Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School

08/24/2026

Congratulations to our sister school Doris Henderson Newcomers School!

"And that gives me so much joy, to know that the families know that they are safe and immediately loved and accepted here," Principal Sonia Marquez. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

08/21/2026

Thank you for your continued support! We appreciate you, King's Church! Breakfast for our opening staff meeting, backpacks for our students, and supplies!

08/21/2026

Excited to welcome our students back on Monday, August 24! This is team Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School!!

08/17/2026

Excited to share that our own Alberto Cortez-Martinez, Data Manager and Treasurer and prospective educator, successfully started the LatinxEd Fellowship!

🚀This cohort brings together educators and education professionals from across North Carolina who know our students, understand their communities, and are using their lived experiences to turn dreams into action.

🌱 Through the LatinxEd Fellowship, he will strengthen their voices, build relationships across the state, and grow his capacity to advocate for education systems where Latine students and families are heard.



NC Educators | Latine Education Leaders | Education Advocates

08/16/2026

NEW STAFF MEMBER ALERT
Join us in welcoming to the Sylvia Mendez Newcomers family Gustavo Martinez-Padilla who will serve as assistant principal!

I began my career in education 26 years ago. I graduated from the University of South Florida with an undergraduate degree in Social Science Education. I later went on to receive a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Oregon’s College of Education. I have had the privilege of working as a middle school social studies teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, a Director of Education for the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, a multi-cultural affairs administrator at Oregon State University, a Director for the School of Education at Hawaii Pacific University, and finally as an assistant principal at Swann Middle School, Rankin Elementary, Doris Henderson Newcomers School and now at Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School.

I am originally from Miami, Florida but have lived in Oregon and Hawaii. Prior to working in education, I worked as a restaurant chef for approximately five years. I will have been with my spouse for over 29 years this month and have been blessed with two sons that I adopted 18 years ago who are now making their mark in the world. I also have a granddaughter who just turned two years old recently. I have lived in Greensboro for the last 9 years and I look forward to many more years in this wonderful community.

08/14/2026

Ready to welcome our staff on Monday for the 26-27 opening staff meeting! Thanks to those amazing staff members who assisted with decorating and planning!

08/13/2026

Join us in congratulating Ms. Dalbo, our HS Social Studies teacher! She was the recipient of the High Point Schools Partnership Extraordinary Educator Award!

08/11/2026

¡”VAMOS! Run Club is partnering with the Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School for their first Back-to-School Drive. With our partnering Run Clubs, churches, non-profits and dedicated runners, this organization collected 39 backpacks with additional supplies for the 2026-2027 school year. A big THANK YOU goes to Daniela, founder of this club! In her own words…
“This one feels especially close to my heart because education has always been a huge part of who I am. As an educator and the founder of ¡VAMOS!, I believe that community is about more than showing up for a run — it’s about showing up for one another.”

08/08/2026

NEW STAFF MEMBER ALERT!
Join us in welcoming Ms. Beverly to the Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School! She will be teaching MS science and math.

Hello my name is Rachel Beverly and I am so excited to be joining the Sylvia Mendez Newcomers family this school year. This is my 10th year as an educator and my 7th teaching Newcomers students.

I am originally from the United States but lived many years over seas in the Philippines. I enjoy being able to connect with Newcomers students experience so many different cultures each day in my classroom. The last 9 years I have taught only math so I am looking forward to diving into the sphere of science as well.

When I am not at school you can usually find me with my family hanging out or playing games. I LOVE the color Purple and Christmas ( there is never a bad time for Christmas music). I enjoy sharing the joy of learning with my students and helping them develop a true love for education. I am really looking forward to this school year and my new role here at Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School.

08/05/2026