Madera Unified helping parents get tech savvy

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A North Valley school district is making great strides towards helping all of its parents become tech savvy. Parents log onto their accounts at Sierra Vista Elementary School's Parent Resource Center. Just a few months ago many had little to no experience using a computer. Now they have it down.

"When I did it, it was kind of complicated for me, so it was really good having people here helping us how to do it and I don't have a computer at home so it was easier for me to do it here," said Maria Herrera, parent.

This year Madera Unified School District is launching its online enrollment system. With it, parents can access a parent portal to see grades, absences, and even email their child's teachers.

David Hernandez, the Director of Family and Community Services, said, "This is an opportunity for us as a district to support our parents so they can have real-time information in terms of the grades, the progress."

The new system is part of the district's goal to make technology an everyday tool for parents, teachers, and students. Administrators said they're impressed with how the community has responded, especially since they say 92-percent are considered economically disadvantaged and many don't have a computer at home.

"We stand very firm making available resources and services to support our parents for the sole purpose of increasing student achievement," said Hernandez.

Of the district's 20,000 students the parents of 15,000 have enrolled their students for school online. If they don't have a place to log on they can go to the Parent Resource Center to get it done. Plus check their students' information and get help from fully trained staff members.

"That I can check up on my kids, know their grades, how they're doing, the work that they're missing, the work they have, how they're progressing-- that way I can help them," said Herrera.

The Parent Resource Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at five different schools in the district including here at Sierra Vista. The first day of class for the new school year is Thursday.