The newest features now being piloted at selected schools are the addition of student discipline data and online cafeteria payments.

Parents at Clark High School, Rawlinson Middle School and Locke Hill Elementary School now have access to their child’s current discipline data. Discipline data could include minor infractions such as talking too much or chewing gum in class to more serious infractions such as chronic tardiness, fighting, and drug possession. This data is seen by parents and administrators only.

“We feel that parents are active participants in their child’s education and need timely access to information,” said Kelly Smith, assistant superintendent for Technology Services. “We see Parent Connection as an intervention tool that will arm parents with information to help them stop small problems before they become bigger ones.”

If the pilot is successful, Smith hopes to roll the discipline data option out to the rest of the schools after spring break.

In addition, NISD employees who are parents of students at Holmes High School, Jefferson and Jones middle schools, and Galm and Meadow Village elementary schools now can make online cafeteria payments. The system allows parents to review balances and pay by electronic check or credit card. If the pilot program is successful, the system will go online at all schools for the 2008-09 school year.

Other upcoming new features include being able to view a list items students purchased in the cafeteria.

Parents are encouraged to read the news segment on the front of the Parent Connection web page, www.nisd.net/parentconnection/ for current announcements and information.

Parent Connection is a secure web site that allows Northside parents to check their children’s grades, attendance and standardized test results.