Translation Office
Overview
Our translation services are part of the English Learner Programs of the Educational Services Office. We support all SLZUSD sites by providing translation and interpretation services. We currently offer in-house Spanish and Chinese services to facilitate communication among district staff, bilingual families, and the community.
With over 40 languages spoken by students and families in SLZUSD, the English Learner Program Office plays a vital role in helping students and families understand key issues, events, and materials produced by the district.
- Robert Patrick - Coordinator of English Language Programs (510) 317-4734
- Lynda Garcia - Senior District Translator & Interpreter (510) 317-4740
- Erika Rodriguez - District Translator & Interpreter (510) 317-4701
- Carrie Feng - District Translator & Interpreter (510) 317-4709
SLZUSD Translation & Interpretation Services
The San Lorenzo Unified School District is committed to increasing parent and community participation. The Our role in this commitment is to facilitate a means of communication for parents, staff, and the various diverse communities through professional written translation and oral interpretation services.
Per Education Code Section 48985, when 15 percent or more of the pupils enrolled in a public school that provides instruction in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, speak a single primary language other than English, all notices, reports, statements, or records sent to the parent or guardian of any such pupil by the school or school district shall, in addition to being written in English, be written in the primary language, and may be responded to either in English or the primary language
Among other things, the Translations District Team is tasked with the written translation of IEPs, Psychological assessment reports, and anything corresponding to a child’s IEP.
Interpreter Services - How to Request
Procedures for Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Translations Services Unit offers both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (oral communication) and will be responsible for determining the most appropriate technique for your meeting. It is extremely important to plan your meetings ahead of time and notify us immediately of your interpreting needs.
In order to receive interpreting services, carefully read and complete the Interpretation Request Form. Make sure you complete all the pertinent information on the form and submit it to [email protected]. Due to the high volume of daily requests, please make sure to call us to confirm receipt of your request.
If a document is time-sensitive, please note it on the request.
Once your request has been received, you will be contacted before the scheduled meeting to confirm and/or to discuss availability, interpreting equipment, etc. If there are any changes in the location or starting/ending time of the meeting, or if the meeting has been canceled, please notify us immediately.
If you are planning a conference with workshops, please indicate on the request form the number of workshops and submit a copy of the agenda of the meeting. It's also important to consider if one interpreter is sufficient or if you will need more than one. This will help us better prepare to provide the service you need.
- Graduations/ Awards/ Ceremonies
- Back to School Night
- Student Orientations
- Open House
Translation Services - How to Request
Procedures for Translation Services
- Requests must be entered at least seven (7) business days in advance. Turnaround depends on priorities, time sensitivity of the documentation, word count/length of content, and current workload.
- Word documents are the ideal format to submit requests. Turn off "Track Changes" before handing off. We also accept editable PDFs, Excel files, PowerPoint presentations, and other formats. When elaborate formatting is needed, it may add to the turnaround time.
- Avoid sending scanned copies because they are not editable.
- Copyrighted materials should not be submitted for translation unless accompanied by written permission.
- Due to liability concerns, we do not provide editing or proofreading services for documents translated outside of SLZUSD Translations Service Office.
- Please note that we are not responsible for the quality and accuracy of the translation if altered in any manner after delivery without Translation Services review.
NOTE: Most languages may take, on average, up to 35% more space than English. Please keep this in mind when authoring and designing your project.