CNS supports New Americans through various efforts

	In November, Cicero-North Syracuse (CNS) High School students and staff came together for a meaningful cause: supporting newly arrived students in our community. CNS French teacher Jessica Keane and Human Rights Club Advisor Jackie Hayman partnered to organize a school supply drive for InterFaith Works, an organization dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants transition successfully to life in Central New York. Over the past year, Jessica and Jackie have collaborated on various initiatives with InterFaith Works, including donation drives and volunteer projects. This time, the call to action came from Jennie Prouty, the volunteer coordinator at InterFaith Works, who shared that the organization was experiencing a backlog of students in need. These students lacked the basic supplies essential for success in school. Jessica's French classes and the Human Rights Club responded enthusiastically. Beginning with National French Week in early November, students collected backpacks, pencils, notebooks, folders and other essentials. The Human Rights Club also extended their outreach to other schools and organizations across the district, inviting the entire community to contribute. Teachers, custodians, student groups and community members all stepped up, resulting in the donation of more than twenty boxes of school supplies to InterFaith Works.
The importance of welcoming New Americans from other cultures into our community cannot be overstated. By supporting these families, we not only help them build a foundation for success but also enrich our community with diverse perspectives and experiences. These efforts reflect our shared values of empathy, solidarity, and the belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves the tools to thrive. Adding a personal touch, French and ELL students wrote heartfelt welcome letters to the arriving families, reinforcing the message that they are seen, valued, and supported.