News
June 29, 2011
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| Superintendent Dr. Michael Mugits (middle) reads with Rayane (left) and Nehal Seridj, students who came to Green Island from Algeria. The siblings are quickly learning the English language, as well as Western customs. |
Moving across the
world and across cultures
From desert temperatures to record snowfalls...from school
hallways that resonate with Arabic and French to classrooms dominated by
English, the transition from the continent of Africa to Green Island has
been both exciting and daunting for Nehal (11 years old) and Rayane (13)
Seridj. The siblings arrived in the district in November, speaking only
Arabic and French. They’ve quickly picked up their third language,
talking eagerly about the differences between life in Algeria and life
in upstate New York.
“In Algeria, we didn’t have health or Spanish class or mentoring,”
Nehal
said, adding that music has been her favorite class.
Rayane prefers physical education classes. “I like all the games,” he
commented.
He is also fond of the availability of computers. “There are a lot more
computers here. I like to be on the computer.”
The two also pointed out the differences in the length of the school
day. “We had a longer lunch in Algeria. We would go home and lunch
lasted about two hours,” Nehal explained; the mid-day meal is the big
meal of the day, similar to American’s dinners.
When Algerian students return to school, they would typically be in
class until 3:30 and stay an hour longer if they needed extra help.
Adjusting to life on the island
Nehal and Rayane have found Green Island to be very friendly and
welcoming. “We’ve had no trouble making friends,” Rayane said, even as
the two students admitted that the language barrier has been the most
challenging part of their adjustment.
They’ve definitely learned enough of the language, though, to identify
their favorite Western foods—pizza and French toast for Nehal and
chicken patties and pizza for Rayane. Nehal jokes that American cookies
could use some improvements, though.
The students have also had to adjust to a completely different climate.
In fact, they had to travel at least four hours in Algeria in order to
spot some snow. That’s certainly not the case in the Capital Region,
with last year’s record snowfalls. However, there’s one definite
advantage to all that snow—the chance to try snow tubing, one of the
most memorable and fun school-sponsored activities the students
participated in. “I don’t like snow, but I like tubing,” Rayane mused.
Right up there with memories on the snowy mountain will be their
interactions with Green Island students and staff. When asked to name
their favorite part of the school day, Nehal spoke for both of them:
“The best part of school is Dr. Mugits.”
Nehal and Rayane are returning to Algeria this summer for a visit.
They’ll certainly have lots
of experiences and stories to share with friends and family members
about their Green Island
adventures!
