TERANGA ACADEMY
Bowling Green Learning Center
503 Old Morgantown Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101
FACULTY AND STAFF
Kristi Costellow, Principal
LEVEL ONE TEACHERS:
Ainsley Minton
Liz McClain
Adelle Reyes
Emily Swiney
Hannah Scheidegger
LEVEL TWO TEACHERS:
June Franklin
Leslie Perkins
LEVEL THREE TEACHERS:
Madeline Allen
Katie Jo Serrano
TERANGA TO CAREER TEACHERS:
Zach Brandt
Carter Story
ART:
Erika Walker
MUSIC:
Kelley Wiggins
REC SOCCER:
Daniel Tarnagda
Pierre Espoire
MARTIAL ARTS:
Dalton Sasse
YOGA:
Liz Heller
CULTURAL LIAISONS:
Patricia Allen
Michake Kabera
Luyekecha Panda
Ataullah Tahiri
The Teranga Academy Communications Plan was selected as one of eight 2023 Gold Medallion winners by the National School Public Relations Association.
Teranga Academy is designed in partnership with the Fugees Family, Inc. to support teens and their families who are new to the United States and to American schools. Teranga Academy is open to Bowling Green Junior High and Bowling Green High School students who have been in the United States for three years or less, are multilingual, and have had their formal education interrupted. Students participate in one of three levels at the academy for a maximum of three academic years. Teranga Academy is an English immersion program, focused on transitioning to a new country with trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive teaching.
Courses include foundational reading and math, music, art, language support, and recreational soccer to build community among the students.
Teranga is a Sengalese word that means hospitality, respect, community, solidarity, and sharing. The logo is adapted from the Fugees Family logo, with the BGISD’s colors and Statue of Liberty, representing hope, freedom, and justice.
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Teranga Levels & Goals
“Teaching there is no shame in being a beginner and that acquiring a complex skill requires starting with the basics is a way to show belief in our students.”
LUMA MUFLEH,
CEO FUGEES FAMILY, INC.
Moving on up! Each semester, Teranga Academy students have the opportunity to “level up.”
On December 18th, Teranga Academy celebrated 62 students completing one of three academic levels in reading, math, or both, and Denis, successfully completing all levels at Teranga Academy.
Denis will transition full-time to Bowling Green High School in January to complete his high school coursework.
TERANGA IDOL 2023: Students share their talents, build confidence, and practice English on the big stage at the annual talent show.
Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman visits Teranga on June 14, and does cardio drumming with students.
The first graduate of Teranga Academy! Nyota will return to BGHS ready to pursue her dreams!
Music In Our Schools Month
Teranga Academy students learning to read music and play ukuleles.
The Teranga Academy plans celebrations throughout the year to reflect cultures and beliefs within the school community. Learning about Halloween, they hosted a Trunk or Treat with a few community partners stopping by to share treats.
The Teranga Academy plans celebrations throughout the year to reflect cultures and beliefs within the school community. Learning about Halloween, they hosted a Trunk or Treat with a few community partners stopping by to share treats.
Teranga Academy students begin and end school days with movement including yoga or martial arts in the mornings, and soccer in the afternoons. Athletics are built into the school model for students to connect to each other, encourage a team mentality, as well as to promote responsibility and success while students are learning English.
Teranga Academy students begin and end school days with movement including yoga or martial arts in the mornings, and soccer in the afternoons. Athletics are built into the school model for students to connect to each other, encourage a team mentality, as well as to promote responsibility and success while students are learning English.
First Day of School!
HOUSE SORTING DAY! Students are divided into four houses for small group activities and competitions throughout the year. Meet the four houses: Phoenix | Centaur | Griffin | Chimera.
HOUSE SORTING DAY! Students are divided into four houses for small group activities and competitions throughout the year. Meet the four houses: Phoenix | Centaur | Griffin | Chimera.
Teranga Academy Block Party
Teranga Academy Block Party
Teranga Academy faculty and staff are the students and soccer players during summer professional learning.
Teranga Academy faculty and staff are the students and soccer players during summer professional learning.
Teranga Academy faculty and staff are the students and soccer players during summer professional learning.
Teranga Academy faculty and staff are the students and soccer players during summer professional learning.
The “Tree of Change” mural at the Teranga Academy.
The mural was made by Teranga Junior High students in Erika Walker’s art class using over 1,200 bottle caps. The tree represents Teranga: strong, resilient, beautiful, and unique.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
- WKYU NPR: Academy for New Arrivals to US Prepping for Second Year, August 2023
- WKU Herald: 'There's No Shame in Being A Beginner,' May 2023
- Kentucky Teacher, December 2022
- KET Kentucky Edition: August 2022
- WBKO: Teranga Meet and Greet, March 2022
- WNKY: Teranga Academy Opening, March 2022