School System To Launch New Website May 7

BERLIN – Worcester County Public Schools will launch its
newly designed website on Monday, May 7. The new website, located at
www.worcesterk12.com, will provide increased functionality and a fresh look,
while providing visitors with timely information, in an easy to access format.

The need for a new website was apparent through the school
system’s annual Communications Survey.

“In the survey, parents told us that they wanted a more
current and timely website to provide the information that they need to remain
informed,” said Barbara Witherow, Coordinator of Public Relations.

To maintain a dynamic website, the new site provides the
school system with comprehensive back-end supports, as well as content-update
versatility, said Witherow.

Enhancing communication with parents is one of the primary
goals of the new website.

“Communication contributes to parental involvement,”
explained Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes, “and parental involvement is one of our
school system’s core goals. We believe that when parents are involved and
informed about the educational process and the options available to their children,
students will reach their highest academic potential.”

The new website will also enhance communication with
students, staff, community and employment applicants. For example, employment
applicants will now have the option to apply online by using an interactive
application.

“This feature will provide a convenient option for
applicants,” said Human Resources Supervisor Willie Jackson. “Applicants will
be able to apply online, and even upload their resumes. This feature also
provides Human Resources with enhanced efficiency for managing applications.”

Visitors to the site will notice several additional new
features, including an internal search engine. The website will now display a
calendar, highlighting school system events for the month. Forms for parents
and personnel will also be available as downloads. In addition, commonly used
community links will be only a click away, under the Community button. With a
click, website visitors will be able to visit websites for Worcester County,
the media, our chambers of commerce, and the Maryland State Department of
Education.

The school system’s current website at
www.worcester.k12.md.us will continue to be available through the end of the
school year. The old website will direct visitors to Worcester County Public
Schools’ new website, beginning on May 7. The school system’s email service and
email addresses will not be affected by the website change.