Dear Families:

As we are set to begin school next week, I want to share with you a few reminders, updates, and clarifications regarding transportation and technology.

Bus Routes Available on Infinite Campus

All bussing information, including pick up and drop off times, bus numbers, and bus stop information, is available in Infinite Campus. You are able to access this information in the Parent Portal: 

1. Log in to your Parent Portal.

2. On the left-hand side of the screen, push "More".

3. Click "Transportation" to view bus route information for your student.

Please note that routes are subject to change. Please check your portal again the night before school starts to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Should you have any questions, please contact Vision directly via phone or email (officestaff@visionmidwest.com).

BusWhere App

All of our transportation vehicles will again be utilizing the BusWhere tracking service, which allows you to track buses on a map in real-time and notifies you with real-time ETAs and automatic notifications if a bus is running late. Now that routes are set, you should be receiving an email from Vision Transportation (from support@buswhere.com) with a unique invitation to download the app. 

Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures   

If you are driving your student to school, we encourage everyone to:

1. Have your student ready to go right away (shoes and coats on, backpack nearby, etc.) so they can exit the vehicle smoothly.

2. Follow the directions from our staff working pick up/drop off.

3. If you have students at Liberty and Independence, we encourage you to drop off/pick up students at Independence first. Morning drop off time at both buildings begins at 7:25 a.m. Middle School and High School drop off time begins at 8:00 a.m.

4. Be aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe environment for our students entering the buildings.

Directory Opt Out Clarification

Thank you to all of the families that have completed the Infinite Campus Annual Update.  We want to provide some clarity about the "Consent given to the school and/or District's use of my child's photograph, voice/and or name in various media projects" option. By opting out, or not providing consent, the student will not appear in the yearbook or any classroom pictures within SeeSaw. In the future, we will edit this section of the Annual Update to be more clear and explanatory. Please notify communications@biglakeschools.org if you would like to update your preferences.

Digital Tools Notification

We use a variety of digital tools to support student learning. Technology vendors and software products are utilized to support work as we help all students develop the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. 

We have an inventory of our curriculum, testing, and assessment tools posted on our website at the Digital Tools page. It includes an outline of the student data elements within each tool. This list is maintained and will be communicated annually to all families at the start of the year.

Please reach out to Jon Beach, the Director of Technology, at j.beach@biglakeschools.org with additional questions regarding specific digital tools used in classrooms. 

I hope everyone has had a fun and restful summer. All of us here at Big Lake Schools are so excited to welcome you back for another great school year!

Tim Truebenbach

Superintendent