Sequoia District Launches Dynamic, Redesigned Website

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 7, 2009 – The Sequoia Union High School District today announced introduction of a redesigned website aimed at enhancing communication with parents and the community.

Retaining the long-held web address – seq.org – the new site provides forms, important dates and other vital information along with new features, such as virtual tours of new facilities, profiles of district leadership, and news briefs about faculty, students and other district newsmakers.

Communicado – the faculty’s interactive electronic connection with students and parents – continues to be available via the district website.

Reaching parents and the community with breaking news is facilitated on the new site with type "crawling" across the top of the home page – an important new communications link in the event of an emergency, or just for headline news of the day.

Also displayed prominently on the home page is a "Latest News" section that visitors can quickly scroll to access links to more detailed information. With its RSS feed functionality, registered visitors will receive updates directly and instantly, including in the event of an emergency.

The district’s facebook page and link to the superintendent’s twitter can also be accessed from the home page.

"This new website reflects the district’s commitment to providing parents, students and the community with information they need and want – from the parent looking for an address verification form to a community member seeking information about rental of district facilities," said Pat Gemma, superintendent of the Sequoia district.

"We will also employ the Web and social networking venues for providing expanded and timely information, such as updates on bond projects, a summary of the 150-page budget report, or information about upcoming public events," Gemma continued. "We know our parents and the community have wanted this information for some time, and we’re pleased to be able to provide it with the new site."

An automated survey feature invites visitor feedback, and the district is under way with identifying additional opportunities for utilizing the new site to reduce paper use and traditional mailings while still ensuring important information reaches the intended audience.