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Friendship is the leading language at Sun Valley Middle

At Sun Valley Middle School, Ukrainian and Russian newcomers are quietly rebuilding their lives, forming friendships and overcoming the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. All the students who arrived share one significant commonality: they left much behind—schools, homes, pets, family and friends. They came to the U.S. seeking a fresh start. Though far from the complexities of their home countries, they have found comfort in a school community that embraces them for who they are.

When they arrived, they felt excited about a new beginning and anxious about adjusting to an unfamiliar place. Yaroslav Kysilov recalls feeling overwhelmed but quickly found a warm welcome among classmates. "Everything was different—the language, the culture," he said, noting that his classmates helped him feel more at home.

Students Alex and Leah Yasu, who are of Russian descent and were born in the U.S., have been instrumental in helping the Ukrainian and Russian students connect with their peers. Alex, who speaks Russian and English, has become a crucial link for those struggling with the language barrier. "It’s easier for them to make friends when someone can speak both languages and help them adjust," he explained, often stepping in as a translator.

Leah, who speaks Russian, English and Spanish, highlighted the challenges students face due to language differences. "Many of them understand the material, but it's just a matter of getting over the language barrier to show what they know," she said, adding that it feels rewarding to offer support.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is crucial for helping multilingual learners adapt to their new environment. ESL teacher Angela Ghent works closely with faculty to ensure students receive tailored support, including customized resources that meet their needs. It helps staff better support the students, especially those who have experienced trauma.

“We conduct professional development for our staff on multilingual learners and use resources to enhance communication with families,” Principal Dr. Brian Patience explained. "The school also strategically pairs newcomers with supportive peers, which helps cultivate a sense of belonging. Diversity is our greatest strength.”

The school also offers a range of resources, like small-group instruction, after-school tutoring and peer mentoring. She recognizes the impact of these initiatives. “Navigating a new school can be intimidating when everything feels different. We strive to create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and seek help.” Ghent also encourages multilingual learners to take the lead in small-group activities. It helps them better understand the material and builds their confidence. 

Ghent expressed joy at witnessing the friendships that have flourished in this supportive environment, stating, “It’s heartwarming to see the children from Russia and Ukraine laughing and playing together. The peace and love they experience here have become their comfort and strength.”

Social studies teacher Jody Legare shared the positive impact on his classroom. “In my class, students from Russia and Ukraine willingly support each other with their assignments, which is incredibly helpful since I can’t always provide one-on-one assistance. They’re also eager to share their stories. During our 'All About Me' project, they were the first to volunteer, saying, ‘I want to go. I want to talk. I want to share my country with the class.’”

Anastasiia Kurtieva and Yaroslav reflected on their journey since they first met as fifth graders adjusting to school in a new country. Now in seventh grade, their friendship has deepened, and while they still use translation tools and appreciate teachers' support, they find that the friendships they have built—both with each other and their classmates—provide them with the most strength.

Anastasiia expressed her surprise at the kindness of her American classmates: “Even though my English isn’t great, they are so kind and understanding.” She noted that Yaroslav’s outgoing nature helped her connect with others more easily. Yaroslav, in turn, appreciated the personal attention he received, saying, “My favorite teacher helped me a lot with lessons, which made learning easier.”

Among the friendships Anastasiia has made across cultures are those with classmates from Mexico and Germany. She and her friend from Mexico discovered they have a lot in common, and her German friend’s mother even speaks Russian, making her feel more connected. “I love learning about their cultures, and it’s great to have friends from different places,” she said.

With their new friendships and experiences, Anastasiia and Yaroslav are excited about the future. Yaroslav is enthusiastic about learning different languages and dreams of traveling the world, eager to explore new cultures and experiences. Anastasiia misses her home but is determined to thrive in her new one. She values her friendships and wants to do well in her studies and learn more about different cultures.

Legare shared a touching anecdote: "One student told me last year that he sees this as a second chance for himself and his family—a better place, a safer place." Though many long to return to their home countries, they understand that it is not possible right now, so they are making the best of where they are and embracing the opportunities here.

10/30/2024