• Description of Program

In the Davenport Community School District, we wish to ensure all students feel included and have a warm and welcoming start to their educational experience. With so many families joining our community's schools, we see the need for additional support for students who are new to the United States as they acclimate to their new home.

The Newcomer Program serves our students newest to the United States by providing explicit instruction in the English language as well as an introduction to what life in the United States looks like.

Throughout their time, students' heritage and backgrounds will be celebrated and connections will be made so that they successfully transition to life in their new schools. 

• Qualifications for Students

Students will be invited to enroll in the Newcomer Program if:

1) They are new to the United States.

2) They are emerging bilingual (new to the English language).

3) They are entering K-5th grade. 

Families whose students are invited will be able to accept or decline the invitation.

• If the family accepts the Newcomer Program invitation, the student will be enrolled at McKinley Elementary where the Newcomer Program is housed.

• If the family does not wish to accept the program invitation, the student will be enrolled at their home school and will be supported by an ESL teacher assigned to that school.

• Day in the Life of the Program

Our students in the Newcomer Program will be enrolled into the K-2 or 3-5 group. Students in the program will spend half of their day in the Newcomer classroom and the other half day with their grade-level peers. Students in the program will be provided breaks periodically as needed during their non-program half of the day as we know being immersed in a new second language can be taxing.

• Meet the Staff!

There are several important staff members who will work with students in the Newcomer Program:

• Mrs. Bates-Heithoff - Newcomer Program classroom teacher

• Mrs. Jensen - ESL teacher assigned to McKinley to support all English Learners and Newcomers when they are not in the Newcomer Program classroom.

• How to Enroll

Information about this program is being sent to all current families whose students are considered Newcomers. New families to our district will be provided the information as well. 

Here are some options on how you can express interest in the program so that we can help you enroll:

• You can enter your information on this simple online form.

• You can email the McKinley building secretary: Kristyn Rose - rosekr@davenportschools.org - (563) 723-6762

• Language Assistance

At any time, Davenport CSD is ready to support our families who need an interpreter for any communication with us. We have professional interpreter services available in most languages. Please contact the McKinley building secretary if you need to set up a communication with any staff member. 

• Transportation Assistance

Transportation is available for students who qualify and who are enrolled in the Newcomer Program so that the student may attend McKinley regardless of where they reside within the district limits. Please contact the McKinley building secretary if you have any transportation needs. 

• Program Graduation Information

Each student is unique and has different needs and abilities. Careful progress monitoring will take place with all students, and the McKinley team including the Principal, Aaron Vincent, will make the determination when a student is ready to exit the Newcomer Program and be with their grade-level peers in the general education setting for the full day with support from Mrs. Jensen. The transition timing will be carefully planned with the best interests of the students in mind.