Naperville Dist. 203 to post class lists only online

At least one back-to-school tradition is changing in Naperville Unit District 203, and it affects the way students will determine what class they're in for the coming school year.

For the first time, the district will not post class lists at school buildings, but online, on the Infinite Campus portal parents have been using the past year, spokeswoman Susan Rice said. Class lists will be available at noon Thursday.

District 203 changed the procedure because principals brought up concerns about student privacy and safety, Rice said. Parents may not want information about their children posted publicly because predators can use details such as a teacher's name or room number to manipulate a child.

“There is a lot of tradition behind the visit to the school to see the class assignment posted to the door. I think most of us can remember the excitement of that day for ourselves or our children,” Rice said. “Unfortunately, there are other concerns today. With access to secure technology, making classroom assignments available online is one more step that can be taken to protect the privacy and safety of our students.”

According to Ken Wilson, director of application and data management, about 95 percent of District 203 families have access to Infinite Campus, a secure system accessible from the district's website that includes information about homework assignments, grades, upcoming events and messages from teachers.

New families and returning families who did not sign up for the system last year were sent login information last week, Rice said. Parents who do not use Infinite Campus because of limited computer or smartphone access can call their child's school directly for class assignment information.

Elementary and junior high class lists and schedules will be available on Infinite Campus, while high school students registered for classes last week at Naperville North and this week at Naperville Central.

Parents should receive messages reminding them how to access their student's classroom assignment on Infinite Campus and help is available by emailing campusportal@naperville203.org or calling (630) 420-6825.

The district asks parents to log in as soon as they can after the lists are posted to allow time for staff to respond if technical difficulties arise.

Rice said some computer delays are expected right at noon, but the system should be able to adjust if parents wait 10 to 15 minutes before logging in again.

The class listings will be available almost a week before school is set to begin Wednesday.