The Allentown School District opened its doors to its state and local legislators as well as major media outlets on April 5, 2018, to celebrate the official opening of the new K-6 Newcomer Academy. Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera spoke briefly and assisted the Board of Directors and Superintendent Parker in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
The program is an expansion of the already successful Secondary Newcomer Academy at Midway Manor, which serves students in grades 7-12. The new program provides much-needed services to students in grades K-6.
Since the start of the 2017-2018 school year, the Allentown School District has received an influx of families who have sought refuge in the Lehigh Valley after the tragedy of Hurricane Maria. Almost 400 families have moved to the area, with students enrolled in district schools across all grades, increasing the need for a Newcomer program at the elementary level.
The Newcomer Academy serves a culturally and linguistically diverse population of students from around the world. Newcomer Academy is a transitional program for students to obtain adequate skills and tools to be successfully integrated into their home school. Families at Newcomer can expect a variety of support programs above and beyond the curriculum offerings such as academic tutoring and interventions, parent involvement activities, and enrichment activities for students.
The expansion of the Newcomer Academy program would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our school and community members, dedicated to serving this population of students. To learn more about how the Allentown School District is transforming the lives of these young people, please contact your local school for more information. The K-6 Newcomer Academy is located at 1402 Walnut Street, in the former Lincoln Elementary building.