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Weather Watch: No Jan. 31 Activities

We are closely monitoring the next round of winter weather expected this weekend for our area. Based on the forecast and after consulting with local emergency teams, all extra-curricular activities for Saturday, Jan. 31, have been canceled.

Any decision concerning our Monday school schedule will be shared with families no later than Sunday evening through email/text messages, our websites, social media, and local media stations. If you are not receiving our direct messages, please check your contact information in the Parent Portal.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through our weather challenges.

14 hours ago

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Newcomer Academy

Newcomer Academy

Since 2017, the Barrow County Newcomer Academy has served high school students who are new to the United States with limited English proficiency.

Students from Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy, Apalachee High School, and Winder Barrow High School may attend classes daily at the Newcomer Academy, located at Barrow County’s Innovation Campus. In these classes, students develop their English proficiency, receive academic support and credits toward graduation, and develop a plan for graduation and beyond.

Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, the Newcomer Academy expanded their services virtually to include elementary and middle school newcomers. The team collaborates with teachers throughout the county to meet the academic and linguistic needs of these students.
 

The Newcomer Academy logo features a colorful, abstract design with text.

A graphic promoting inclusivity and diversity, with text about empowering international students.

Infographic outlining a mission statement with key areas of focus.

  • Bridging Cultures & Creating Community

    Posted May 25, 2023 - The Barrow County Newcomer Academy's student-led, Spanish Podcast about Latin culture and experiences focused on bridging cultures and creating community.

  • Barrow Book Boxes

    Posted June 14, 2022 - Thank you to District Partner in Education Zaxby's and their "Urgency to Serve Grants" for helping to make "Barrow Book Boxes" a reality!

Instructors

  • A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera.

    April Durmire
    Newcomer Academy Instructor
    Email: april.durmire@barrow.k12.ga.us 
     

    April Durmire loves being a part of the awesome Newcomer Academy team and the Sims Academy staff. She grew up in Conyers, GA and earned her teaching degree through Point University. Over the past twenty plus years, she has taught in Florida and Georgia among many diverse students. By far, working with the Newcomer Program and students is the best and most rewarding group of students she has ever had the privilege of teaching.

    One of her favorite things about being a teacher is building lasting relationships with ALL students and families, where they know they are loved, encouraged, and accepted; even after leaving her classroom.

    In her free time, she loves to spend time reading, camping, traveling, and hanging out with her husband, Joseph, and daughter, Addison. One of her absolute favorite things to do is laugh, days are always better when laughing happens and life is enjoyed!

  • A woman with graying hair smiles at the camera, wearing a necklace.

    Anabel Snyder
    Newcomer Academy Instructor
    Email: anabel.snyder@barrow.k12.ga.us

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera.

    Amy Wilson
    Newcomer Academy Instructor
    Email: amy.wilson@barrow.k12.ga.us 
     

    Mrs. Wilson is in her 13th year working in Barrow County. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Foreign Language Education, Mrs. Wilson began her career teaching Spanish at Apalachee High School. After five wonderful years teaching Spanish, Mrs. Wilson’s love for languages evolved into a new phase of her career when she began teaching English as a Second Language. Here her passion for language and culture flourished. Mrs. Wilson worked in ESOL for four years at Apalachee, and then in the 2016-2017 school year, she proposed and launched a Newcomer Academy for Barrow County.

    At the Newcomer Academy, she works with high school students new to the U.S. with limited English proficiency. She views her responsibilities as unlocking the potential of each student through language and facilitating and nurturing each student’s mind and talents. She strives to motivate, encourage, and inspire learners.