Photo Courtesy of NCTV17 Video
After the Naperville Education Foundation (NEF) funded an Express Grant for the purchase of Pocketalk handheld translation devices at Naperville North High School last year, Naperville Community Unit School District 203’s Learning Services and Technology Departments provided each school across the district with a number of translators to support communication between staff, students and families.
Jefferson Junior High School recently acquired five Pocketalk devices for their building.
The Pocketalk devices are two-way handheld translators capable of providing translations for over 80 languages.
Staff have started using the devices in their building to support communication.
“These handheld translation tools will revolutionize how we connect with families, breaking down language barriers and fostering a welcoming environment for all,” Jefferson Junior High Principal Kimberly Fricke shared in a school-wide newsletter.
Over 36 languages are spoken at Jefferson. The Pocketalk devices will allow for clearer communication between everyone in the school environment.
“From secretaries to administrators, everyone can now engage more effectively with families, ensuring they feel informed, supported and part of our school family,” Fricke wrote.
NEF funded the initial Express Grant at Naperville North to “empower English Learner (EL) students, their families and staff members to foster a greater sense of belonging in the Naperville North community and set a foundation for success in academic, personal and social-emotional goals.”
Fricke echoed this sentiment in the Jefferson Junior High newsletter announcing the introduction of the Pocketalk devices to the school community.
“This exciting step reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and strengthens the bonds that make our school so special,” Fricke said.
The original Express Grant impacted 171 EL students at Naperville North last year.
See the story of the original Express Grant NEF funded, introducing Pocketalk devices at Naperville North.
