Translation and interpreter services in the district are available to all PV Schools staff and families. Requests should be made by PV Schools staff.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Therese Slater at thslater@pvschools.net or call (602) 449-2120.
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Request an interpreter
(oral) for a meeting or event
Click "InterpReq" link
*Password and login are required thslater@pvschools.net if you need the password and login.
If you need a sign-language interpreter, please contact Norma Tucker, 602.449.2660
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Request a translation
(written)
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Commonly-used forms
English  Spanish
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Learn about Translation and Interpreter Services in the PV District: |
Why use translation and interpreter services?
Schools send out much valuable information home with students or through the mail in the form of newsletters, fliers, calendars, and reminder notes. LEP (Limited English Proficient) families may not be able to understand the information on these materials or they may not always have access to someone who does.
Translation services in the PVUSD allow you to have a document translated from English into another language, or vice-versa. By using these services, you can send home written materials in a language other than English, and in this way, reach a larger portion of your school’s community. Also, if you should receive a document from a student or family in a language other than English, you can request to have that document translated into English.Also, meetings, conferences, and school-wide informational events are all important ways of engaging parents in their child’s education and in school activities. When schools and other district staff wish to communicate verbally with LEP parents, an interpreter can play a vital role in bridging the language gap.
In essence, an interpreter takes a message from one language and converts it into another. In this way, two individuals who do not speak the same language can still communicate with each other, in this case, through a third individual who can speak both languages. |
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How do I request a translation?
Click link above for translation request information page. Note request related to Special Ed contact: María Eugenia Bambarén (Special Education). Please allow ample time to process your request. |
How do I request an interpreter?
There are multiple types of interpreter services available to you. The type of service that you choose depends on the type of situation where you will need an interpreter. |
Who is Language Line?
Language Line is a telephonic interpreter service available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to all PVUSD staff. Interpreters in over 150 language are provided and with call centers all over the world, the wait time to be connected to an interpreter is usually well under 1-minute. |
How do I access Language Line services?
If you have a Language Line telephone (a preprogrammed dual-handset telephone with the Language Line logo):Simply press the red “Interpreter” button and follow the directions given.
If you have a regular telephone:1. Dial 1-866-874-3972. Enter the client ID (544078)3. Enter your 3-digit school code 4. Follow the directions given
How much does this service cost?
Language Line services are paid for at the district-level. Schools and staff are encouraged to use this service as often as they need to, either to make or receive phone calls, or on speaker-phone for live encounters with LEP individuals. |
Tips for holding meetings with LEP families
Before the meeting:Always send home a reminder letter or make a reminder phone call to the family 1-2 days before the meeting. Note: This is especially important when holding a meeting with an LEP individual since differences in culture may lead to a misunderstanding with respect to punctuality and purpose of the meeting.During the meeting:Remember to introduce yourself and others present at the meeting.• Always briefly review the purpose of the meeting with the family.
Ask if there are any questions. In some cultures, nodding of the head means “I’m listening” and not necessarily “I understand.” |
Tips for working with an interpreter
Speak in chunks of 2-3 ideas at a time. If the interpreter raises their hand or otherwise asks you to stop, please pause and wait for the interpreter to interpret what you have said. Once they are finished, you may pick-up where you left-off. Keep in mind:The interpreter is obligated to interpret everything that is said at the meeting by all parties. Side conversations and other commentary may distract the interpreter or confuse the family. |
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