courage," Lopez said. "We're proud of the work these students are doing this summer, and we're excited to see them begin the school year with greater confidence, stronger connections and a belief in what they can achieve."