Virtual Parenting: MRH Tech Night Covers Online Grades, Safety

Lisa Stevenson attended last Thursday's technology night at for a specific reason.

"I want to know how to check my daughter's grades on my own, without her having to look them up for me," Stevenson said.

She and other parents heard presentations from technology teacher David Grossman, technology integration specialist John Redden and Principal Kevin Grawer about issues such as reviewing students' coursework and upcoming assignments, monitoring their activity online and working with teachers.

Online services called PowerSchool and Desire2Learn allow parents and students to monitor grades, track when coursework has been submitted, view interactive lesson plans, among other actions. PowerSchool's email notifications, which haven't always worked properly, appear to be functioning, Grossman said. He encouraged parents to contact him if that's not the case.

One question on parents' minds Thursday: How can I tell whether my child submitted an assignment on time?

While teachers are asked to update grades in PowerSchool each Monday, workloads sometimes delay the process, Grawer said.

If parents have questions, they can call or email the teacher for more information, Grossman said.

This year, the school also introduced the MRH Tech Help Desk, located across from the gym. Grossman likened it to Apple's Genius Bar and Best Buy's Geek Squad, both services that evaluate the problems people experience with technology and develop solutions. Students can drop off their laptops for repairs during the school day, and it's open throughout the week. The office also answers questions about PowerSchool.

It's a change from past years, when technology aides visited computer users to make repairs.

Speakers on Thursday also talked about the introduction of social media at the high school. They created a Facebook and Twitter account in an effort to reach people with news updates, though they acknowledged that different people use different mediums.

"If a couple people see it, to me, it's worth it," Grawer said.

Grossman said he and others can monitor students' computer activities at the school and encourage them to get back on task if they're playing Internet games. Facebook is blocked on school computers.

Among the goals they encouraged parents to consider:

• Be aware of how your children are using technology at home and school.

• Know how to monitor where your children are going online.

• Discuss the school's Internet policy with your children.

• Know that Internet safety involves preparation, prevention and parenting.

• Model responsible computer use.

• Set clear rules about the kinds of sites you don't want your children visiting.