Why are we doing this?
- Saves time – this system will help us publish the directory right when school starts and we can keep it up to date throughout the school year
- Saves money – no printing costs
- Reduces errors - because you enter your information yourself, you can be guaranteed that it’s what you want
- Easy access – you can look up contact info anywhere, at any time (securely!)
Like last year, our system will involve 2 steps: collecting/confirming your information online and then giving you secure access to the online system.
Instructions
STEP 1
Collecting information.
- New Families to the school or to the directory: To enter your information please go to the link below and follow the instructions. This is a secure form and you can print your submission for your records.http://bit.ly/1sjF44t
- Returning families that were in the directory last year: You will receive an email from MiddletownPTA@gmail.com within a week with a confirmation link to your current information. At that time, you can update your information using our secure online form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you don’t think we have your correct email or your email has changed from last year’s directory, please use the link above and enter your information as a new family or contact Cari Yarmus directly (contact info below.)
STEP 2
How do you access the online directory?
Once we have received and reviewed your family’s information, within another week or so, you will receive a second email with login instructions. At that point, you will have full access to the directory.
What’s so great about the online directory?
- It’s secure – your family will have a unique login and password and the directory can’t be lost or stolen.
- You can search by student’s first name, grade, teacher and family last name.
- You can create your own custom list of frequently called families.
- You can access the family directory from any internet connected device: your computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.
YES! All data is stored behind secure firewalls and can only be accessed by authorized users with a validated username and encrypted password. All data is viewed and passed using SSL encryption.
Questions? Contact Membership and Student Directory Chair Cari Yarmus at MiddletownPTA@gmail.com or yarmusfamily@gmail.com
FAQ
This is a list of FAQs that we will continually update as questions arise. If you don’t see a response to your question or concern, please contact Cari Yarmus (contact info above)
What is the purpose of the directory?
The directory, prepared by the PTA, is for use in the school community only for school-related purposes. It provides a service to students and their families so that they can search for contact info. Many people choose to use this for things like: birthday party invites, class rosters, individual contact information, playdates, etc.
The Student Directory is also primary resource for communication. It is used to notify you about events and opportunities and is a wonderful resource for school friends (and their parents) to contact each other at home. The directory is for student (and parent) use only. Any other use is strictly prohibited. Information in the directory may NOT be used for business or solicitation purposes under ANY circumstances.
Who is in this directory?
Students at Middletown Primary School and Middletown Elementary School, regardless of whether or not they are members of the PTA will be in the directory. The faculty and employees at each school are also included in the directory, along with their work contact info. We input data given to us by MPS and MES administration based on student enrollment. We have included anyone we know to be on a teacher’s class roster.
How do I know my information is secure?
We value your privacy and security. All data is stored behind secure firewalls and requires a unique email and password and passwords are encrypted. All data is passed with SSL encryption (that familiar lock in the web address tells you it's secure) ensures data cannot be captured during submission. Information on security directly from the myschoolanywhere.com website https://www.myschoolanywhere.com/security.html
Who has access to the information? Is it public?
Only students who were invited to join and went through the eConfirm process have access. It is not available to the public or anyone simply searching on the internet.
How do I opt-out?
Once you’ve gone through the eConfirm process you will have the option to opt-out of the directory and/or keep certain pieces of information hidden from view or omitted entirely. By default, we include any information that the school is legally permitted to share with us.
What if I don’t want something in particular listed?
Privacy flags let families control what they want displayed or opt out of the directory all together. They can also control displaying in the print versus solely in the online directory.
How do I participate?
Click through the eConfirm message you receive in August to “activate” your account. If you did not receive the message or have issues confirming, contact me at middletownpta@gmail.com or ciyarmus@yahoo.com
How is the data organized?
Each family has one record and all of their children (at either school) are grouped under that record. In the case where a child’s last name differs from a parent’s, the record is listed under the child’s last name and the parent’s last name is in the detail section.
How is the directory distributed?
Once we receive a sufficient number of activations, we will grant access to those families and the database will be “live.” This will likely be in the first week of September. Families will have the option of printing the directory if they choose or simply accessing it online as needed. The PTA will not be distributing any print directories, as they had in the past.
What are some of the features of this new directory?
Search by student, family or teacher. Enter partial name, grade or teacher to help narrow your search results. Each user can create their own custom family favorites list of frequently called numbers. Use Map It! feature which links an address right to Google maps. Parents can print email and phone lists by grade and class and print their own favorites list. The best part of the directory is that we can keep it current Parents can update their data throughout the year.\, whenever something changes. Our directory is accessible on mobile devices through multiple platforms. You can also purchase items through the online “store” (such as PTA memberships, Spirit Wear, etc) using Pay-Pal.
What happens next year?
The advantage of this directory service is that all records will be “graduated” each year and parents can re-confirm with one easy click at the beginning of each school year.
