Next school year, Perry Township will implement a new update for Skyward that will contain many changes, including the format.
This version of Skyward is called Qmlativ, which is pronounced like cumulative.
“Because we’ve been told that we’re going to a new version of Skyward, we were told that scheduling has to be done before we leave in May,” Director of Counseling Julie Fierce said. “When you think about all the things that have to happen, we’re on a time crunch.”
Oak Hill United School Corporation, another school district using the software, had issues with the program in the beginning but was able to later overcome some of the issues. They have prepared to help Perry Township if they face the same problems.
This update has already been available to Perry Township, but they chose just recently to make the conversion. This updating process is a year long.
Therefore, the schools within the district will see the change when they return for the next school year.
With this update, SHS students, families and staff can expect new formatting, an improved mobile app and new features. Most staff members will get more information about this update during the spring.
“The biggest thing about the new Skyward is that it’s their first-ever rewrite of their web system,” Director of Technology Matthew Willey said. “So the main thing everybody’s gonna notice is it’s lot newer (with) more modern interface.”
Next February, staff members will be able to start viewing the new version of Skyward and will be given proper training on how to use the updated website.
The Skyward software company has been helping with the conversion ever since the district started the process, because the district needs to meet certain milestones.
“Skyward’s got a really good game plan for people that are converting,” Perry Township instructional database specialist Nancy Delong said. “So we have to meet certain benchmarks, and we have to get our people trained … so that they at least have a clue where to head for things.”
This update will happen during summer, which means SHS students have to schedule their classes for the following year much earlier.
Because of this, SHS counselors had to start preparing schedules so it is all finalized by the beginning of May.
This year, the scheduling process began at the end of October so counselors have enough time to get all the students’ schedules situated.
“(This) allowed students to be able to have those conversations with the counselors in May before they leave, so we can make sure that we’re making the best scheduling decisions with students involved,” Principal Amy Boone said.
