By MELISSA MARTIN

Brunswick Post editor

Brunswick City School District students will have four less days to dread every school year thanks to modern technology.

Brunswick Assistant Superintendent Joelle Magyar said the district has decided that starting with the third grading period, students in kindergarten through grade 12 will no longer receive a paper copy of their interim progress reports.

"With the availability of 24-hour-a-day access to ProgressBook, the interim reports have become outdated and unnecessary to inform parents of their child's progress at midpoint through the grading period," Magyar said.

ProgressBook, which was implemented districtwide two years ago, is the district's online grade book. Teachers use the service to record everything from student absences to test and quiz grades, which allow parents to monitor their child's progress on a daily basis.

Magyar said the district intends to continue sending home paper report cards at the end of every nine week grading period as it has in the past.

Likewise, if students show trouble in any academic areas, parents will be notified.

"If your child is struggling in any area, teachers will be required, according to Board policy, to notify you directly by phone, e-mail or writing communication," Magyar said, noting that according to the revised policies, teachers in the district will be required to update ProgressBook with accurate information on a weekly basis.

For parents who do not have computer access at home, Magyar said the schools will provide opportunities for them to come in and access their child's scores at the building. For times and dates, parents are encouraged to contact their child's school.

Because parents are required to have an access code to view their child's grades online, they are encouraged to contact the building secretary at their child's school to obtain a password.

"We appreciate parents' patience and understanding with our new procedures as we continue to make improvements through technology while the district continues to look for ways to remain fiscally and globally responsible," Magyar said.

Magyar said parents with questions or concerns regarding the new procedures are encouraged to contact her office at 330-225-7731.