“Thriving in the U.S. Education System” Learner Handbook, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Service (HIAS)
As a curriculum specialist for HIAS, I developed and designed this Learner Handbook for New American families who are preparing to send their children to public schools after resettlement in the U.S. The purpose of the Learner Handbook was to provide an introductory resource that could be used by New American families in collaboration with their HIAS caseworkers and volunteers in order to best support their transition to U.S. public schools. The Learner Handbook is a 52-page resource available in English, Arabic, and Swahili, and includes information, activities, conversation starter questions, and links for further information on a variety of related topics. This resource is offered through HIAS in combination with a “Facilitator Handbook" tailored to the roles of case workers and HIAS volunteers. See below for preview images of the Learner Handbook.
“Camp-in-a-Box” Virtual Summer Camp Curriculum, for Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts
As a curriculum specialist for Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts during the summer of 2020, I contributed to their shift to supporting their client families through a 5-week virtual summer camp program.
I adapted their existing virtual summer camp enrichment activities to best support refugee youth. This included graphic design of instructional packets for print, preparing language for translation in Nepali and Swahili, adapting activities for cultural relevance and sensitivity, and hosting virtual camp “activity parties” to engage youth and create community during a time of physical distancing.
