Improved Internet site opens Jackson schools to parents

and Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

A recently launched Internet program has given Jackson parents a new way to connect with their child's school life.

Through ParentLink on the Jackson School District's Web site, parents now have free access to up-to-date information about students' course schedules, attendance, quarterly grades and lunch account balances.

"This technology lets us get information to parents very quickly," said Sam Duncan, director of state and federal programs. "We're really excited about it. We want to share as much as we can with parents."

According to Duncan, several hundred parents have already signed up for the free service. The district plans to expand the information available on ParentLink next semester, eventually adding grades for daily class work.

Duncan wasn't sure of the exact cost of ParentLink for the school district but said it was minimal because it ties into the district's student data program.

Parents say the service will save them phone calls about their child's attendance and schedules.

"I think it's awesome. I know my kids' attendance records are good, but for a parent that has doubts it is a great thing," said parent Donna Sternickle, who has children in the fifth and eighth grades in Jackson.

ParentLink was launched at the same time as the school district's newly designed Web site, which officials say is more user-friendly and offers more information.

Parents can access their child's information from any computer by logging on to www.jackson.k12.mo.us and clicking on the ParentLink icon.

To sign up for the program, parents must register at their child's school. As a security measure, a user name and password, which are supplied by the school, are required to log on.

Parent Janie Stout, who has students at Jackson Middle School and R.O. Hawkins Junior High, said the security issue bothered her at first.

"But now I do think they're taking the necessary precautions," Stout said. "This could be advantageous for parents who are not really in touch with what's happening at school."

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133