On September 30, communities around the globe are celebrating International Translation Day to acknowledge the work and impact of language professionals worldwide.
“In Holyoke, we recognize the invaluable ways that our translators and interpreters support our students, their families, and our whole community,” said Superintendent Jackie Glasheen. “Every day, we can count on our bilingual staff to help facilitate dialog, strengthen understanding and cooperation, and support equity for all.”
Translation and interpretation services at school aren’t just helpful—they’re essential. Families have a protected right to equal access to education, which includes accessing information in one’s native language during meetings, school-wide events, conferences, and more.
“The international community believes that translation, interpreting, and terminology are at the heart of linguistic inclusion,” explained Manager of Language Access Linnette Clayton. “Translation and interpreting help preserve the many languages in our community and ensure that everyone has a voice. They turn language diversity into meaningful access, inclusion, and support, helping every person feel heard, understood, and included.”
Holyoke Public Schools employs multilingual staff members in every building who work with students and families in their native and acquired languages every day. An estimated 150 of these staff members have gone above and beyond in their multilingual journey to become certified level-two interpreters for the district. “We are so grateful for our staff who are ready to communicate not just in Spanish, but also in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Kirundi, Swahili and Arabic,” Mrs. Clayton said.
In addition, the district employs a team of six Language Access professionals who work directly with students and their families to ensure they are heard and understood, their questions are answered, and they have equal access to information in a language they can read and understand.
“Our purpose is simple: to break down language barriers, strengthen inclusion, and help every language and culture thrive. Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, every culture is valued, and our linguistic diversity continues to enrich our community for generations to come,” Mrs. Clayton said. “Language is more than a means of communication—it carries our history, identity, knowledge, traditions, and cultural heritage. By supporting language rights through translation and interpreting, we help preserve and pass on these connections across generations, ensuring that diverse languages and cultures continue to be valued, shared, and sustained."
These three videos capture perspectives from four HPS employees who support language access in our schools: