The Little Red School House 2012 Winner
HURON
SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Little Red School House Award is presented
to a school district that is selected for
implementing the most significant, innovative
and successful education program or project.
From 2006-2012 the
Huron
School District
had a dramatic increase in the English Language Learner (ELL).
Student enrollment jumped from 45 students to 524.
The increase in the (ELL) is due in large part to the opening of a
turkey plant in Huron that hires refugee workers.
These refugee students have limited or no formal schooling experience
and with a limited background in education it is a challenge. The faculty
members observe the challenges these students face learning a new language
and adjusting to a new culture, which often sets them up for failure.
Because of this the Huron school district began the Newcomer Program.
It started with just three students in August of 211 and in April
2012 there were 21 students.
The new comer program is designed to help the
students’ transition and be successful in the classroom and community.
Students meet for three hours each day and are enrolled for no more
than one year.
