The mission of the International Welcome Center is to provide a place where international families feel at home, celebrated for their cultures, and supported with the tools and connections need to thrive in both Norfolk Public Schools and the community.

School Enrollment Assistance

International Welcome Center staff provide guidance and support to help families navigate the school registration process with ease. This includes assistance with completing enrollment forms, understanding required documentation, and ensuring families are informed about school policies, grade placement, and available programs.

Cultural Orientation

The International Welcome Center aids in the process of providing individuals with essential information, skills, and attitudes needed to help them adapt to their new cultural environment. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition and integration into a new school and community, reduce culture shock, and promote successful resettlement.

Language Support

The International Welcome Center (IWC) can assist families from any language background using phone interpretation services from Norfolk Public School’s approved language vendor - The Language Group. The International Welcome Center also employs competent, bilingual staff to assist families for whom Spanish is their primary language.

Academic Resources and Educational Support

Families who utilize the International Welcome Center are provided with access to educational resources with the goal of empowering families to support their child’s academic success. Families are invited to attend monthly parent workshops to learn more about Norfolk Public Schools and receive hands-on training with a variety of our school division’s educational platforms and applications.

Community Resource Connections

The IWC is proud to assist individuals and families by connecting them to valuable resources within our local community. Some examples of community resource connections include:

• Food pantries and clothing closets
• Housing and utility resources
• Immunization and healthcare services
• Employment resources
• Public transportation options

Tagalog IWC Trifold Brochure.pdf

Spanish IWC Trifold Brochure.pdf

French IWC Trifold Brochure.pdf

English IWC Trifold Brochure.pdf