The NSBA (National School Boards Association Blog) had an interesting post this week about community engagement with schools.  It linked to an opinion piece about the importance of teaching kids critical skills, but noted that community engagement is critical.  We would agree.

We hear frequently from our customers that they desire more involvement by parents and kids.  But how?  It all comes down to communication and connecting the community into the goings on at the school.  With all the myriad programs and events at schools, parents and kids start to lose track.  Communication is the tough part.  Without the right tools to keep parents updated on their kids’ involvements and events that pertain to them, driving community is a huge challenge.

A good centralized school calendar is key, in our estimation, allowing parents and administrators alike to communicate with ease.  With all the personal devices people are using to manage life, simple updating and school calendar integration is the next killer app.  When people know what’s going on, community will grow, and participation will flourish.