Ruth is a second grade student at Lakeland Elementary who has participated in the Communities In Schools program for three years. Ruth is also a Chin refugee student, who had to adjust to school in the U.S.
In her first year at Lakeland Elementary, Ruth was a very shy student and unsure of her new environment. Over the next two years Ruth made progress, working hard with her language skills and enjoying time with her high school mentors. Now that second grade has started, I have noticed a sudden maturity emerge from Ruth! She is the oldest child with three younger siblings, and she has taken on more responsibility for them. She is doing much better in school, and shows so much more confidence than she has in the past. Her excited spirit about school and friends has really brought her out of her shell.
Ruth now has a new community member mentor that is new to Lakeland this year. Danielle Ross, aka “Mrs. Dani,” has quickly made a great connection with Ruth. Dani is a mother herself, has such a great personality, and models great communication skills for Ruth. This is giving Ruth a chance to have time for herself as just a second grader, instead of the big sister of 3! I am so grateful for their relationship, and look forward to see their progress continue.
