Hi All,

As I mentioned several weeks ago, we are implementing a new academic management tool and interface called Managebac, which was specifically designed for International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools.

First, some history. Five years ago, we began looking for an online tool that would give teachers the ability to enhance their curriculum planning process, and provide readily available information to students and parents. Parents, particularly in the Middle and High School, were asking for a better understanding of what their students were studying and how they were doing. Lastly, we needed to give students an online experience to better prepare them for what they would encounter in college. 

Because of the complexity of the IB programs, however, finding a "plug and play" solution was impossible. Customization of traditional educational tools was not only cost prohibitive, but these systems were not capable of accomplishing what we needed. So, we went in-house and created the "Holt," which was Riverstone's solution using open source software.  Not perfect, but the best option at the time.

However, in parent surveys, and in teacher and student feedback to school administration, frustration with the Holt was heard loud and clear. Unfortunately, it was not user-friendly and ultimately, was not meeting our needs.  We began looking for a new system early last year; we discovered Managebac. 

Throughout the spring, we explored Managebac and ultimately, felt that it would suit our needs. It is cost effective, cloud-based, IB-driven, and easy to use. Because it is not proprietary and already used by a large number of IB schools, the providers are responsible for updates and fixing problems.

Please note that we will be using Managebac differently throughout the school.

Elementary School Managebac Use

• In the Elementary School, teachers are using Managebac as a planning tool and to ensure curriculum articulation from Preschool through Grade 5. Narrative and report cards will also be generated from the system.

• At this time, because Elementary students, along with teachers, maintain portfolios in the classroom that track developmental milestones and student achievements, our Elementary School parents will not be using Managebac. 

Middle and High School Managebac Use

• Middle and High School teachers are using Managebac for unit and curriculum planning, communicating assignments, assessing work, and giving grades. 

• Middle and High School students are using Managebac regularly in their classrooms for assignments, resources, and teacher feedback.

• Middle and High School parents will be able to view their student's progress and curriculum for individual classes.  

The entire school is using the attendance module.

We specifically wanted to make sure the implementation of Managebac was as successful as possible for everyone which is why we have been proceeding thoughtfully. We will continue to look for ways to expand the use of Managebac in the future.

Over the next month, we will be rolling out access for Middle and High School parents. We will plan information sessions, have people available to answer questions, and help parents navigate and use this powerful IB tool.

We are very excited; this is another case in which the feedback we received from teachers, students, and parents was valued and listened to. Together, we continue to make progress.

Call for anything,    

Bob Carignan

Head of School

bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org

School has started and we are now into the busyness of Fall activities.  It is often hard for families to find a balance between schoolwork, after school activities, and family time.  Our stress as parents to fit everything in often spills over onto our children.  While the activities and the schoolwork are important, how we weave them into our lives is even more important. 

Finding pockets of time to connect with our children is vital to their happiness, especially when it is busy.  Knowing that they are important and a priority helps children to feel loved, valued, trusted and connected.

Some easy suggestions for connecting with your children might be:

• Turning off the music in the car and simply listening as they tell you about their day. 
• Having family dinners and dinnertime conversations where everyone tells a high point and/or a low point of their day. You could ask a random question like, "What super power would you most like to have?" Or, "Where would you travel to if you could go anywhere?"
• Dedicating special one on one time with your child.  It does not need to be expensive or time consuming, but can be as easy as a walk around the block or a coffee date; almost any time spent alone with a parent is meaningful to a child or adolescent. 

Sometimes the busyness or the pressure of "getting it all done" prevents us from taking the time to connect.  However, by taking the time to make these connections, we form the backdrop of our relationships with our children.  

The Facebook photo of the week was taken during the Grade 6 trip to Yellowstone National Park. Thanks Hayden Jared!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverstone-International-School/585822794765761?ref=hl  

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