Northampton Public Schools supports all parents and caregivers in their right to communicate and receive information about their child's education in a language they understand. If your native language is not English and you feel you need interpretation services to meaningfully engage in your child's education such as enrollment in our schools, parent - teacher conferences, IEP meetings, or help with understanding your child's remote learning plan please contact your child's school to request this service.

Our district uses the ParentSquare program for caregiver communication. Messages, posts, and alerts from the school are translated into caregivers' home languages. 

Getting Started with ParentSquare         Guía de inicio rápido (en español)

“Lionbridge (interpretation service) was so easy to use! I was nervous (reluctant really) but knew it was essential I reach out to the parent in the same time frame I would any other. It worked so beautifully!!
Called the number  800-444-6627, put in the district code, then selected the language. The translator was kind, patient and so effective. Things I now know that I will do when I use Lionbridge next:
1. have my voicemail message ready for the translator in case the person does not pick up
2. share the purpose of the call with the translator to cement our teamwork
I highly recommend this incredibly supportive service. I feel empowered to meet the needs of our families.  Thanks, Lauren and NPS!”

-A grateful NPS employee

“The first time I used Lion Bridge, I was overjoyed. For several years I had been unable to communicate directly with a particular parent. We had used our bi-lingual social worker to help with communication over the years, but when the social worker was involved, she would be the communicator, not me. To be able to have a translator helping with my actual communication with this mother overwhelmed me with happiness—so much so that I cried when I hung up. I have been feeling irresponsible as a principal to be unable to really talk to some of the caregivers from our school community, and Lion Bridge has given me a new level of commitment to reaching out to all.”

– NPS principal

Are you the caregiver of an English Learner?

Does your child attend Northampton Public Schools?

The ELPAC is a group of parents that give the school district input and advice on how to best educate, support, and promote our English Learners. The Northampton Public Schools wants to draw strength from all that our English Learners and their families bring to our community and our schools by promoting and educating the community about the multilingualism of our students and families.

As a member, you will be able to:

• Meet and connect with other parents to have discussions. 
• Plan fun events or activities for our EL families at school or in the community that celebrate diversity and multilingualism.
• Receive help with communications to your child’s school.
• Receive monthly email updates on important news and opportunities related to ELs and their families. 

Register for ELPAC

ELPAC Flyer Translated Information

ELPAC Training for Parents        Capacitación ELPAC para padres

EL Parent’s Experience During the Pandemic

Computer Classes for Caregivers is a series of classes that provide caregivers an understanding of basic computer skills and how to navigate the online platforms used by schools to access their child’s learning. Classes will be instructed in both English and Spanish.

Computer class dates TBA. 

Computer Classes for Caregivers es un taller para ayudar a los padres a comprender las habilidades informáticas básicas y cómo navegar por las plataformas en línea utilizadas por las escuelas para acceder al aprendizaje de sus hijos. Las clases se impartirán en inglés y español.

Fechas de clases de informática por confirmar. 

The Community Partnership Program involves partnerships with community members who share information about topics related to supporting the diverse needs and interests of families in our schools. Members of the CPP come to meetings such as the ELPAC and include parent leaders, social workers, lawyers, teachers, and organizations in Northampton community.

If you would like more information about the CPP please contact ELE Coordinator, Lauren Barry –  (413) 587-1481.

El Programa de Participación Comunitaria involucra las asociaciones con miembros de la comunidad que comparten información sobre temas relacionados con el apoyo a las diversas necesidades e intereses de las familias en nuestras escuelas. Los miembros del CPP asisten a reuniones como ELPAC e incluyen padres líderes, trabajadores sociales, abogados, maestros y organizaciones de la comunidad de Northampton.

Si desea obtener más información sobre el CPP, comuníquese con la Coordinadora de ELE, Lauren Barry – (413) 587-1481.

A workshop series for families arriving into the US from another country, who are new to American schools and the Northampton school district.

Una serie de talleres para familias que llegan a los EE. UU. Desde otro país, que son nuevas en las escuelas estadounidenses y el distrito escolar de Northampton.