Brandon Twp.- Parents who want to see their student’s test grades, which assignments are due, and when, or even what, their child had for lunch, can now have the information at their fingertips.
The Brandon School District recently implemented Parent Connect, a new web interface program which allows parents to view grades, assignments, attendance, schedules, transcripts, lunch menus, cafeteria accounts and more.
‘This opens up the communication link between parents, students, and teachers,? said Paul Spoor, technology director. ‘It gets everyone on the same playing field… We look at this as another resource.?
Spoor said the site is very secure. Parent Connect is part of the Zangle database program. Previously, Brandon Schools used an outdated Oakland Schools program.
The new program is less costly and not difficult to maintain, says Patti Dixon, data and pupil services coordinator for Brandon Schools.
‘So far, parents really seem to like it,? she said. ‘Teachers post the assignments in their gradebooks, which is connected to Parent Connect. There is no additional work for teachers.?
Monica Genslak is the mother of three students in the district? a fourth-grader, fifth-grader, and high school senior? and likes Parent Connect.
‘I think it’s a very beneficial tool,? she said. ‘I use it to check their assignments and grades that have been posted, and for the two youngest, I check the food services at school… It’s nice having this, because it (provides) great communication with the teachers.?
Ann Maslanka, a freshman at Brandon High School, agreed.
‘It’s a good thing,? she said. ‘Parents should know what you do at school.?