Online registration opened on July 6 for the Gasconade County R-2 School District, a month earlier than normal.

Superintendent Dr. Staci Johnson announced the early Student Information System (SIS) registration opening on June 29 during Technology Director Nicole Grannemann’s report.

“Just to give you guys a heads up, because this will be coming out,” Johnson began. “Normally, we do online registration in August. Our plan is to open it on July 6 this year to give families additional time to get it completed, with the expectation that it must be completed before their child starts in August.”

Registration documents include updated emergency contact information and transportation requests.

“(Transportation) information is very important for us to have a successful first day of school,” Johnson said. “That should be coming out quickly.”

Grannemann has been working to streamline the registration process, requiring less interference. Board member Kaylynne Niederer asked if there was a way to streamline the process for big families.

“For us that have a bajillion kids, is there a way to make it easier?” Niederer asked.

Grannemann said the forms are per child, and each child could have different information or transportation requirements.

Board member Kari Nolting agreed with both Niederer and Grannemann.

“We have to read everything for every child, so the disclaimer we have to click on is for every single one in order to get the box to show up that says we’ve read it for every single child,” Nolting said. “I know what you’re saying.”

They all agreed the process has improved, though.

Johnson added that every year they sit down and work through the process to see if there’s a better way to reduce the load on users.

“The only thing I have to add to my report is that the copiers have been installed, we’re still working out some driver issues, but there’s always some kind of local thing,” Grannemann said.

Her department is also currently installing bus cameras and is more than halfway through the installation process, as well as developing training materials for the upcoming school year, creating new accounts for new staff and students, and working on other projects.

“Our department is focusing on our summer checklists with support from our summer workers,” she finished.

Other projects include:

• Installation of new district copiers

• iPad configurations for kindergarteners

• Establishing GES and OHS A+ labs

• Training and informing staff about how to avoid fake and scam phishing emails by sending periodic tests continues.

The technology department ensures that teachers and staff receive monthly training to educate everyone on the dangers and how to handle such emails.

“We are currently at a 1.2 percent phishing rate, which is down from my last report,” Grannemann said. “The lower the percentage, the better our training is working.”

She mentioned at least two big concerns that will need to be addressed in the future.

“We have an aging bell and intercom system in each building,” she said. “WE will need to start looking for a replacement, as having up-to-date intercom and bell systems in our schools is essential for safety and quick communication.”

When emergencies occur, staff need to be able to communicate with every classroom instantly and clearly. Modern systems make it easier to send alerts, issue instructions, adjust schedules and ensure everyone hears the same message at the same time.

“This keeps students and staff safer and helps the school day run smoothly,” Grannemann said.

The district’s classroom TVs are also beginning to fail.

“I will need to start allocating funds in my budget for replacements as they occur,” Grannemann said. “Many of the earlier brands purchased have a lifespan of two to four years, as they were budget-friendly options at the time.”