Trivia

What was the original purpose of marshmallows before they became a popular candy?

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Jennifer Fletcher, District Webmaster

How long have you worked in shared services?

I have worked as the District Webmaster for D75 & D120 for over 2½ years.

Could you tell us about your background experience before you came to D75/D120?

My background is journalism, with experience at major news outlets including the Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune (Video Editor), Chicago Sun-Times, Associated Press (Photo Editor), and Crain's Chicago Business (Associate Multimedia Producer). I've been fortunate to witness firsthand some of the most important news events of our time. I’ve also worked as a Technology Trainer at Stevenson High School, and as District Webmaster for Township High School District 211.

Could you share some creative approaches you've used to showcase student life, academic achievements, and community events across multiple schools? What content tends to resonate most with your different audiences?

I use a data rubric for our social media communications. It took me about a year of monitoring social media analytics to develop this strategy. Did you know that most parents will view Facebook content on Sundays between 4-6 p.m.? Videos are the most popular medium and can receive 10x the views vs a photo for the same event. Timely information posted on Instagram for students, have more viewers between 6:30-7 a.m. Weekend events with two different slides, posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1-3 p.m., will have more attendees.

We partner with the Village of Mundelein, Fremont Library, and Mundelein Park District to share information and resources. We celebrate student (individual and group) achievements across multiple channels, including our websites, marquee, TVs, and social media.

I've covered a variety of events with students, including college and career field trips, in-school activities, after-school programs, and art shows. I frequently collaborate with Peter Gill, Director of Public Relations, covering student events.

Each school has its own unique character, yet there needs to be a cohesive district look. Could you walk us through how you approach web design to reflect both individual school personality and district unity? What elements do you keep consistent across all sites, and where do you allow for customization?

The websites for both districts offer similar navigation for a seamless transition from kindergarten through high school. Consistent templates and navigation, including event calendars and news sections, help parents and students quickly find information. Each school does have their own content, events, and weekly updates. I try to use school-specific images and logos that reflect the individual school and students. Each website also features school-specific newsletters and website banners.

With content coming from teachers, administrators, and staff across both districts, what are some guidelines you’ve developed to maintain consistent quality and messaging?

Both Districts have a Content Submission Google Form that allows all staff to submit information, graphics and/or photos to promote and highlight upcoming events. In one year, we’ve received 175 submissions.

Our staff uses the Canva program to create shareable and adaptable graphics for all platforms. I have been working with our staff to verify that graphics meet accessibility requirements, everything from font choices, colors, and contrast to audio in video segments, accuracy, and copyright issues. Our staff is receptive to maintaining our guidelines. Many were unaware that school websites are audited for accessibility compliance and can face fines or lawsuits.

What's your philosophy on organizing content to serve diverse audiences to make information across school websites easily accessible?

District communications and events are shared in both English and Spanish. Our websites offer a Google Translate button for easy, on-demand translation of the entire website page. All school videos uploaded to the District’s YouTube channels include closed captioning with language options for accessibility and a broader reach.

Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping school district websites over the next few years? How are you preparing for these changes?

I’ve been reviewing college websites that are all-inclusive and contain online forms and easy navigation. Many are robust and geared to mobile-only viewing. When I review updates on our websites, I verify the output on my phone to verify what the user would see.

We've improved access to information and streamlined processes, including:

• Online transcript request option for MHS alumni
• Our new 2025-2026 Course Guide is ALL digital (downloadable and available as an online flipbook)
• QR codes for sharing information
• "Friendly" short URLs, especially useful for the marquee
• Website pages opening in new windows for faster mobile navigation
• Google Maps links for addresses
• Online ticket purchases
• Shorter video segments – less than three minutes
• Student content created pieces – graphics, art, and design. (Vickie Lendino collaborated with graphics student Kameal Myrie to design our new Academic Calendar featured on the MHS website)

Moving forward, I think we will see more AI created content. There are currently discussions about Voice Interaction features. There will be additional levels of security added. You’ll see more user interaction features. I think this will be beneficial to students, not just click a link, but students will interact with the information, ask questions and receive answers. Items that were once printed, will now be only available online with a PDF option.

28% of you said you'd be adding movement breaks into your day as a part of your winter wellness.

Marshmallows were originally used as medicine to treat coughs, sore throats, and wounds.