The Courier January 2015 | Volume 22, Issue 6
FREE
www.the-courier.org | news@isd15.org
Independent School District 15 adopts new student information system Paul Neubauer ISD 15 Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Independent School District 15 made the decision in the winter of 2014 to explore other options for the district’s student information system. While the current vendor, TIES, has served the district for many years, it was time to look for a system that would add elements of flexibility, responsiveness, improved communication and enhanced customer satisfaction. With this in mind, district administrators vetted several vendors and invited two to present to a focus group. Last spring, Infinite Campus and Skyward, the two vendors the district took interest in, presented to a cross section of school personnel. Overwhelmingly, staff felt Infinite Campus would meet our requirements and provide a level of service that would significantly and positively impact student learning. We are confident we will be able to schedule more flexibly, respond more efficiently to individual concerns and finally, communicate in a more timely and effective manner with our students, parents and community. Infinite Campus was formally selected and district personnel have spent the past several months developing standards of operation and training schedules in order to make the transition from one system to another go as smoothly as possible. With a target go-live date of March 13, there is much work to do. There will be a one-week period where there will be no electronic access for staff or parents in either TIES or Infinite Campus during the transition. This
window of time will allow data to be uploaded and will provide the transition team the opportunity to work through any issues. Prior to this occurring, there will be several opportunities for staff to receive the necessary training to successfully transition from one system to another. Students and parents/guardians will need time to transition as well. To this end we are offering several opportunities for parents/guardians of students to enroll in the parent portal, formerly SchoolView, in a supported, user-friendly manner. Computer labs at each of our schools will be available
for access during winter parent/teacher conferences (see schedule). In each lab, a support person will be available to assist parents in signing up for the Campus Portal. As conferences approach, we will continue to send communications regarding locations, labs and support. For those who cannot attend conferences, we have the ability to allow for self enrollment. Information will be forthcoming relative to this process. We are excited not only for the change of our student information system, but for the chance to switch to Infinite Campus in a manner that is a positive experience for all.
Dine-In • Carry-Out • Delivery • Online • Mobile
What’s Inside Schools in Action..................................................2 School Board Highlights...............................14 Community & Business..................................15 Sports & Outdoors............................................25 Community Education...................................28 Life..............................................................................31 Meetings, Benefits & Events........................32
Parent/Teacher Conference Schedule
St. Francis Middle School 7th graders explored the power of magnification in science class. The STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) adoption at the middle school has provided a microscope for each student. Story on page 14. Submitted photo
Hwy 47 & Pederson Drive, St. Francis, MN
763-753-4577
Place your order online at www.mansettis-pizza.com Sun 11:30 am-9:00 pm; Mon-Th 11 am-9:00 pm; Fri 11 am-11 pm; Sat 11:30 am-10:30 pm
11th Annual
Customer Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner $ Only
Location SFHS SFMS CSVC SFES
EBCS
CCCS
Date
Time
January 15
3:30-7:30 p.m.
January 13
3:30-7:30 p.m.
January 15
3:30-7:30 p.m.
January 22
3:30-7:00 p.m.
February 3
4:00-7:30 p.m.
February 5
4:00-7:30 p.m.
February 10
4:00-7:30 p.m.
February 5
3:40-9:00 p.m.
February 10
3:40-9:00 p.m.
February 3
4:00-8:00 p.m.
February 5
4:00-8:00 p.m.
February 11
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Monday, January 5 • 4:00–9:00 p.m.
1
99 Dine-in only