Program description

The Newcomer ESL Program targets new English as a Second Language Students arriving to Garland ISD from numerous backgrounds and countries. Students begin to learn English in a smaller classroom setting prior to enrolling in one of Garland's traditional middle or high schools. ESL students have the chance to begin their middle school and high school careers learning math, science, social studies, English, and computer technology.

Newcomer success

Our newcomers hit the ground running this school year with an interactive campus scavenger hunt! Armed with a list of clue-based hints, students practiced reading comprehension to identify key school staff and learn their roles, visiting each team member to get their paper signed.

Building on that momentum, students are now crafting "Who Am I?" and "What Am I?" riddles in class. To solve and share these puzzles, they rely on collaborative peer conversations, actively applying every part of speech they've learned so far.

These dynamic activities do more than just build foundational vocabulary and grammar. They empower our newcomers to practice essential English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—while mastering daily greetings and becoming familiar with the MPA campus and support staff.

By blending language development with community building, our newcomers are growing their skills and their confidence every single day.

James Ifurung, Master Teacher

At MPA, we celebrate educators who make a transformative impact on our students every single day. James Ifurung, one of our most dedicated high school science teachers, holds the prestigious Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designation — a distinction reserved for educators who consistently drive exceptional student growth.

For our Newcomer students, learning with a top-designated teacher makes all the difference. Mr. Ifurung excels at turning complex scientific concepts into interactive, visual lab experiences. This hands-on approach breaks down language barriers, allowing Newcomers to grasp advanced science while naturally expanding their academic vocabulary and confidence.

His lessons seamlessly blend core science standards with targeted language development, ensuring students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills side by side. Supported by his background as a multi-year Teacher of the Year and Garland Education Foundation Grant recipient, he brings innovative resources into the classroom that keep learning accessible and engaging. As one student shared, "I like Mr. Ifurung’s class. My favorite lesson was about DNA. He is a good teacher and a good person."

Having an educator of Mr. Ifurung’s caliber guarantees that our Newcomers receive the high-level support and mentorship they need to succeed across every subject.