Jack Abrams STEM Celebrates Student Success

The Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School community is celebrating student success on the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test.

“Each Spring, second language learners take this exam to measure their proficiency in learning English,” Principal Donna Moro said. “When they achieve the highest level, students are considered bilingual.”

During a recent assembly, 47 students who improved by one or more level on the exam were presented with certificates. Nine of the 47 students tallied a score qualifying them for the highest level and are now considered to be bilingual. “We are so proud of their success,” Ms. Moro said.

At the assembly, students were introduced to a new leadership program at STEM called The Language Leaders. “Students that achieved bilingual status were given the opportunity to apply to be in the new leadership program,” Ms. Moro said. “These students had to complete an application and secure two teacher recommendations to be selected into the new language leader program. We were happy to announce these new leaders at the assembly.

The new leaders include Jason Flores Gonzalez, Heidi Gonzalez Robles, Valeria Medina Ramirez, Ashley Guevera, Alison Chavez, Litzy Segovia, Alejandra Chapparro and Lucila Valiente.

“The role of these new leaders includes, providing translation support in class, acting as a cultural ambassador by welcoming new Spanish speaking students to STEM and assisting during family events by providing translation support,” Ms. Moro said. “We are excited to welcome this exceptional group to the STEM leadership team.”