BSD Staff Updates

(Most of this information was sent to all BSD staff via email on Thursday, August 22).

As announced last spring, we are excited to be transitioning to a new school-to-home communication tool called ParentSquare. You may have heard of it as many districts regionally and nationally have made or are making the switch, including SK, CK and Bainbridge!

This unified communications platform lets parents choose how they receive information (email, text or app notification), and when they get it (instantly or via a daily digest at 6 p.m.). We can still send the occasional “robo call” too! ParentSquare has many features that will make communication with parents more efficient and easy for teachers, staff, coaches and principals too!

ParentSquare is a safe, secure, and modern approach to communication and collaboration between school and home! We invite all staff to watch this 3-minute ParentSquare introduction video for a quick overview!

While teachers are not required to use ParentSquare, all staff in the District have an account, and ParentSquare is replacing Remind effective this week.

Classes have been rostered and are available ParentSquare so you can send a welcome back message to your students' families!

• Access ParentSquare via your web browser at: https://www.parentsquare.com/signin

• Use your District Google log-in or District email to access your account!

• Look for the ParentSquare icon in Clever for students and staff.

After logging-in, consider:

• Downloading the mobile app (iOS and Android)

• Adding a photo to your ParentSquare profile and your bio to "Edit Account > About You" to introduce yourself to families.

• Setting your preferences for receiving Posts and Alert notifications and your Office Hours for direct messages.

Tip: If you are a parent in the District or another ParentSquare District, you can choose to “merge” your parent account or keep your parent and work accounts separate.

ParentSquare has a robust library of live webinars, “how to” articles, and pre-recorded training videos - so many that it can be overwhelming. Here are a a few training articles/ videos we recommend to get started:

• Navigate - ParentSquare Basics Training: A short (24-minute) training video that covers the basics of getting started with ParentSquare. This video includes:

• Platform navigation

• Account set up and preferences

• Creating a post

• Getting started for teachers (short videos and a teacher checklist)

• Getting Help in ParentSquare Their support is fabulous! I highly recommend the chat help feature!

• Best practices for Direct Messages (which auto translate both ways!)

• How to send a direct message with a voice clip (this is COOL)

• Sharing photos, videos, files & links

• How to create a group

• Calendar Entry/RSVP Post

• Note: anything you post on the calendar will only show up for parents with students in your classes!

If you are interested in a bit more training: click here for links to training on all the ParentSquare features. There are also live training webinars you can sign up (free!).

Important Best Practice reminders:

1. Do NOT override the “send at user preferred time” to send a message instantly. (digested notifications go out at 6 p.m.)

1. An exception would be an important reminder sent in the evening after 6 p.m. for picture day, a last-minute change, etc.

2. Limit ParentSquare posts to parents to 1 per day so we don’t bombard parents who have opted for “instant” notifications.

• Last week all parents received an invitation to activate their ParentSquare accounts.

• Coaches are in the process of switching from Remind to ParentSquare for fall sports.

• All secondary students will receive an invitation to activate their StudentSquare account once school has started. Feel free to share this flyer with students who may want to download the app.

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Thank you for your patience and support as we implement this new and exciting tool!

The Bremerton School District recognizes that the school day is a critical time for students to engage deeply in learning, build meaningful in-person relationships, and fully participate in the school community. Research shows that excessive phone use and social media distractions can significantly impede students' ability to focus, retain information, and develop essential social skills. By implementing a phone- and social media-free environment, we are fostering an atmosphere where students can be fully present, reduce anxiety linked to online interactions, and thrive academically and socially without the pervasive pressures of digital devices.

This fall, our secondary schools will implement new expectations for mobile device use. This change will help students stay focused and free from the distractions and pressures of digital devices during the school day and:

• Deepen their understanding of subjects

• Strengthen connections with peers and teachers

• Develop essential communication and collaboration skills``

• Explore their creativity and passions

As a District, we are calling this important initiative "Mind Over Mobile." Bremerton High School, Renaissance High School, and Mountain View Middle School have shared their specific Mind Over Mobile expectations with students and parents, which will take effect today! We recognize that adjusting will take time and are committed to supporting students during this transition.

We want to thank our secondary teachers, staff and families for their support as we work together to build a safe, productive, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.

POLICY NEWS FOR JULY:

The following revised policy was adopted by the board:

• Policy 4260- Use of School Facilities
  

POLICY NEWS FOR AUGUST:

Three policies were brought to the board for and were adopted:

• New Policy 6217- Electronic Funds Transfer
  
• New Policy 6225- Use of Electronic Signature
  
• Revised Policy 1400- Meeting Conduct, Order of Business and Quorum
  

Four more policies were brought to the board for a first read and approved.

• Policy 2170- Career and Technical Education
  
• Policy 2413- Equivalency Credit Opportunities
  
• Policy 2000-Student Learning Goals
  
• Policy 2005- School Improvement Plans
  

Other Business:

• 2023-2024 Injury Reports
• Facilities End of Year Report
• Child Nutrition Services End of Year Report
• Bremerton High School Annual Athletics Report
• 2024-2025 Budget Adoption

The next Regular Board Meeting will be September 5th. Join us in-person or online! BremertonSchools.org/SchoolBoard

For more information about these meetings and to view any of these documents, visit BoardDocs.

Join us in-person or online! BremertonSchools.org/SchoolBoard

As you know, we have a number of positions open in the District, and we also need substitutes. Flyers/graphics can be downloaded here.

Mariners Teacher Appreciation Night is on Friday, September 13th! This is a special discounted ticket offer to celebrate all educators in our community. There are tickets available for just $20 on the Main (100) Level and $10 on the View (300) Level. Teacher Appreciation Night is open to any educator, school staff member, family, or friend!

Tickets can be purchased at www.mariners.com/teacher

Photo: Armin Jahr students, staff and families participate in Armin Jahr Beautification Day earlier this week!

Email: communications@bremertonschools.org

Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
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