Mary Williams reviews annual language access efforts for local schools

During the Mukilteo School District's recent school board meeting, officials provided an update on their ongoing language access initiatives, highlighting significant progress made over the past year. Mary Williams and her team presented their annual report, emphasizing the district's commitment to improving communication for families who speak languages other than English.

The district is currently in the "evolve" stage of its language access plan, which means they are not only meeting state requirements but also continuously refining their services. This year, the focus shifted towards enhancing outreach and support for families, ensuring they are aware of available translation and interpretation resources.

Key accomplishments included the implementation of electronic translation devices across all schools, allowing families to communicate effectively even when staff members do not speak their language. These devices can translate spoken language and written documents, significantly aiding communication for families with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additionally, the district introduced language access kits for schools, which include checklists to help staff create more welcoming environments for non-English speaking families. Training sessions were conducted for office staff and family support positions to ensure they are equipped to assist families effectively.

The district also launched a public-facing website with language access information and transitioned to a new newsletter system that automatically translates communications into families' preferred languages. This effort aims to keep families informed and engaged without language barriers.

Looking ahead, the district is exploring the establishment of support hotlines for Spanish and Ukrainian-speaking families, recognizing the growing need for resources tailored to these communities. This initiative is still in the early planning stages, with discussions ongoing about the best approach to implement such services.

Overall, the Mukilteo School District's efforts reflect a strong commitment to inclusivity and support for all families, ensuring that language does not hinder access to education and resources. As these initiatives continue to develop, they promise to enhance the educational experience for a diverse student population.