Happy October from School Announcement!

Helpful Summer Info for the Busy Education Pro

I hope that all in your professional world is chugging along at a nice even pace and that you’re feeling good about your unique contributions to making that happen. As a parent, I always enjoy this time when the kids are settled into their routines and there aren’t yet any mid-terms or holiday stresses to manage. This year, I also enjoy having the opportunity to let you know that School Announcement’s enhanced Parent Portal is now better than ever, adding to parent confidence in the schools that use us for critical and everyday communications.

If you’ve read the piece I include in each newsletter, “About School Announcement,” you know that we offer one of the most affordable, dynamic, reliable and secure communications platforms available to reach parents/guardians, teachers, administrative staff and even School Board Members, if appropriate, with accurate information when it matters most.

Our password protected Parent Portal is a critical part of making that happen, as it gives parents complete freedom in customizing and managing their accounts with you. When parents enter the portal, they are able to:
- View information specific to each of their children associated with the account.
- Review announcements in as little or as much detail as they like.
- Enter multiple contact people (parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc.), and select the method of communications through which each one prefers to receive messages (Voice message/phone, SMS text or email).

I’m so proud of this high-tech, completely user-friendly service. I’m here to answer your questions when you’d like to learn more, or even if you’re just curious! You can reach me by phone at 401-243-8415 or email at tracyp@schoolannouncement.com, whatever is most convenient for you.

Until next time, enjoy these last days of lush green leaves and long light.


All the best!
Tracy Duncan

Flu Preparations in Full Swing

Last month the U.S. Department of Education issued its recommendations for creating robust e-learning options to students sidelined for a long term by the flu. Since then it has also partnered with organizations and companies that can support schools in following these recommendations, whether a school is low-tech or tech-savvy. For an overview of the creative ways that schools are rising to the challenge, visit edweek.org and read “Swine-Flu Plans Put E-Learning in the Spotlight,” by Michelle R. Davis and Katie Ash:

For quick access to the Department of Education’s recommendations, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/continuity-recs.pdf

Provocative Point

We all know the jury rests when it comes to the critical role hand washing plays in prevention of illnesses. But does the soap we use have to be an antibacterial soap? According to some experts, these soaps do more short and long-term harm than good. The more bacteria are exposed to antibacterial products, the stronger the bacteria become in fending them off. Then there’s the environment to consider; some say that when all those super soaps hit the water they create “a toxin that has been identified as a probably carcinogen.” As someone overseeing a building or district where there is a whole lot of hand washing, what do you think?

“Antibacterial soaps: Unnecessary risks, no benefits,” by Sarah Krupp provides some excellent food for thought, which includes the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association’s take on this topic.

The Economy’s Affect on Children & Teens

Your teachers have to make sure the students in your district are safe, learning and know how to help prevent flu outbreaks. It’s clear they might also need to be mindful of the economy’s wear and tear on students whose families are suffering financially. While the following articles are general or geared to parents, they provide context that you and your staff may find useful when speaking to these students about their overwhelming situations:

“Children Suffer the Effects of a Failing Economy,” A.M. Walker, Associated Content

“When Tough Times Weigh on the Kids,” Sue Shellenbarger, The Wall Street Journal

“Economy’s Silent and Heavy Toll on Children,” Justin Rood, ABC News

More Students Leaning Toward Vocational Ed

New trend: According to the National Center for Education Statistics: “Some coursetaking shifts were detected… among the occupational program areas. In 2005, public high school graduates earned more credits on average and concentrated more often in five occupational program areas than in 1990: computer technology, health care, communications technology, child care and education, and protective services (0.04–0.25 more credits and 0.4–2.4 increase in percentage of concentrators). In contrast, 2005 graduates earned fewer credits on average and concentrated less often than 1990 graduates in three occupational program areas: business services, materials production, and other precision production (0.1–0.3 fewer credits and 1–5 decrease in percentage of concentrators).”
More information is available at: http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=43

Lend Them Your Ear!

You have to ask more of your administrative staff and teachers than ever before and, at the same time, they are receiving less in salary increases than they probably need to keep up with increasing costs. You know they are stressed; what can you do? One small action that makes a big difference is having quick, one-on-one informal chats with each staff member (including your school nurses, who are in the thick of flu preparation!). Your purpose: To show your people they are known and heard, which for many is a genuine reward in and of itself. How you get there: Ask questions, keep the conversation focused on the employee and later, recall what they’ve shared with you and offer encouragement:
“Hey, Bob, how’s your son feeling today?”
“I’m working on getting you those whiteboards, Jasmine. We’ll get there!”