Communication of the Future Presented by: Nick Neiderhouse, Ed.D. Wayne Trail Elementary Principal Maumee City Schools

Think about it... Did you log into your computer first this morning or did you open your Smart phone and tap an App? Download the Wayne Trail Elementary App in your App store. Or scan the QR code below for either your Apple or Android device.

How this all started... Always searching for ways to connect to families. Cognizant that times are changing all around us. Families want instant communication. Websites are becoming a thing of the past and are not user-friendly on small electronic devices. Easy management for administration!

Planning and Development Phase Time frame June- Researched and found Whizfish: http://www.whizfish.co/ July- Began development (signed up for 6 months): Tabs/features/design August- Approval through Apple and Google Play and roll out at registration/open house September- Uploaded pictures, resources, YouTube channel January- Paid for another 6 months before district decided on Apptegy http://www.apptegy.com/ May- Added Skipper to App Planning and Development Phase

Preview your App Layout http://previewyourapp.com/

Features Custom Appearance Unlimited Alerts/Messaging 1-Touch Calling, Directions, Sharing Calendar of Events Quick Access to Students’ Grades (Power School) Newsletter Videos Lunch Menu Staff Contacts Photo Gallery Voice Recording: Ask the principal and report an absence

Add-on options School specific tabs: School YouTube Skipper Other: Social media links Parent resources Math resources Principal’s Blog School YouTube School events Morning announcements Guidance lessons Skipper Send alerts from your phone Other: Collection of fees Registration

Toledo News Station Channel 11 Local Mirror Newspaper Positive Press Toledo News Station Channel 11 Share the good news! Local Mirror Newspaper

Robust Analytics

Drawbacks Anyone can download the App. The gallery does contain parent approved student pictures. Website gets neglected. Increased expectation to accessibility of principal/staff.

Ok...What does all of this cost?

Improved School Communication Convenient for all! Quickly inform parents/students of changes/cancellations Less phone calls to the office (better utilization of office staff) Parent/user ownership and interactions Daily, weekly, monthly communications

OAESA Conference Give Away!

Contacts Email: nneiderhouse@maumeek12.org Phone: (419) 893-2851 Twitter: @nickneiderhouse