Maria Neira knows what it's like to live in two different worlds - and what it takes to succeed.

In a visit to the Nyack district in Rockland County to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the NYSUT vice president expressed solidarity and offered encouragement to a classroom of recent immigrants working toward their high school diplomas.

Neira recalled vividly the challenge of attending elementary school as a young girl who knew a minimum of English and spoke only Spanish to her mother at home.

"Sometimes we think in two different languages. It's like being in two different worlds." Neira said, as teenagers from Haiti, Thailand, Germany, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic knowingly nodded their heads.

Students at Nyack High discuss immigration and stereotypes.

Parents

"Your voice is very important," Neira said in a meeting with a dozen Latino parents.

"Schools want your input and need to hear your concerns. All of us, collectively, can support our students, especially those who are new to this country, and make sure they are successful."

Neira came at the invitation of Nyack Teachers Association President Donna Ramundo. The local union is active in reaching out to parents and others in the diverse community.

The NTA has received NYSUT training in community outreach as part of the statewide union's Local Action Project (see sidebar).

"There is great value in working with parents, members of the school board and principals toward our shared goals, which are helping children to move forward with their lives," Ramundo said. "Maria's visit helped show children they can do it. They can succeed. They must keep trying."

At Nyack High, teachers talk. From left, Georgia Williams, Pat Gavigan, Marie Hussey, Shirley Birmingham, local President Donna Ramundo (standing), Maria Neira and Lucia Pichardo.

Neira read to two elementary classes, met with teachers and heard their concerns about No Child Left Behind  - a policy that has had some negative effects on English language learners.

Despite NCLB, Nyack continues to provide music and foreign language classes to elementary students, she noted.

Neira spoke passionately about "fortitude" and the need to keep going.

"Please stay in school," she urged students. "Make sure you meet the challenge of completing high school and then going on to college so you can contribute to your communities."

- Carl Korn