Language Access Plan For Staff
Ensuring Language Access for All Families
We are committed to providing equitable access to information and services for families who speak languages other than English. To support our diverse community, we offer a range of interpretation and translation services to help families communicate with staff and stay engaged in their child’s education.
This guide outlines the tools and procedures staff should use to ensure effective communication with families.
By using these tools and resources, we can ensure that every family feels welcomed and informed, regardless of their language. Thank you for your commitment to language access and equitable communication!
Staff Responsibilities & Expectations
- Always offer interpretation and translation services—do not assume a family can understand English.
- Use approved district tools (phone interpreters, TalkingPoints, translation request system) rather than relying on students or family members to interpret.
- Follow confidentiality guidelines when discussing student information with interpreters.
- Seek support when needed—if you are unsure how to provide language access please reach out for help.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance in communicating with families when language is a barrier, please contact:
Jacquelene Bayless
Integration Coordinator
baylessj@stillwaterschools.org
651-351-8674
Susie Hill
Teaching & Learning
hills@stillwaterschools.org.
651-351-8611
Community & Family Engagement Specialists
Our engagement specialists serve as a bridge between school, culturally and ethnically diverse students and families to increase awareness and participation for academic and social growth, while keeping their own sense of cultural identity. The district employs specialists representing our Hispanic/Latino and East African communities.
Maryan Ali
Brookview Elementary
alimaryan@stillwaterschools.org
Contact: Somali
Diliana Cho Solis
Lake Elmo Elementary
chosolisd@stillwaterschools.org
Contact: Spanish
Sandy Cortez
Stillwater Area High School
cortezs@stillwaterschools.org
Contact: Spanish
Nelly Ross
Stillwater Area High School
rossn@stillwaterschools.org
Contact: Spanish
Claudia Hernandez
Oak-Land Middle School
hernandezc@stillwaterschools.org
Contact: Spanish
How Staff Can Provide Language Support
Spoken Language Interpretation
If a family requires verbal communication in a language other than English, staff should choose a tool based on the type of communication needed:
Quick, Informal Translation - Use for brief conversations, quick questions, or when immediate understanding is needed.
Formal, Academic Communication - Use for conferences, IEPs, discipline, official document translation.
If you have any questions please contact Teaching and Learning at 651-351-8611 or email hills@stillwaterschools.org
Best Practices for Working with Interpreters:
- Speak directly to the family, not the interpreter.
- Use simple and clear language.
- Allow extra time for interpretation.
Written Translation Services
All essential documents and communications should be available in families' home languages. Staff should use the following tools to provide translated materials:
- Translated Emails: Emails sent through BrightArrow (PowerSchool) are automatically translated, if a family has identified a preferred language other than English.
- Translated E-Newsletters: Emails sent through ‘Smore can be translated into a family’s preferred language. You just create the email in English, and when families receive it, they can click the “Translate” button to read it in any language.
- Contact the Communications Department to learn more about how to access ‘Smore to send your newsletters
- TalkingPoints for Two-Way Text Messaging: We use TalkingPoints, a two-way texting platform, to communicate with families in their home language. Staff can send messages in English, and TalkingPoints will automatically translate them into the families preferred language. Families text back in their language, and you see it in English.
- How to Access: Log in at app.talkingpts.org/login using Google Single Sign-On (SSO) or download TEACHERS TalkingPoints App
- Website & Digital Content Translation: The district and school websites include translated content in the top languages spoken by our families. Families can just click the “Translate” button in the bottom right hand corner to select a language. Families can also use a web browser translation tool (e.g., Google Translate) to view information in their preferred language.
- Translation of Documents: Essential district documents, including special education and IEPs are available in multiple languages. Check with your supervisor to see what may already be available.
- If a document is not available in the needed language, submit a translation request to Teaching & Learning at 651-351-8611 or emailing hills@stillwaterschools.org