By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich ? Goodrich parents can now immediately tell if their students are in class. Online.
Thanks to participation in the Genesee Intermediate School District pilot program of the GenNet Blackboard for students and Parent Web programs, the software will bridge communication gaps of the past. Teachers can keep in touch with students even if out of the country, parents can glean real-time student attendance and grade information as well as find out more about graduation requirements, and students can choose classes, look up their education plan, view class curriculum and PowerPoint presentations, or participate in extra-credit discussions.
‘We’re piloting the program for the GISD so all students in Genessee County can use the software, and there’s no additional fee,? said Dee DeWitte, Goodrich Schools technology specialist.
Parents will be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to log in, and will even be able to view previous school year’s data, said DeWitte, who is compiling an information letter soon to be sent out to district families.
The program has been in place for two weeks at the high school level. Upperclassmen especially will benefit from the application, as the Blackboard software is a staple in college programs. Lab time is provided to troubleshoot potential problems, and provide computer time for students who can’t log in at home. Eventually the program will expand to foster communication between middle school students, teachers, and parents, DeWitte added.
‘I feel very positive about how this improves communication,? said DeWitte. ‘I really feel it’s going to be very successful.?