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Goal

The goal of International Café – Food, Friends and Familiarity is to help English language learners assimilate to the United States, while recognizing the culture and language they bring with them. Students will connect with other students (English speakers and non-English speakers) through activities and social interactions while enjoying a breakfast snack. 

What will be done with my students

An International Café Ambassador will greet our International Café members as they come into our meeting room. They are offered a variety of healthy morning snacks,such as bananas, oranges or Goldfish. English-learning students attending the International Café will have the opportunity to share an appetizing snack (apples, strawberries, pretzels) and enjoy the company of new friends who just immigrated to the United States. While in the Café, each student will acquire a sense of community and connection through engaging, monthly activities. I will introduce procedures that are unfamiliar to them such as fire drills and lock-down drills. We talk about their families and discuss what they love most about the USA. In November, students will enjoy a morning feast of cheese, ham, crackers and some apple pie as we discuss upcoming US celebrations. We will provide “empanadas” from a local Colombian restaurant during our Christmas meeting. During this session, we use maps to locate countries represented at International Café. During the last months of the school year, students will generate a plan to attain individual dreams after listening to community members speak about their own cultural journey. Students will recognize the benefits and importance of being bilingual. As always, we will reflect upon the year’s growth and achievements. 

Benefits to my students

Students acquiring the English language will greatly benefit from the International Café. They will meet and interact with other English learning students, which will help students form a sense of connection to other students at Calusa Park Elementary. Students will have the opportunity to share a casual snack with English speaking classmates in a smaller, non-threatening environment. This will allow them a safe environment to learn and practice the English language, voice concerns over leaving their homeland and excitement over living in such a wonderful country. International Café members will participate in activities that provide a sense of community and will allow them to see the opportunities available to them in the United States. As they participate, the students will acquire a sense of security and confidence, which are necessary to learn and be successful in school. As they prepare for their future, they will be reflective and create plans allowing them to set goals to create a future that will enhance their lives. International Café Ambassadors (English-speaking helpers) will also greatly benefit. They will learn ways to communicate with students who speak a different language, develop empathy for new students, and practice leadership and decision-making skills. 

Budget Narrative

This grant will allow over 40 English Language Learners become comfortable in their new country, which is very important for academic achievement. Students will share food and conversations with both English learners as well as English only speaking classmates. Thank you for considering this grant and supporting our students. 

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