Eye on Immigration and Education > School Feature
Students and staff on the final day of Welcome Orientation.
Starting school in a new country means navigating much more than a different classroom. Students must learn new systems, communicate in another language, and adjust to an unfamiliar environment while managing the challenges of migration. Hempstead Union Free School District in Long Island, New York is addressing these needs through its Refugee & Immigrant Student Welcome Program (RISWP), which helps newcomer students establish connections, access resources, and find their place in the school community.
Serving students in grades 7–12 at Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School and Hempstead High School, the program provides ongoing support that brings together language development, academic guidance, social-emotional care, family engagement, and connections to essential community resources.
A Week Designed for Belonging
Every new cohort begins with a weeklong Welcome Orientation, during which students get to know their schools, teachers, classmates, and available resources. The first cohort, held September 28–October 2, explored five themes: getting help, coping with stress, discovering school opportunities, staying safe, and identifying personal interests and goals.
Students created “All About Us” posters, developed vision boards, and participated in activities that helped them build relationships and imagine their futures. Each afternoon included dinner and transportation home, and students received welcome kits with backpacks, school supplies, and clothing. Students new to the district also completed placement testing to help ensure they started in appropriate classes.
Students build vision boards for their goals.
Support Beyond the First Week
International Academy Coaches serve as dedicated newcomer liaisons throughout the year, helping students navigate school, access resources, and find appropriate English-language courses. The after-school P.L.U.S. (Proficiency, Language & Universal Support) program provides language and homework assistance, while bilingual and English as a New Language (ENL)-certified teachers support language development during the school day.
The district partners with the Hispanic Counseling Center to provide trauma-informed counseling, case management, and social-emotional learning.
Families and Communities as Partners
RISWP also works to ensure that families can participate fully in school life. Evening workshops explain the U.S. education system, including graduation requirements, attendance, homework, and parent-teacher conferences. Family communications are provided in English and Spanish, interpretation is available at program events, and phone interpretation is available throughout the district.
The program also connects families with essential resources, including food pantry services, coats and clothing, school supplies, and health care referrals. Community activities and cultural events create further opportunities for students and families to build friendships, explore their new surroundings, and share their own traditions.
Meanwhile, professional learning helps educators strengthen their newcomer support, language instruction, and trauma-informed practices.
By combining language and academic support with counseling, family engagement, community connections, and assistance with basic needs, Hempstead UFSD is building a welcoming environment that extends well beyond students’ first days of school.
Article authored by Carmina Makar and Tamara Alsace | October 29, 2026