NetClassroom: Online Student Information Systems

Blackbaud Brings Parents and Students Into the Information Loop

New online solution part of enhancements to student information system
Charleston, SC (September 16, 2002) -- Blackbaud, the leader in bringing technology to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, announced today significant enhancements for parents and students in the latest version of the company’s popular student information software, Registrar’s Office™. Today’s release includes the introduction of NetClassroom, a new Web-based component of Registrar’s Office.

More than 14,000 private schools in North America alone serve at least 100 students per school. In addition to using software in the administrative office and the classroom, schools are using new technology tools to better communicate with parents and students.

“In an ideal situation, school administrators, teachers, parents – and students themselves – need to partner to ensure kids are getting the best education possible. And that means good, consistent communication in a form that’s available 24/7,” said Germaine Ward, Vice President of Products at Blackbaud and a parent herself. “NetClassroom is designed to help parents and students stay in the loop.”

NetClassroom allows parents and students to access information on daily assignments and grades via the Web. Parents use this online component of Registrar’s Office to keep track of progress, find out about assignments when students miss school, and keep more fully aware of what’s going on every day in their children’s classrooms. Students use NetClassroom to keep up with homework assignments and track their own progress. Back at the school, NetClassroom works seamlessly with Registrar’s Office to ensure teachers and administrators have a complete record of each student.

"As a parent, I especially like the idea of being able to see assignments all in one place. It will save so much time when my children are sick. I'll no longer have to visit each, individual teacher's Web page or spend time trying to get them on the telephone," said Polly Robb, a parent with three children at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama.

“Printing report cards off the Web will be great!,” continued Robb. “Sometimes I need multiple copies of report cards to send to grandparents or to use at establishments that award kids for making the Honor Roll. NetClassroom allows me access to as many copies as I need, when I need them. I also know how hard it is for the kids to wait for their report cards to arrive in the mail. This offers much more immediate reinforcement when they've worked hard for a grade."

NetClassroom is the latest online enhancement to Registrar’s Office. Faculty Access for the Web, which allows teachers to access student records over the Web, was released in July. Both online modules are a part of an effort to fully connect the important elements of the school community.

For more information, contact:
Rachel Hutchisson, Director of Corporate Communications
rachel.hutchisson@blackbaud.com
+1 843.216.6200 x3070
800.443.9441 x3070
843.270.5824 (cell)