Select parents with leadership qualities who speak other languages. Appoint them to liaise with the non-English-speaking parents in your school.
Have the appointed parents contact the non-English-speaking parents early in the school year to welcome them. Have them explain that they are there to answer questions, act as translators and assist in other ways. Tell them to check in regularly, at least once a month, to see how the parents are coping and whether there are any questions or concerns.
Arrange regular, informal get-togethers for the non-English speaking parents and the appointed parents. Supply refreshments such as coffee and cookies. Keep these meetings friendly and non-threatening by avoiding a formal agenda. Use these meetings as an opportunity for the parents to get to know each other and feel comfortable and supported by them. Arrange older student volunteers as babysitters if younger children present an impediment for any of the parents.
Maximize every opportunity to introduce yourself to the non-English-speaking parents. Use times when they drop off and pick up their child to interact with them. Smile and make friendly gestures to increase their familiarity and feel safe with you.
Arrange to have all communication, such as weekly newsletters or parental consent forms, translated into the non-English-speaking parents' language. Have the students translate notes and other important announcements for their own parents if no other resources are available.
Arrange meetings on topics that are of interest to the non-English speaking parents. For example, you might choose to have an open discussion between the parents on ways to cope when teens rebel against their parents' traditional culture. Arrange to have the school social worker on hand to provide support and offer advice. Have the appointed parents available to act as interpreters. Consider other topics, such as explaining the importance of field trips, which other cultures may not value.
Have the appointed parents invite the non-English speakers to all school events with a personal phone call made in the parents' language. Consider using student-led conferencing during parent-teacher interviews. Train your students several weeks in advance, so they are prepared to lead the conference and are equipped to inform their parents about their accomplishments and areas needing improvement.