LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There are more than 150 languages spoken by Jefferson County Public Schools students.
Many of those students are just starting to learn English.
Nearly 25% of students at Kerrick Elementary School speak English as a second language. Friday, they got an opportunity to visit the school and fill out any last-minute paperwork before the school year begins in just a few weeks. Some of the students at the school are also new to the area.
Students at Kerrick Elementary School used July 19, 2024, to get more comfortable before the school year. (WDRB photo)
"We want to make sure that they know that they're important and welcome and their input is valued," Principal Jenny Forseth said.
Forseth said approximately 90 students at Kerrick out of the nearly 400 enrolled are multilingual learners. That means they're learning English as they're learning math and science.
That's why the school had a day, especially for them, to meet some teachers, get some school supplies, allow their families to do some last-minute paperwork and take a tour to make them a little more comfortable before the first day of school.
"Just kind of start envisioning themselves working in the space and getting acclimated to the staff and the school as a whole," Forseth said.
Third grader Maria is from Cuba and this will be her second year at Kerrick. Her family said she's eager to get better at English, although they say she's already teaching them.
"She's the one who helps us with going out to buy things," Jorge Daniel said about his daughter. "A lot of places she goes up and talks."
There are nearly 150 countries JCPS students list as their birthplaces. These parents in particular appreciates the opportunity the district gives them to get to know the people who will be taking care of their little girl.
"We're just very grateful because since we arrived here they opened the door and supported us a lot," Daniel said.
The first day of school is August 8.
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