District 214 launches mobile app

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 announced its new mobile app on Thursday night in what officials said is an effort to be more relevant to students, communicate better with parents and get information out to the community.

The app, which has been in development for about six months, was created for District 214 by California-based School Messenger, said Keith Bockwoldt, director of technology services.

Because the district already works with School Messenger for other web services, app development cost only an additional $5,800, he said.

The app allows users to go to each of District 214's school websites and includes a map, contact information and a staff directory. Users can also easily access school and activity calendars and the district's social media accounts.

"We talk about relevancy in our schools; this app is making our communications even more relevant," said Erin Brooks, assistant director of community engagement and outreach. "This makes sure our most useful information is right at people's fingertips."

Brooks said District 214 is the first large, comprehensive high school district in the state to launch such an app.

Parents, staff and students also will be able to receive for text message notifications in case of emergencies, school closings or other events, Bockwoldt said.

"This new app provides even more transparency and even better communication with our entire community," Bockwoldt said. "We're so proud of how we've embraced innovative technology to transform classroom learning, and this is an opportunity to use it in the community, meeting our students, staff, families and the public where they are and providing easy access to information they need."