WEST MILFORD — Report cards are coming out next week but parents don't have to wait for that piece of paper to come home. Instead, parents will log into the Realtime/Parent Portal on the district's Web site on Thursday, Nov. 21, to view their child's grades.
Parents who are intent on getting that paper copy without printing it themselves need not worry. There is an "opt out" of the paperless option on the Web site (see box).
Parents have mixed feelings about the district’s move toward going paperless. The Messenger requested comments from parents on various West Milford parent group pages on Facebook, asking what parents feel are the pros and cons of this new report card system.
Gives more control and is green
Some parents applauded the district for being more “green” and progressive through their use of technology, and many liked being able to access their child’s grades online throughout the marking period.
“The less paper, the better!" Tammy Sloan posted. "I'm a technology junkie so report cards online are right up my alley!!”
“I think it is most excellent! It saves time and money with staff at school, it saves paper and resources for the earth, it is a permanent online reference for parents, and, if you truly need a hard paper copy, you can simply print it from the portal," Nancy Warner replied. "It also prevent kids from 'altering' their report cards in older grades. I think is a very positive change for the greater good all the way around.”
“I personally love this idea, as I don't have to wait until I get a report card home to know my kids grades," Lorraine Slifer commented. "I could look it up on the Parent Portal anytime I want. It cuts down on any surprises and if there is an issue, I could address it immediately and not wait until the marking period is over.”
Tracey McLean posted, “I think it's a great idea to be able to view report cards on line instead of having to wait for them to come home. I like being able to go on the Parent Portal and seeing how my child is doing. If there is a problem with a subject, I can help her more with that particular subject. So far we haven't had to do that.”
Elizabeth Gernhardt wrote, “…it's great to check online and see how your child is progressing so you know ahead if time if they are struggling in a specific area. I also like that I am able to login and view my children's report cards online. Print outs are made available for homework for children who do not have access to a computer. I believe if requested a print out can be made of the report card as well.” Gernhardt added, “I do like having a tangible copy to save for my children, but I am able to print it out.”
Majority still like it 'old school'
Despite the general consensus that being able to access student’s grades online was helpful in most cases, the majority of parents that commented were against the idea of only receiving the reports online and said they preferred paper copies of important information such as progress reports, report cards, and transcripts.
“I like the report cards online but I would also like my daughter to bring one home as a hard copy," posted Kelly Stinziano. "When I was growing up, we brought home a hard copy that had to be signed and returned to school (same for progress reports). I was shocked when I didn't have to return either to school signed as confirmation that I, as a parent, saw them.”
And there are still some people without internet access.
“Completely against it," Lisa Lindström posted. "I know a lot of parents without internet access. We pay enough taxes I think they can at least print out report cards especially since most of their homework is online, progress reports are online. They also seem to forget about children whose parents or guardians are not computer savvy.”
Superintendent James McLaughlin said he believes the paperless system will be beneficial to parents and provide them with better access to their children's grades.
"It is our belief that seven day, twenty-four access to each child's gradebook provides parents with academic information that is as current as possible, avoiding the time gaps that often occurred with traditional paper progress reports," said McLaughlin. "Additionally, computer based access provides a secure mechanism of delivery for parents that avoids mis-delivery, misplaced envelopes sent home or clerical errors that can occur in progress report and report card distribution. Additionally, a computer based report card is maintained in a digital file that a parent has historical access to."
Is everyone ready for this?
Some parents commented that the system itself and some teachers do not seem to be ready to go completely paperless, since their children’s grades were not always up to date online and parents themselves often forget to check virtual backpacks for information from the schools.
“I am fine with paperless and get that the world is just more digital but feel if the school wants to head this way then they need to do it fully," Marie Lautz posted. "Teachers should also have to get grades into the system and not use zeros as place holders.”
"We recognize that the shift to a digital delivery is new to many families and may require some time to grow accustomed to," McLaughlin told the Messenger. "We began the process last year, phasing out progress reports for grades 3-12 and received minimal feedback. This year we have introduced the report card in a digital format. Parents who require that report cards be provided in paper form will be accommodated if they provide their request to their child's school. Feedback regarding this practice will also be elicited in an end-of-school-year survey, which will ask for parent responses to a number of district practices - old and new."