Kerrydale Elementary School has taken a remarkable step toward fostering inclusivity and support for its diverse student body through the establishment of the Student Ambassadors Club. This initiative, spearheaded by the school’s parent liaison, Laura Jimenez, aims to foster a welcoming environment for all, adding to the school’s positive climate and culture initiatives.

"Having a student ambassador who helps translate for our newcomers creates a sense of belonging to our school community," Jimenez explained. "Newcomers face a lot of challenges, and not knowing the language makes it a lot more difficult for them to thrive. Having that peer connection that student ambassadors create makes a huge difference in how our newcomers embrace their new learning journey in education.”

Students who have benefited from the club's services have expressed their gratitude and appreciation. Jhefreen, a fifth-grade student at the school, is a recipient of the club's help. He shared, "They explain to me what the teacher is asking us to do. If I don't understand something, they tell me what I have to do."

Joziel, another fifth-grade student at Kerrydale, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "They help me work well on school assignments. In mathematics they help me with questions that are very difficult. The ambassadors help me write correctly and improve my work.”

The club's impact extends beyond academic support. "They are very kind to me,” said Joziel. "The ambassadors help me in the library to look for books that I have a hard time finding. They also help me look up books in English and Spanish," he added.

Dorothy Jones, an EL teacher, emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer translators in making students with limited English proficiency feel welcomed and connected to the school and the curriculum.

"The biggest benefit of the student ambassador’s club has been for the students new to Kerrydale and even the country to feel welcomed and supported by their peers. In addition, our student ambassadors are proud of the work they do to support their classmates,” she said.

Student ambassadors themselves have found the experience rewarding. Emily, a third grader, said, "It is fun to help kids that don’t understand English. It makes me feel proud to help them.”

Dylan, a fourth grader, added, "I like helping to translate for others. It is a blessing."

The Student Ambassadors Club at Kerrydale Elementary School is not just a program; it is a testament to the power of peer support and the positive impact it can have on a school community. 

"Our hope is for our newcomers to aspire to be peer ambassadors themselves. We already have one student doing that very thing and she is so proud of how far she has come,” said Jones.