ISD Resources for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
Transitioning to a new school, community, and country can be overwhelming for anyone, especially when language becomes a barrier. Since 2015, the Issaquah School District’s (ISD) Cultural and Family Partnerships Team supports culturally and linguistically diverse families. The Partnerships Team attempts to eliminate communication and information challenges by providing multi-lingual educational opportunities and resources.
The Partnerships Team has ISD staff liaisons at each school building and provides translated forms in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. Additionally, the team holds parent information events and family connection meetings to help culturally and linguistically diverse families find their way.
Upcoming events:
Secondary (Grades 6-12) Canvas Workshop for Parents
Wednesday, September 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom
Family Access In-Person Workshop
Wednesday, September 29, 7-8 p.m. at the ISD Administration Building, 5150 220th Ave. SE, Issaquah
Tips for Communicating Parent-Teacher Conferences (elementary school only)
Tuesday, November 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m., via Zoom
Chinese and Spanish interpreters are available at all events. Email Lorna Gilmore for other language services at no cost.
Find more ISD Cultural and Family Partnerships Team information and resources here >>
Grand Ridge Elementary School (GRE) Volunteers Needed
Spare 30 minutes before or after school to help new GRE families find their way around the school, including morning line-up areas. The GRE Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) needs volunteers 8:40-9:10 a.m. and/or 3:20-3:45 p.m., especially September 3 and September 7-10. Sign-up for one or more shifts using the GRE PTSA Sign-up Genius.
All ISD volunteers must complete an online background check and application and upload a driver’s license and vaccination card; completing this process once can cover all ISD schools (check the box for each). Application processing times take approximately one week for approval. Find more information and application links here >>
Gibson Ek High School Seeks Mentors from the ISD Community
Consider mentoring and “sharing your work” with a Gibson Ek High School student. Mentor remotely or host at your workplace. Click here to get more information >>
ISD BOD Approved 2022-23 School Calendar
The 2022-23 ISD Board of Directors-approved school year calendar is ready to view here.
Updated ISD 2021-22 Return to School Information
ISD updated its 2021-22 Return to School Q&A webpage, and will continue to update it as information is made available from King County Public Health, the Washington State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tracie Jones is an Issaquah Highlands resident.
