Need Translation Help?
While it is true that WS/FCS translation needs are great, there are tools available for school personnel who need to contact parents who speak other languages. The broadest resource base, with hundreds of school-based documents in many languages, is TransAct.com. The school system has a contract with this online company, and its use is free to WS/FCS educators. Enroll online at their site using your WS/FCS email address as the user name and create a password. Change the language of a document by clicking the orange button that says ENGLISH.

A Word of Caution 
If personalization of a document is needed, there are free online translation sites. You  will find both and Babel Fish easy to use. Be warned though, the translation you receive is only as good as the input. Think about the vast amount of multiple-meaning words in the English language.  With free sites, there is no guarantee that your message has been translated as intended. In addition, some programs give you a transliteration, or word-for-word translation, which may not take into account the different word order and syntax of other languages. This can result in a message that is garbled and hard to read. If you do use these sites, simplify your message (who, what, when, where) and use basic sentences. Avoid idiomatic expressions, multiple-meaning words, slang, and figurative language.

For newsletters and calendars, use picture support to clarify when you can. Think about the vast amount of multiple-meaning words in the English language.  With free sites, there is no guarantee that your message has been translated as intended. In addition, some programs give you a transliteration, or word-for-word translation, which may not take into account the different word order and syntax of other language. This can result in a message that is garbled and hard to read. If you do use these sites, simplify your message (who, what, when, where) and use basic sentences. Avoid idiomatic expressions, multiple-meaning words, slang, and figurative language. For newsletters and calendars, use picture support to clarify when you can.