School summit helps orient refugee families

It wasn't a school day, but dozens of students were bounding through the halls of Mountain View Elementary at noon on Saturday.

Girls in long skirts skipped into the cafeteria, holding hands. Boys were more boisterous, running to find a seat. Mothers and fathers were also there.

Saturday was the first ever "Newcomer Family Summit" in the Salt Lake City School District, where Somali Bantu children and their parents were invited to meet with state and school officials to learn about life at school, including schedules and social expectations.

Activities and break-out sessions were held, and parents were walked and talked through an average school day for their child.

The goal: Foster communication and provide information to both parents and educators.

"This is a population where we have the greatest impact in terms of literacy and needs," said Mountain View principal John Erlacher. "Parents are key to any success in school. With disenfranchised groups like this, it's critical."

The Salt Lake City School District is the most diverse in Utah. Half the student population is Caucasian, the other half is part of a minority group, said Jane Willie, district family involvement coordinator.

At Mountain View, 30 different languages are spoken. The Somali Bantu children are just one of many refugee groups, but their numbers are growing.

Norman Nakamura, state coordinator for refugee resettlement, said it is critical for teachers to understand the needs of different cultures. Many Somali Bantu are Muslim. They don't eat pork, and girls and women dress modestly with long skirts and head scarves.

"We have brought in so many languages, cultures, that the teachers are not always aware of the circumstances surrounding each little group," he said. "It's about cultural competence. We know we have diversity here, but how do we treat each cultural group?"

On Saturday, volunteers explained to parents how the Salt Lake City School District has created non-pork lunch options for students. Rachel Nance, with the district professional development department, was showing dress patterns to parents.

The goal is to help families learn to make modest outfits that fit with the school's uniform policy, she said. Mothers can then use that skill to sell clothing, gain employment skills and learn English.