Little scholars from near and far

Like the people in the neighborhood, the children at the new Penn-assisted public school at 42nd and Spruce come from more than 19 countries (such as China, Cambodia, Ghana, Egypt, and Mexico) and speak nearly as many languages. The new buildingdesigned with substantial input from the Penn Graduate School of Education, local teachers and the communityis still under construction. But schools open this year for kindergarten and first grade in temporary quarters on the site. The school will offer all grades from kindergarten to eighth in 2004-2005, and will get a new name next year with input from the kids. For more information go to www.upenn.edu/president/westphilly/education.htm.