Dysart system posts current grades online

When they return to school, Dysart Unified School District students will have a new way to stay accountable.

Dysart is rolling out a district-wide electronic grade book program that allows teachers, parents and high school students online access to current grades and other information.

Anthony Napodano, director of curriculum, said the program will help teachers and parents monitor student progress and provide better communication.

"We will all be on the same page on (tracking) the progress of our students for success," Napodano said.
Napodano said the system will provide a way for tracking grades and communicating with teachers.

"It will help with communication to all of the stake holders, from elementary parents and high school parents and students," Napodano said. "It will keep them up to date with the teachers, and allow them to communicate and e-mail teachers from the site."

The Pinnacle Web-based software is considered a warehouse for student information that provides student report card, grades, information on missing assignments and attendance records.

Parents and students log in with a user name and password. The system is updated every Wednesday afternoon.

Napodano said the system is secure, and successfully completed a pilot run with four elementary schools - West Point, Sonoran Heights, Canyon Ridge and Marley Park - and Valley Vista high school last year.

"This year everyone will start with it," Napodano said. "The pilot schools will have access as of Aug. 20, and the rest of the 18 district schools will have access by the second quarter."