Fairview Elementary School and LyondellBasell Lake Charles are partnering together to expand the school’s English as a second language (ESL) programming.

The partnership was celebrated at Fairview on Friday, October 20 with the presentation of a $20,000 charitable donation from the LyondellBasell Latin Employees Advancing DEI (LEAD) program to financially support the ESL program.

At Fairview, approximately 60 percent of the student body is Hispanic; Over 300 students speak Spanish. The funds from LyondellBasell will allow the school to a quire the resources they need to earn the Louisiana State World Language Immersion Certification – a designation from the Louisiana Department of Education that an immersion education sites’ efficiency.

Laurie Cunningham, ESL coach and two-way immersion coordinator, Fairview, said that the school’s partnership with LyondellBasell will be an important stepping stone in ensuring that ESL students have everything they need to succeed.

For many ESL students, the biggest challenge is the transition. Not only are they experiencing a new country, culture and language, they are thrown into a new curriculum, she said.

“The challenge of them learning the grade level content and the language simultaneously, it’s very hard and it takes a lot of resources to meet those needs”

Some of the resources that Fairview will secure with the donation include additional signage written in two languages that are displayed throughout the school, more bilingual books available for students in the library, education technology and further exposure to Spanish through field trips and guest speakers that present in Spanish.

Additionally, Fairview will be able to provide further resources for families and training for teachers.

David Schrutka, site manager, LyondellBasell Lake Charles, stated that seeing Fairview’s students succeed is a goal because “they are the future,” and hopes this partnership will expand possibilities for them.

“These students here have a unique opportunity. They have the opportunity right now to be able to learn two languages, most people do not ever have that opportunity.”

Armando Lara, site manager, Louisiana Integrated Polyethylene Joint Venture Site, echoed the importance of supporting ESL students in a statement.

“At LyondellBasell, our values define who we are and by championing our people, we promote equity and support our communities. With these funds, the school will have the resources needed to achieve the Louisiana State World Language Immersion Certification. We are very proud of this newly formed partnership between our LEAD Network and look forward to providing support and mentorship for the students at Fairview Elementary School.”