Ringgold upgrading communication tools for parents
Ringgold parents will now have on-the-go access to sophisticated digital tools that will help them to stay on top of their child’s grades, schedules and much more.
During its monthly meeting last week, the Ringgold school board approved a proposal from Blackboard Inc. for a $47,889 three-year renewal that includes web hosting, a new website design and a mobile communication application.
According to Kevin McCabe, director of educational technology, the new system reflects the way many parents prefer to get information today.
“A recent study cites that over 60 percent of parents access a school district’s website through a mobile phone,” he said. “We want to make it easy for parents to get that information.”
McCabe noted that the system will integrate with existing district technology and will notify parents when school is delayed or cancelled because of the weather or other issues. Parents will also be able to check grades and attendance records, as well as bus schedules and lunch balances in real time. The app will be customizable for the needs of each parent and student.
In addition, the district could potentially sell Ringgold T-shirts and other apparel via a shopping cart on the app.
Superintendent Megan Marie Van Fossan said that the website is also being upgraded.
“We had to make the website user-friendly and easy to use,” said Van Fossan. “It also has to be accessible for people who have vision and hearing impairments. The Blackboard system is a great communication tool.”
She added that Ringgold will continue to use the One-Call system as a backup. Parents will get phone call notifications when certain issues arise.
In other business, the board:
n Approved a resolution for free and reduced lunches for children whose family’s gross income falls within levels outlined in the appropriate family size bracket on the income scale
n Approved Dr. Dimitri Petro and Dr. Joseph Michael as school doctors for the 2018-19 school term
n Approved Dr. Randall Rodriguez and Dr. Pieter Heemstra as school dentists for the 2018-19 school term
n Granted teachers tenure to Kristie L. Gray, Amber L. Snyder, Jamie L. Andrews, Alicia R. Moon and Christina Yates
n Approved a memorandum of agreements with Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Inc.