In a world always on the go, Clarke Schools is streamlining communications for the Clarke students, parents, teachers, and the community. Today, we use smartphones for nearly everything. Studies have shown this “on-the-go” society rarely sit down to get their news and updates from a desktop computer lest to check the local school’s website. Important information is needed on the go.
Focusing on better communication Clarke Schools’ Superintendent, Steve Seid, recommended to the board they expand the technology by adopting the new app. This app is more user friendly and will allow families and students to get a wider variety of information much more effectively and efficiently.
The new Clarke Schools app available this week is geared to make communication easy, immediate and reliable. Developed by Apptegy, the app will eventually be the main means of communication between the schools and the community. While the current mobile site provides access to the district website, the Board saw the need to improve the district’s media presence and to create a primary source of information for all of Clarke Community Schools and those involved – from extra-curricular activities to school announcements and more.
The app can be downloaded by anyone for free and offers convenient features not available through the current mobile website. Some highlights include:
- Ability to filter information to specific schools (High School, Middle School, Elementary)
- Notifications sent straight to your smartphone in the event of school delays or closings
- Interactive calendar including directions to different events, lunch menus, and more
- Immediate news and event sharing by all schools and staff
- One-source communication for reliable information without searching or guessing
“The hope is to encourage more people to tune in to all the great things going on at Clarke Schools every day,” said Mary Murphy, K-12 Technology Integrationalist and Webmaster. “This app allows us to show the community in real time how the work being done by the teachers and staff is improving the education and the lives of Clarke students.”
The app is currently available for free download from the Apple Store and on Google Play. (Click links to go directly to app downloads) Parents are strongly encouraged to visit Infinite Campus to verify that their correct phone number and contact information is on file. If the school doesn’t have accurate phone numbers, text messages may not be received, and important information could be missed.
“I’m very excited to have the school district introduce this new app to our families and community,” Said Mr. Seid, Clarke Schools Superintendent. “It is an additional way of communicating while allowing our staff the opportunity to share the great things happening in our fine school district.” “Thanks to staff member Mary Murphy for all her work in implementing this new app.”