Lincoln high school’s records going online

Officials look to give greater access to parents, students

By: Connie Seastedt
Pantagraph

March 12, 2007

LINCOLN – Student and parents of Lincoln community High School will be able to keep tabs on a lot of school records on-line by next fall, and some features start this week.

In the new Skyward Student Management System, users will be able to view attendance records, check and make class schedules, view grades, check discipline and food service information and add money to a cafeteria account.

The cafeteria accounts will be set up starting today and will go live Thursday. Full implementation is expected by August.

“We wanted a comprehensive software for student management that included Web access for parents as well as cafeteria software,” said high school district Superintendent Dean Langdon. “Skyward has an excellent reputation and met all of our criteria.”

Langdon said students are going to plan their own class schedules using the new system. While the first time will be in the computer lab under the watchful eyes of instructors, eventually the students will be able to plan their schedules at their own home, he said.

Some schools already have such a system in place, and Langdon said schools that don’t will not be far behind.

“We’ve had very positive comments so far from the parents, and I am sure the students will have mixed reactions at first because of the increased accountability,” said Langdon. “It will have many helpful components, such as the electronic grade book, because it will allow students to look at their grades in real time anytime they wish.”

A link to the Family Access site appears on the LCHS Web page at www.lchs.k12.il.us.

The first module ready for use is the cafeteria software, which allows students and/or parents to deposit money into an account that will be accessed each day using the student’s new identification card.

Students will have to have money in their account to purchase a lunch or breakfast, starting Thursday.

The cafeteria staff will be gin depositing money into account today in the cafeteria. Once the deposits are made, parents may view their balance on the Web site.

Login and password information already has been mailed to parents.

“Our goal is to increase the amount and quality of the information that we provide to parents regarding their children’s progress at school,” said Langdon. “Out implementation schedule is such that parents and students will see more of the program as we finish this school year and begin the 2007-08 year.”