The ever-expanding array of technological tools available to consumers can be overwhelming, especially if you have to decide which tool best meets your needs.

Educators in the Mesa County (Colorado) Valley School District 51 would offer this advice to technology purchasers: Stay true to your stakeholders. Once you've assessed their needs, determining which tool to use to enhance school-to-home communication becomes much easier.

In Mesa County's case, it became clear that existing communications systems just didn't fit their bill. "We decided, therefore, to build our own set of tools," says Jenann Wakefield, Web Designer for the district. Among other things, the communication system, called Parent Bridge, enables parents to make a virtual visit to a particular school or particular teacher; parents can access the grade books maintained by their child's teacher to monitor student progress; and they can read and post messages on the district's Message board.

"The tool has grown in its content and features," based on feedback from parents and community members, says Wakefield. "And there will continue to be enhancements."

More than a million logins to the system have been recorded, which attests to its value to parents and community members, Wakefield asserts. One reason the tool is so effective is because it's accessible. Families without computers at home can access the communication system through kiosks located in local grocery stores or at the library.

Teachers and other educators have benefited from the new system, too, says Wakefield. The system provides yet one more way for educators to connect with their students' families, she notes. ent Connection," she states. Through the newsletter, "we showcase the good things going on in the district--our success is public knowledge."

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