PROGRESS ONLINE:
Schools preparing for technological
advances
Diocese of Scranton Catholic schools are
preparing to implement a new computerized
information system that will enhance record
keeping and communication with students and
parents.
The Diocese has acquired the Hunter System,
a software package that will automate many
functions for administrators and teachers.
The package for all institutions costs
approximately $200,000 and is part of the
reorganization of the school system.
“The strategic plan is not just about
consolidation, it’s also about giving our
schools the technology to meet the demands
and expectations of education in the 21st
century. This is an investment in the
future,” said Joseph Casciano, Diocesan
Secretary for Catholic Education and
Superintendent of Schools.
The Hunter System includes various software
modules that will enable schools to manage
their financial and academic records, and
also provide a constant flow of information
to students and parents.
For example, teachers will be able to post
test scores, attendance records, homework
assignments and cumulative grades online –
in effect, giving students and parents
access to an evolving progress report as it
happens.
“This is the age of instant information, and
this system will bring your schools up to
par. We can check our stocks online at any
time, so why shouldn’t we able to check how
our kids are doing in school? That’s more
important,” said Judd Williams, senior
trainer for Hunter Systems, a company based
in Birmingham, Ala.
Mr. Williams recently spent three days here
conducting training sessions for principals
and support staff. School finance officers
and all teachers will be trained over the
next several months.
The schools will gradually implement the new
system over the course of the 2007-08
academic year.
Two schools in the Diocese, Gate of Heaven
in Dallas and St. Nicholas/St. Mary in
Wilkes-Barre, have been using the Hunter
System for the past few years.
Abe Simon, a teacher and the technology
coordinator at Gate of Heaven, said it takes
some time and effort to set up the system
and get used to it, but the benefits are
obvious.
“We’re happy with it,” he said. “The
teachers appreciate the interaction it
allows. They can provide an ongoing report
card.”
And even when students are absent, they can
get their assignments online, he added.
At St. Nicholas/St. Mary, the system is used
for the aforementioned functions and for all
communication – letters, a monthly and
yearly calendar of events, cafeteria menus,
and postings such as early dismissal
notices.
“This has been a big help to us,” said the
principal, Sister of Christian Charity Mary
Catherine Slattery. “You know how it is with
some students; the letter will stay in their
backpack until the parent rummages through
it!”
Being able to check on grades and
assignments is also very beneficial. “We
love it and our parents love it,” Sister
Mary Catherine said.
Mr. Williams said the Hunter System is
flexible; schools can design it to suit
their needs and implement the components at
their own pace.
“Ultimately, it allows teachers to spend
less time on paperwork and more time focused
on teaching,” he said. “That’s why we’re
here.”
