Amid Uncertainty, Students Still Prepare To Welcome Refugees
AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Alexandra Roche reads from the book “I’m New Here” to third graders at Leeds Elementary School in Northampton, MA. Photo by Nancy Eve Cohen for NEPR.
When the city of Northampton decided more than a year ago to welcome refugees to their community, many groups engaged in the planning process — including the public schools. And despite President Trump’s attempt to suspend the refugee program, school children continue to prepare.
Some children at Jackson Street School and JFK Middle School are collecting socks, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes to help the refugees settle in a new home.
And at Leeds Elementary, Alexandra Roche is helping children think about ways to make the refugees feel at home.