At a Queens school, migrant kids gain melodies, and respite from trauma

A cardboard cutout of the Supremes stands inside the lobby of I.S. 235 — the Academy for New Americans — in Astoria, Queens. The walls are adorned with inspirational quotes from Rosa Parks, President Barack Obama and Harriet Tubman. A sign outside the guidance counselor’s office reads, “Always remember to ask… how is this good for children?” From the auditorium a few feet away comes a torrent of noise: scores of middle schoolers, letting loose from their seats before being hushed by a school official. And then from the stage,...