SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — In South Portland public schools, around 20 percent of students are in the process of learning English. This statistic, provided by April Perkins, the director of multilingual programs, underscores the diverse linguistic landscape within the student body.
All public schools in the U.S. have a legal obligation to ensure meaningful communication with families in their preferred language.
In response to this commitment, the South Portland School Department is enhancing communication for its multilingual families.
"Now, it's much more accessible for families because they can call their regular school office phone number, choose the language they prefer, and be connected with an interpreter to have a conversation with the front office staff," Perkins said.
South Portland partnered with LanguageLine, which helps students and their families and guardians communicate with the school in their preferred language.
LanguageLine facilitates seamless communication between families and school staff, making it easier for parents to address various concerns, such as reporting a child's absence or arranging for an early departure—all conducted in their preferred language.
The impact of this initiative is tangible, as illustrated by students like Richard Vangu, a senior at South Portland High School who moved to Maine in 2022 from Brazil.
When he first arrived, he didn't know any English.
"You know you can't hear or understand anything, but then my ears opened, it was a miracle, and you can hear everything," Vangu said.
Now, he's an English-speaking student—his fifth known language. His parents, who don't speak English, can now easily communicate with the school.
"It's a good tool for them, it makes it easier for them to be in touch and know what is going on with us," Vangu said.
"It just makes it a much more comfortable experience for the families rather than cold-calling the office, knowing I need an interpreter; it just eliminates the awkwardness and the barrier," Perkins said.
This innovation breaks down language barriers and ensures communication is inclusive and accessible for everyone in the diverse school community.
Correction: This story has been clarified to reflect that this program and similar programs are available to other schools in Maine as well.
