Immigrant enrollment increases in Bayless School District

By Sharon Stevens Education Reporter

KSDK -- A South County school district is beginning the new school year with an increase in its immigrant and refugee population.

The Bayless School District has just over 1,600 students; nearly half speak English as a second language.

Ten years ago, the St. Louis area was getting the first wave of resettlement refugees from around the world, especially Bosnia.

Now, in addition to English, there are 17 different languages spoken in Bayless' four schools.

This year, the biggest increase in students can be seen at Bayless Intermediate School.

The students come from many countries including Bosnia, Vietnam, Albania, Somalia, Turkey and Russia.

District officials say the small school district has become the epicenter for many immigrant and refugee families.

The district established an English language learning program. also known as the ELL program, shortly after foreign-born students began moving into the district around 1998.

Dawn Thieman is the district coordinator for ELL programs. She says, "I think it's very important that we provide a welcome through a variety of means. We translate many of our written communications, we provide interpreteurs, for all major school and district events."

Aziz Kavazovic is an 11-year old student in sixth grade at Bayless Intermediate. He is originally from Bosnia and came to St. Louis in time for kindergarten.

He says, "It was very hard because because you have to try and fit in with the other kids. And today how would you describe your experiences? I know a lot of English and it's pretty good."

Bayless is expecting more foreign-speaking students next year.