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Date: 7/2/2015
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Colleen Marcus, principal of Coburn Elementary School and director of West Springfield’s English Language Learner (ELL) program, was awarded the Western Massachusetts Refugee and Immigrant Consortium (WMRIC) Friendship Award.
The Friendship Award is given to those who show a commitment to refugee individuals, families and communities.
Marcus was recognized for fostering a welcoming environment for a large population of refugee students and their families.
“I’m honored and very humbled by the award, but it does take a village,” Marcus said. “Coburn School and all of the schools in West Springfield are tremendously supportive and go above and beyond to meet the needs of students and their families. It’s no one individual.”
Marcus said West Springfield’s population has changed in the past 15 years. Most of the students who learned English as a second language were Russian. She said now they have students from Nepal, Iraq, Jordan and Syria, among others.
Because of this, the approach to teaching these students has changed. Now, all second language learners are in the same classroom, teachers are dually certified in elementary education and ELL and it is supplemented by ELL pullout support.
Beyond the work in the classroom, Marcus and her staff have formed a community for parents, as well. West Springfield offers ELL parents classes, and Coburn School makes phone call messages home in English and four other languages.
Marcus said this helps make families feel more comfortable with using the school as a resource in all facets of their life and in getting parents into the school.
“When you’re getting messages in your language, you are more likely to go to Hula Hoop Night. It makes a difference, and if you reach out to them, they come,” Marcus said.
Though Marcus was honored by WMRIC, being called a “superhero” in her nomination, she said the students and their families are not the only ones who have benefited.
“I have to tell you though working with these students and families has been such a gift to me. I wish every body had the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of these people,” Marcus said. “They’re valuing of everything that is really important – family, school, anything and everything we do or give to them. What they’ve been through and they come there’s never a tear. They come to school, put a smile on their faces, and they’re happy to be here every single day.”
Mayor Edward Sullivan said he was proud of Marcus and her staff.
“I do not believe words can express how appreciative I am of her work,” Sullivan said.
Ellen Freyman of Springfield and Jean Caldwell of the Greater Springfield also received the 2015 Friendship Award.