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After strong opposition from neighbors, the Manara Academy, a charter school that will specialize in Arabic and French instruction, opened its doors in Coppell for the first time. Some neighbors had expressed concern that the school would cause traffic and safety issues.
But this morning, traffic flowed smoothly as parents dropped off children dressed in uniforms. Some girls wore white head scarves. At least one security guard was present.
Syeda Jaffrey kept her arm around her 5-year-old son Tanzar, who will be learning Arabic. “As a parent you’re excited about this,” she said. “This is how he will gain confidence, and this is how he will learn.”
Principal Amaris Obregón greeted families as children spilled into the building. About 270 students are enrolled in the school along Heartz Road. As of 8:20 a.m., it appeared to be a one-crier day.
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