J. F. Burns Elementary

J.F. Burns Elementary, a K-4 school in the Kings Local School District, has seen significant growth in its EL student population, now serving approximately 250 students. About 70% of these students speak Uzbek as their home language, followed by Russian. Many students from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other Central European countries also speak Russian, along with Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Tajik. In their home countries, English is not typically taught in schools or at home before they arrive at our school. We have had wonderful experiences with U.C. students from these Central European countries. Over the past three years, 15–20 bilingual U.C. students with backgrounds similar to our EL students and their families have provided invaluable support.

We need you!  

University of Cincinnati students fluent in Uzbek, Russian, Kyrgyz, Hindi, Telugu, Kazakh, Tajik, Ukrainian, and other Central and South Asian languages support newcomer students and their families through tutoring, social groups, translating, interpreting,  Over the past 4 years, multilingual U. C. students have served as a vital bridge between the school and EL families, providing in-person interpretation at parent-teacher conferences, leading orientation meetings, and assisting with free and reduced lunch applications, attendance policies, and immunization requirements. Their presence offers a familiar and friendly connection, especially at the start of the school year, greatly benefiting both families and the school while supporting over 250 students with limited or no English proficiency. In addition, they have contributed to after-school Chess Club meetings, PTO meetings, and other student and community events, further strengthening school-family connections.