At Glendale USD, the commitment to fostering a supportive and connected environment for every student and family is paramount. A cornerstone of this dedication is the Welcome Center, a vital hub specifically designed to assist newcomer families as they integrate into our vibrant school community.

The Welcome Center offers comprehensive support, recognizing the unique needs of families new to both the district and the country. A key aspect of this service is the provision of translations in Korean, Spanish, Armenian, and Russian, ensuring that communication is clear and accessible to everyone. The center proudly employs two dedicated individuals who continuously provide Armenian and Russian translations. Remarkably, one of these invaluable team members is a former district student who personally experienced the Welcome Center as a newcomer. Their firsthand understanding profoundly enriches the support and empathy offered to new families.

Under the guidance of the EL Coordinator, the center’s dedicated staff members go above and beyond to help students and families thrive. A notable example of this commitment is the annual summer initiative: a massive effort to provide backpacks and school supplies to students in need. This thoughtful gesture helps to ease the transition into a new school year, setting students up for success.

The Welcome Center’s latest enhancement further personalizes the onboarding process with a dedicated parent/guardian orientation for every new family. While students are engaged in their ELPAC testing, families receive a direct, personal overview of the incredible resources, including ParentSquare and Free and Reduced Lunch. The success of Glendale USD’s Welcome Center offers valuable insights for other school districts looking to enhance support for newcomer families. Here are some key takeaways and advice:

The ability to communicate in families’ native languages is non-negotiable. GUSD’s provision of multiple translations and the presence of staff with lived experiences demonstrate a deep understanding of this need. Advice: Invest in bilingual staff and professional translation services. Consider offering welcome materials in all prevalent languages spoken within your district.

Hiring former students who once utilized the Welcome Center creates an unparalleled level of empathy and understanding. They can relate directly to the challenges and questions new families face. Advice: Seek out opportunities to employ or involve individuals who have firsthand experience as newcomers. Their insights are invaluable.

The Welcome Center doesn’t wait for families to ask for help; it proactively offers it through personalized orientations and practical assistance like providing school supplies. Advice: Develop a comprehensive onboarding process that addresses academic, social-emotional, and practical needs. Think beyond just enrollment and consider the entire transition.

While free lunch for all students is a great benefit, the Welcome Center goes further by encouraging applications for Free and Reduced Lunch and clearly articulating the additional benefits. Advice: Don’t assume families understand all available resources. Clearly explain the advantages of programs and offer direct assistance with applications.

Utilizing platforms like ParentSquare to keep families connected is crucial in today’s digital age. Advice: Explore and implement communication tools that are accessible and user-friendly for diverse language speakers. Offer training and support for families to get comfortable using them.

While not explicitly detailed, the success of a Welcome Center often hinges on strong ties with community organizations that can offer additional support, such as job readiness workshops, citizenship classes, or health services. Advice: Actively forge partnerships with local nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community centers to create a robust network of support.

The latest enhancement of personalized orientations indicates a commitment to continuous improvement. Advice: Solicit feedback from newcomer families and staff regularly. Use this feedback to identify areas for growth and adapt your services to meet evolving needs.

By embracing these principles, school districts can create their own welcoming and effective centers, ensuring that every new student and family feels truly supported and connected from day one.