At the Welcome Center in Hickory Public Schools, we provide written translations and direct interpretation services, acting as a liaison to promote positive and cooperative relationships between non-English speaking parents/students & English-speaking educational personnel. We also support instruction through interpreting at parent-teacher conferences, in the development of student educational plans (IEPs & PEPs), and other educational meetings.

In addition, we administer initial English language proficiency assessments required by state & federal law to new students who could be placed in our ESL Program. We also support staff members in additional tests, such as WJ III (educational/achievement level), BVAT (bilingual verbal ability), DIAL, and others.

Students who speak a language other than English come to the Int'l Welcome Center for registration, initial testing and school-related information.