By: Pam Koharchik
Teenagers often complain in their angst that "no one understands" them. Of course, some of us probably don’t want to (rimshot, please!). But for a small population of students, this is a valid complaint. The ESL (English as a Second Language) students are faced with a difficult challenge in not only attempting to do well and master their school subjects, but also to master their new language, English. Studies on the brain show that the learning of a second language becomes more difficult the older a person gets. There is a student in Allentown High School, however, who has made it the goal of her senior practicum to help foster bilingual understanding in our community.
Senior Rosa Lemus, a student who was born in Mexico and has been in the United States since eighth grade, has created the "Comunidad News," a bilingual newsletter. According to the first issue, "The principle motivating forces behind the creation of the newsletter were both a desire to protect bilingual students and their families from feeling alone or isolated within the general community, and also a desire to fill a gap in communications between these students and their families, the school community and the English-speaking community."
Both Rosa and Linda Chiappetta, a special education teacher who saw the desirability of such a project, developed the initial concept for the newsletter.
Rosa has worked hard with bilingual teaching assistant John Hilton to gather her articles and translate them. The newsletter is presented in both Spanish and English. The first issue features articles about the senior bilingual students, as well as the goals for future editions. It is hoped that all the bilingual students, including those in the elementary and middle schools, will eventually be featured in future issues. There are five more issues planned.
Rosa’s responsibilities for the newsletter have included the concept, design, layout and content (including photographs). Kristen Grandstrand, who taught Rosa in a computer class, notes that one of her strengths is her use of the computer and software. "When she first came into school and had limited ability, it was easy to teach her because the computer was a way to ‘show’ her what to do. She took off with programs like Microsoft’s Publisher."
Social worker Ellie Bills, a native Spanish speaker, credits Mr. Hilton’s work with Rosa in helping the whole newsletter to come about. "He has encouraged her and motivated her." Mr. Hilton, a retired Italian and Spanish teacher, took the teaching assistant job originally to work with only Rosa, but he has since become an assistant to all the ESL students.
Circulation of the colorful newsletter so far has included the Spanish classes, the ESL families, administration and the visiting Middle States Committee. Copies will be placed in the library and other spots for English-Speaking students.
After graduation, Rosa plans to become a hairstylist and hopefully someday work in an upscale salon. If she one day is able to own her own store, she already has the experience to advertise her shop and appeal to two different cultures, thanks to the experience she has gained at Allentown High School.
Buzzing in the halls this week…Today is the last day of the Middle States Evaluation Team’s visit. Members of the team will conduct a thorough review of Allentown High School’s mission, objectives, action plans, implementation plans, and facilities. In addition, the validation team will examine educational programs, student services and extra curricular activities…Student council is hosting a Toys-for-Tots drive. Please bring gifts to homeroom through Friday, Dec. 15…The Allentown FFA is sponsoring a pet food/supplies drive for Popcorn Park Zoo. Food, blankets and toys may be brought to the AG building by Thursday, Dec. 21.
Pam Koharchik is a teacher at Allentown High School.

