SIS Update - April 12, 2019

While it may seem like all is quiet on our western front, many people have been busily working behind the scenes to prepare for a smooth transition to Infinite Campus. Here are some updates on what's been happening:

• Our Director of Technology, Director of LID and Database Manager (that would be Jesse Lara, me and Preeti Sharan) have been meeting with the team from Infinite Campus 1-3 times each week (and more as needed), working through the details of each part of our transition and needs.
• We had a successful Data Transition of some preliminary information. Basically, this means that we took some of our data from PCR and copied it into Infinite Campus. Mostly, we copied over household information. 
• We are currently in the process of reviewing how that information copied over, what it looks like and why and identifying if any discrepancies are 1) issues that need resolving and 2) if so, is it best to resolve them now in PCR or to wait until they are in Infinite Campus and "clean" those issues later.
• For those of you who've never worked with databases, this may seem like a logical "YES! Clean it now!" But sometimes, there is data that does not impact anything else, and perhaps cleaning it in a newer system that has methods to update things in bulk, rather than one-at-a-time, is actually advantageous.
• There have been no glaring issues that we don't have time to resolve - yay! 
• There will be a second Data Transition in May, and that will include courses and sections being rolled over.
• As you can imagine, the Admissions Assistants have been invaluable to helping us look at the first round of data. The Schedulers will also be invaluable in looking at the second round of data.

So, what about training?

• I'm so glad you asked! Here's an overview of the trainings that have been on-going, and communicated via email from me or the division-specific LID Directors:
• Campus Community Trainings are ongoing - this platform teaches those who are interested in how to use the self-help website that comes with our Infinite Campus subscription. If you don't attend a training, that's okay, because you'll be trained at the start of nest school year either during Returning Teacher's Week or in a Department Meeting or via the plethora of training materials that your LID Team is creating for all of you.
• Schoology Trainings are being offered at the Middle and Upper School. Check your email inboxes for those emails from Dr. Abigail Joseph and Ms. Diane Main. If you have not been using Schoology, you should go to those sessions. Reach out to your LID Director today! :)

Finally, I received a lot of positive and reflective responses to a couple select slides that I shared at the January All-Faculty Meeting, and while they were also in the slides posted in the most recent blog post, I want to ensure you have them easily accessible here, as well.

Whenever there is a change, it is difficult and requires new learning. New learning is always challenging because it forces us out of our comfort zones. During this time of transition, I ask for your understanding and your reflection on where you are and where you'd like to be in relationship to the chart below. 

Your LID and Technology Departments are here to help you with this transition and appreciate your patience, support and cheerleading. :) If we all cheer for each other and raise one another up, we'll be much happier in the long-run.