A new and improved mobile app will help keep area parents, students and teachers in the know about the latest local education news and updates.
New Hanover County Schools relaunched its revamped app this week after working out a “few technical kinks,” according to district spokeswoman Valita Quattlebaum. It was originally unveiled on Aug. 24, 2015 – the first day back to class – as a free informational tool but Quattlebaum said those kinks prevented the district from fully utilizing it.
“We plan to use it more often now,” she noted.
And, Quattlebaum said, parents can look forward to receiving more notifications through the app.
“The app is one more way we can communicate with parents, students and all of our other stakeholders,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said. “For example, when we have to cancel or delay school for inclement weather, parents will receive a push notification on their smartphones. We will still use all of the other information tools we have, but we see this as a game changer in terms of communication.”
Each of the 43 schools has its own app that contains, among other items of interest, all of the information currently found on individual school websites. The app will also include teachers’ websites, assignments, brochures, sports schedules and student forms, as well as information about upcoming events.
The “DocuSign” feature allows parents to view a document via their phone, sign it and send it right back to the school with their signature.
“Smartphones and tablet devices are everywhere, and New Hanover County Schools wants to enable our parents, staff and students to connect with the district at their convenience. We know this new resource will help in terms of transparency and parent engagement,” Quattlebaum said.
The app can be downloaded through the district’s website, or in the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching “New Hanover County Schools.”
