Dana Castine, the District’s Director of Technology, Math, and Science, shares her advice and expertise each month in Tech Bits.
The Florida UFSD App has launched and is available now, for free, providing an additional way to receive news and information about district programs, students, and events.
The app, which enables the district website to run more efficiently on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, went into development after many respondents to a community-wide communications survey said a mobile app would be a great way to receive news, updates and information. Developers considered the needs of parents, students, teachers, staff, community members and alumni as the app was designed.
“We listened to what people said they wanted and this app is the result,” said Dana Castine, the district’s Director of Technology, Mathematics, and Science. “We’re very excited that we’re able to offer this great communications tool.” The release of the Florida UFSD App follows the redesign of the district website.
With the app, users can quickly and easily navigate through current news and events, retrieve contact information from the staff directory, get directions to Florida schools and buildings, check athletic schedules, view lunch menus, and more. The app also provides a gateway to Naviance, My School Bucks, Parent Portal, and the district’s Twitter feed. School Messenger and notifications are coming soon.
The app is customizable so users can choose to access information specific to Golden Hill Elementary or S.S. Seward Institute and can set it to only receive the alerts and push notifications they request.
“The app provides everything you need in one place,” Ms. Castine said. “We wanted to put the information people need right in their hands and make getting information about our schools easier than ever before.”
The free app will work with Apple and Android phones and is available through the App Store and Google Play. Search “Florida UFSD” to find it.
The Florida Union Free School District Office of Technology, Math, and Science has set up a special-email account for questions, suggestions and concerns. Email us at TechBits@floridaufsd.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. You can also call 845-651-3095 x30015.