My name is Mike Van Oort.  I am the Technology Director for the Forest City Community School District. It is increasingly difficult for parents and educators to keep up with the ways that our children are using new and ever changing technologies. Our children are immersed in a society that has become dependent on powerful computers, including smartphones, iPads, interactive online games and virtual communities. Websites such as Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, to name but a few, offer fantastic opportunities for communication and social connections.  However, we also understand the dangers that can come from using the many social media and gaming technologies. Over the next several months, I will be providing a variety parent resources concerning some important digital citizenship topics. If you have any questions, please contact me mvanoort@forestcity.k12.ia.us.

Internet and Privacy Safety

We’re pleased with our attendance rate of 95% at conferences on November 7th and 8th. We appreciate families putting their child’s education at a high priority and taking the time to meet with school personnel.  We know that one important factor in student success is communication between home and school.  The Parent-Teacher-Student conference is one way for that important communication to take place.