Wayne County Public Schools goes digital to entice volunteers
By From staff reports
Published in News on July 31, 2018 5:50 AM
Wayne County Public Schools is accessing digital and mobile tools for the upcoming school year to promote family and community engagement.
The Online Volunteer Application System will be launched districtwide. Family and community members interested in volunteering at a school will now be able to go to the district website, www.wayecountyschools.org and click on the Community Resources tab to access the online application system.
"Whether it is helping out in the classroom, around the office, on the athletic field, or as a field trip chaperone, this online process will be the first steps in becoming a school volunteer," said Dr. Yvette Mason, assistant superintendent of human resources and professional development.
Background checks will be completed as part of the online application process.
Starting this week, WCPS will begin distributing fliers and other non-school materials electronically through the PeachJar Electronic system. Families will be able to receive fliers via email and access the PeachJar system from the district website, through the Parent Resources tab.
As a part of the program, nonprofit organizations will be able to request to have fliers distributed electronically to promote activities, events and programs. While approved fliers promoting events or activities with a cost will have a $25 charge, any approved fliers promoting free activities or events can be distributed for free. More information can be found on the website, within the Community Resources tab.
In August, the school system will also launch a new anti-bullying and tips reporting application.
The Safe2SpeakUp app will allow students and families to anonymously report bullying or other school safety concerns. Once live, families will be able to download it by going to the district website and clicking on the Student Resources or Parent Resources tabs.
The district is also working on a new instant messaging system that will allow WCPS staff to quickly send messages from school to home via phone, email and text. The app is expected to go live in August. Information will be available on the district website in the Parent Resources tab.
"We are excited to be able to offer all of these new engagement tools to better support our families and schools in the coming year," said Dr. Michael Dunsmore, WCPS superintendent. "As a part of the district's ongoing strategic plan efforts, my administrative cabinet has strived to be able to offer families, staff and the general public more digital options in order to engage and create a more connected school community overall."