Migrant education

Doxey Elementary principal Bernardo Villar, who directs Davis' migrant program, said the program's main job is reinforcing material that students have learned earlier in the school year. But aside from academics, students are able to engage in enrichment activities as well.

Doxey's program allows for swimming lessons, museum trips and a lot of hands-on activities that keep students interested and learning.

"The program reinforces English skills and reinforces the desire to move on in education," Villar said. "It's extra exposure to opportunities — to see what's out there."

Students and teachers in the program say the summer classes offer a completely different experience from the traditional school time. The students are all actively involved in learning. They comment, they question, they participate, and discipline is never a problem.

"These are the kids that traditionally are absent, tardy and leave early," Burningham said. "Now they are here because they want to be . . . it's a privilege to be here."

And minimal pressure and added attention are what Ana Pinto, 17, said made her want to come. During the normal school year, her favorite subject is art. But during the summer classes, she really gets into the core subjects like English and history.

"The teachers listen to you and pay more attention — I learn more and learn a lot faster," said Pinto.

Brandon Laughter, a teaching aide who is Native American and also speaks Spanish, said building relationships and making students feel they are in a safe learning environment are the key.

In regular school, they don't ask questions and don't get involved because they feel apart from their classmates.

Here they are with peers like themselves and they know they are cared about, said Laughter. "That is why they are raising their hands — they know we care and that we are there to help . . . that makes all the difference."

Burningham said the students also get role models, like Laughter, and counselors who discuss and inform them of college and career options.

Many of the migrant students' parents can't even read in their own language. But students in the program say they want to be doctors, nurses, lawyers and electricians, and the counselors hope to help light their path.

"It's so great helping these kids," Laughter said. "They are so smart and they know so much . . . it makes me happy to help them see what they are capable of. My (message to) them is to stand tall and they are definitely doing that."

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com