School Web Sites: Three Big Questions
By: Mike Montalbano
Ten years ago, many of us were just beginning to understand what exactly a Web site was--today, we assume every company has their own Web site. Where do schools fit in?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 88 percent of all public schools had their own Web sites in 2003, up from 75 percent in 2001—even the mimeograph/carbon paper generation has come on board. Similar statistics aren’t available for private schools, but it is clear where the trend is going.
The big questions are: why do we need a Web site, what should be included in our Web site, and how do we make it happen?
Why Do We Need a Web Site?
This was a fair question ten years ago, but, today, the more realistic question would really be, “How long can we get away without having a school Web site?” Here are four key reasons for having a Web site.
1. Communication
Let parents in on what’s happening at school. Make sure they know the exact time and date of the school play, what their kids need for their art project, and even the special achievements of students, faculty and staff. This can make a huge difference in building a tight-knit community that encourages parents to participate more fully in their child’s education. Not just communication from school to home, but, even more important, communication from home to school. A running dialogue with students, parents and teachers can pave the way to a very successful year for all. Everyone stays on the same page, and miscommunications are minimized.
2. Efficiency
Post daily activities, homework assignments and parent notices—let parents look at them at their convenience. Time spent by you and your staff answering and returning calls will be reduced. Your faculty and staff can use this extra time to focus on the classroom. Additionally, the amount and cost of printing and paper will be reduced.
3. Flexibility
Wouldn’t it be great for parents to jump on the computer after the kids are in bed to view the news of the day, check on materials needed for classes, or send an e-mail to a teacher to keep them informed about things that are happening with their child? How about teachers being able to add or delete information from home after they have managed their own family and now have quiet time of their own? The potential to improve the quality of home life for families and teachers is available through Web sites.
4. Competition
Everyone else has one—can you really afford not to have one? When parents are trying to decide on the best program for their child, your Web site allows you to fully and concisely get your message across, without interruption. They will know your mission, history, expectations and how they’ll be able to stay on top of what’s happening at school. This can be a wonderful tool to match the right child to your program. It also becomes a great way to advertise to those that may just be browsing. It puts your name out there for prospective students and their families to see.
What Should We Include on Our Web Site?
1. Mission
A mission statement in and of itself would be an excellent reason to get started on your own Web site. Your “reason for being” should be at the forefront and accessible to all. Make the most of this opportunity. To some, this may be your time to make a lasting “first impression” of your school.
2. School Calendar
Eliminate confusion and the worry of lost paper calendars. Post it online, and you gain the flexibility to revise the calendar and communicate it quickly and easily.
3. Homework
This is a “must” for schools today. Studies have shown that doing homework is an important part of the learning process and gives students a huge jump in achievement. Responsibility for assignments and their timely completion remain the responsibilities of the student, but posting assignments online gives parents an advantage by allowing them to see exactly what the day’s assignments were. Parents can check assignments from work and know exactly what should be in progress or completed before they arrive home from work. Additionally, students missing assignments due to absences or illness can be handled easily and efficiently.
4. Newsletters
Keep parents in the loop by posting important news online—this lets you get the message in their hands immediately. Brag about your students’ achievements—publish a weekly or monthly principals’ message, and save postage costs.
5. Alumni
Keep alumni informed of new events at school and help them maintain their friendships. This is a proven way to increase alumni involvement and donations.
6. PTO/PTA
Increase participation among parents, instead of having the same handful do all the work for every event. Build more interest and spread the work around at the same time.
7. Photos
Kids love to see themselves online and so do their parents. This is a great way to build enthusiasm for school events such as plays, recitals, sporting events, fundraisers, etc.
8. Handbook
Eliminate confusion about the expectations and rules—once the handbook is online, it is easy to ensure that everyone can have access to it. For many parents and students, just seeing the mention on the Web site will remind them that your school has a handbook.
9. Athletics
Post schedules, results and brag about your students’ successes on the field. They invest a lot of time (along with your coaches), so make sure the whole community is aware of their achievements.
10. Applications
Let potential families know how to apply and what is involved. Handling this online can significantly reduce the amount of paperwork and phone conversations coming in and out of the office. Take the stress out of applying to your school by setting up your online applications in an easy format. Make it as easy as possible for those parents not familiar with such processes.
How Do We Make It Happen?
1. Parents
Campaign to get parents and teachers on board with excitement about participating in your Web site. In-service for teachers and parents can make things much more familiar and less intimidating. Post your Web address around school and be sure to send it home frequently. Use flyers, pencils, etc. printed with your Web address to get the message out. Let the students know that the information they need is on the Web. Their interest and use will draw the attention of their parents. Let everyone know that you are committed to technology and are ready to use it to its fullest.
2. Third-Party Resources
Do you find that the thought of a Web site is appealing but feel that you don’t have the time or knowledge to get it up and running? Use a company that is equipped and experienced in doing just that. Ask around, search the Web, and find that company that understands your needs. Your Web site will become reality in no time at all.
3. Outsource Components
Are you able to partially complete your Web site but need help with certain components? There are companies that can help you with just the parts with which you need help. For example, setting up homework is time consuming and needs a format that parents, students and teachers can use with ease. You may want to outsource this part to a company that does this part for many other schools. They will know what you need and what has worked with other schools.
There are many ways to develop a successful Web site; choose the one that’s best for your school and move ahead with it ASAP—you’ll be glad you did.
Mike Montalbano is the founder and president of whatsthehomework.com, which lets your students--and their parents--find their homework assignments online quickly and easily via the Internet.
