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IT Applications
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Below are brief descriptions of District 203 key applications:
Student Information System
One of the core foundational technologies that District 203 is currently implementing is a new Student Information System (SIS). After a robust evaluation process targeted at finding a replacement for our existing and antiquated system, Infinite Campus has been selected as our new SIS. Located at the heart of our District operations, this is a mission-critical system that provides the functionality through which the majority of our school related administrative duties are performed. This web based system supports key District 203 processes such as enrollment, registration, scheduling, attendance, gradebook, student records, health information and much more. The Student Information System also acts as a key repository of information regarding the operations of our educational facilities and a integral source of information to administrators, teachers, parents and students. The SIS integrates with other key District 203 applications and systems that support our services such as Transportation, Food Service and Special Education, as well as integrating with our Learning Management systems.
Financial/Human Resources System
District 203 has implemented the Lawson Enterprise application to provide financial and human resource management, payroll and procurement services along with an employee self-service portal. This system provides core back office functionality and is under a continual improvement program to optimize and fully leverage its capabilities over the next few years.
Learning Management System
The District 203 Learning Management System (LMS) is a web based software package that enables the management and delivery of learning content and resources to students. This system facilitates "anytime, anywhere" access to learning content and administration. Students can access course and assignment materials, view associated educational content, post and retrieve assignment work and collaborate on projects.
Data Warehouse
The data warehouse is a repository of student and related data used to analyze student achievement. It consists mainly of student test results of standardized assessments (i.e. PSAC, ISAT, CoGAT, ITBS, etc), as well as, District 203 benchmark assessments. This system is aimed at taking data from multiple sources and providing analytical capabilities and insight into the Districts programs and effectiveness.
Special Education Management System
For eight months during the 2011-2012 school year, Pupil Services conducted a rigorous RFP process to select a web-based Special Education Management System with an IEP (Individual Education Program) module to support effective planning, collaboration, delivery and review of Pupil Services for the students of District 203.
A thorough evaluation of options was conducted, and the Evaluation Team recommended the purchase of TIENET by Maximus. Through the sophisticated TIENET system, Pupil Services can manage the entire special education process, while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, including the IDEA 2004 reauthorization and No Child Left Behind. This solution will replace multiple and duplicative systems and heavy reliance on paper work files, and will provide an integrated, collaborative software solution.
Transportation
Versatrans is the district’s transportation management application. The application receives student data from Infinite Campus, the Student Information System, and utilizes school boundary data to create efficient bus routes and optimize the usage of the District's bus fleet. Student bus route data is transferred back to Infinite Campus to provide parents with bus stop and pickup and dropoff times.
Food Service
The Café Enterprise application by Comalex is the District’s meal service application. This application provides maintenance and tracking of free and reduced-price meal applications that are entered through state and federal programs and parent-initiated applications. This application also provides the point-of-sale system used in the schools to scan student ID badges tin order to track meal purchases and balances for both paid and free or reduced-price lunch students. Parents maintain their student’s meal balances via the Café Prepay website.
Library Automation System
District 203 utilizes the Alexandria library automation software solutions for its library system. The system is centrally administered, backed up, and updated. Students enjoy an easy-to-use, Web-based search interface which is accessible to them within the district as well as at home.
Digital Signage
Digital signage is used in several buildings to improve learning and community relations. Digital signage allows building staff to quickly disseminate information to students and staff without interrupting classroom learning. Digital signage is also used to showcase student events, projects, and celebrations.
To see digital signage in action at one of our schools, click on the video play button below.
Email and Calendaring
District 203 employs Microsoft Exchange as its primary messaging software. Calendars, address books, and emails are stored centrally and are available 24x7.
Collaboration/Document Management
SharePoint is a web-based system used to empower our schools through online collaborative workspaces. SharePoint provides many features including: Document Libraries, Wiki Libraries, Discussion Boards, Shared Calendars, Tasks, Surveys, and Web Pages. There are sites for schools and classrooms to communicate and collaborate between teachers and students. Students can use on-line classroom content, as well as have an online discussion about a class projects.
Office Collaboration
Office Communications Server is a collaboration tool used by District 203 to manage instant messaging, audio and video conferencing, and presence. The tool is used primarily by staff members, but has been piloted in classrooms. This tool allows collaboration between the district and individuals who are remotely located who may have expert knowledge that can be shared with our staff and students.
Click below for more information about the four types of work strands within the iT203 Department:
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Building the Future
