Cherise

Cherise is 10 years old, and is in the 5th grade at an intermediate school in a medium sized Midwest town.  Born in Mexico, she and her family moved to the Midwest when she was two years old. 

For Christmas, her family’s favorite tradition is staying awake until midnight, right before Santa Claus comes with presents.  Her family consists of her father, mother, and her three brothers (one older and two younger). Growing up with three brothers, sibling rivalry is bound to happen in Cherise’s household.  However, they always make up at the end.  Her family’s core value is honesty, which makes them even closer.

In Cherise’s spare time, she enjoys playing games, taking her dog Missy out for a walk, and watching her new baby hamsters.  Since she has baby hamsters, Cherise knows that she has to care for them and make sure they are well-fed.  When she has a sweet tooth, although she enjoys the delicious caramel and chocolate Snickers candy bar, her ultimate favorite is a Mexican candy called Pelon, which has a refreshing tamarind-flavored gel.  

Cherise speaks both English and Spanish in her household. She enjoys continuing to learn both languages because she is able to say, “I know two languages.” As a hard-working student, she thoroughly enjoys the challenging work that is provided at her school.  She believes that this hard work will pay off and will make her a better student. 

Cherise receives daily ESL instruction through a pull-out program taught by a certified ESL teacher. She receives her instruction in a small group with 6 students at the intermediate to advanced levels of English proficiency. Her official English proficiency level is 4.4 (WIDA).