Karla Sluis
Karla Sluis

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate the rich culture, history and contributions of the Hispanic community that enhance our nation and schools.

In Durango School District, everyone belongs. We believe all students deserve a high-quality education where they feel safe, supported and valued. That means giving every student – no matter their background – the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Welcoming families new to the U.S. is a big part of creating a diverse, inclusive school community.

Students learning English are one of the fastest-growing groups in K-12 schools nationwide. In Colorado, there has been a big rise in Spanish-speaking immigrant students, especially from Latin America. Many school districts, like Denver Public Schools and El Paso County schools, have seen increases of 20% to over 30%. In Durango School District, the number of immigrant students who have been in the country for less than 12 months has grown sixfold in the past five years, from six to 36.

Public schools are legally required to provide English-language support to immigrant students while teaching them grade-level content. But at Durango School District, it’s more than just meeting legal requirements: Welcoming newcomers is a top priority. It aligns with our values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and helps ensure student success. To support newcomer families, the district has launched several programs, including:

Parent/Guardian School Liaisons. In 2021, the district created a program with staff members who serve multiple schools. These five liaisons help connect staff members, parents, students and the community. They offer support on everything from academics and attendance to behavior and health.Escuela para Padres (School for Parents). Launched in 2022 by liaison Gabby Rico Alvarez, this program helps Spanish-speaking families – especially those new to the U.S. – understand school resources and programs. The group meets monthly at two schools, with guest speakers from the district, local organizations and Fort Lewis College.District Newcomer Specialist. This year, to address the rise in English Language Learners, the district hired a Newcomer Specialist, Kira Cunningham, who works with school leaders and teachers to meet the needs of new students.Summer Language-Enrichment Program. This summer program used project-based learning to help students explore the challenges faced by newcomers through art, reading and storytelling. The students’ work is currently on display at the Durango Public Library in a public exhibit that runs through Oct. 1.

Durango School District’s commitment to welcoming newcomer students is part of our larger goal of educational equity. It’s important to remember that these efforts benefit all students – not just newcomers. By supporting every student, we strengthen our entire community.

We encourage everyone in the Durango community to help amplify this message of inclusivity. When all students feel welcome, we build a better future for everyone.

Karla Sluis is the public information officer for Durango School District 9-R. The district invites community members to join the Inclusive Excellence Guiding Coalition, which focuses on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in our schools. For information, call 247-541, ext. 1456.