Norman Launches State's First K-12 Mobile App

Deanne Stein, News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Parents of students who attend Norman public schools can stay in the know while on the go. The school district launched Oklahoma's first school district mobile app on Tuesday.

"We live in a mobile society and utilizing platforms that people prefer and are at ease with is critical to effective public engagement," said Norman Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano. "Anyone and everyone can subscribe to this app for free - parents who are stationed abroad, grandparents, business owners, civic leaders and political leaders."

Here are the features of the NPS app:

• Developed for both Apple and Android mobile devices;

• Developed, maintained and hosted at no cost to the district

• Push notification from the district and individual schools;

• Free downloads

The NPS app includes Push messages from the district, GPS technology from any user's location to any Norman school, school lunch menus, achievement reports and direct access to Parent Portal to check grades and attendance. Users can also access school calendars, social media channels and athletic and activities information. A variety of "Tap" screens are available through the app to email or call any staff or board members.

"One of the keys to engaging and being transparent to a 24-7 public is communicating and reporting where people are - and where they are is mobile," Siano said. "We could continue to post school board agendas on schoolhouse doors and Web sites, or we could Push them to citizens through mobile apps that also have Tap screens to instantly call or email us with their questions and feedback. I'm very excited about the heightened level of engagement that platforms like this will inspire."

The district partnered with School Connect to develop the app. The company specializes in K-12 app development and is already working to launch free apps for several other Oklahoma school districts, including Oklahoma City, Moore, Midwest City-Del City, Bixby, Tahlequah and others.

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