Several new features on the KCS website and YouTube channel will make it easier for students and families to receive updates, find information and learn about their school.
Earlier this month, “Translate” buttons in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Swahili were added in the upper left-hand corner of www.knoxschools.org, as well as on school websites. This enhancement makes it easier for users to access those languages, while a drop-down menu with dozens of additional languages continues to be provided.
In addition, KCS recently launched www.knoxschools.org/espanol, a condensed version of the district website that highlights areas of high importance, including:
- Enrollment;
- The Family Portal;
- District governance; and
- School zone maps.
The district has also launched a series of videos on YouTube that highlight Spanish-speaking students and families; profile Spanish-speaking employees; and provide updates about important topics.
“It is very important that all families have access to important information about their child’s education, even if they are still learning English,” said Superintendent Bob Thomas. “This enhancement of our website will make it easier for families to stay informed, and I am grateful that we are able to implement these changes.”
Patricia Robledo, the district’s Latino community outreach specialist, is available for interviews in English and Spanish to talk about the new initiatives.
More than 5,400 students within KCS are from families where these languages are spoken at home:
- Spanish – 4,740
- Arabic – 326
- Chinese – 204
- Swahili – 186
