Interpreters/Translators/Community Liaisons

  • Interpretation is the process of orally transfer what is said from one language to another, while translation is the process to convey the message from a specific language to another in written form.

    Our school system has many families who do not have a fluent command of English but the interpreters, translators, and community liaison staff are in schools to facilitate communication.

    Here are some examples of what GCS interpreters do

    Interpreting

             Transportation issues

             Student assignment

             Phone conferences

             IEPs, IST, PEP, Conner, Vineland

             Enrollment

             Parent/Teacher Conferences

             School Meetings

             Disciplinary or Health Meeting

             Conversation with Social Workers/Counselors

             Home Visits

    Translating

             Handbooks/Manuals

             Letters/Notes

             Bulletins

             Flyers

             Newsletters/Announcements

             Forms

             Birth Certificate

             Transcripts

             & other District Information

    Interpreters must be present every time there is interaction where a language barrier exists. Interpreters are devoted to conveying what is said between parents and schools staff truly, accurately and impartially and will keep confidentiality. Having an interpreter present allows all parties involved the ability to fully understand and receive the information being provided, which ensures that the parents are fully involved in their students education.

    GCS EL Department Interpretation/Translation Request Form

Procedures for Requesting an Interpreter / Translator from the ESL Department

  • Interpreter - spoken language                             Translator – written language

     Interpreter request:

    •  If a school teacher/professional needs an interpreter for a conference, please email your request to Jackie Martinez (martinl3@gcsnc.com). She will reply to you regarding your request within two days.
    • Please include the student full name OR PowerSchool ID (by federal law you cannot send both via email) grade, and language, type of conference and place, time, date, and length of the conference.  If the interpreter needs to schedule the conference, please include the parents’ names and a phone numbers in the email. Interpreter requests need to be submitted at least 7 days in advance.
    • IN ORDER TO CONTINUE WITH THE REQUEST PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THE STUDENT HAS A CURRENT OR EXPIRED IEP.
    • If a school teacher/professional is requesting an interpreter to make a phone call to a family, the email request needs to include the student and parents’ names, phone numbers and the exact message the interpreter will need to convey to the family.

     Translation request:

    •  If a school teacher/professional needs a translation, the document must be emailed indicating the language needed for the translation and the deadline/due date. Please keep in mind that translating documents is time consuming, so please send the translation request in advance as it may take from seven to ten business days or more depending on the translation.

      

    Jackie Martinez

    martinl3@gcsnc.com

    Translator & Interpreter Coordinator

    ESL Department 370-8982

    Guilford County Schools