Spring Planning for STEM-Ready Learning

How Chromebooks Support Hands-On STEM Instruction and Confident Procurement Decisions

As spring arrives, K–12 district leaders enter a critical planning window. Budgets are coming into focus, instructional priorities are sharpening, and technology teams are already looking ahead to Q3 and Q4 procurement. March is not just a midpoint in the school year. It is a strategic opportunity to evaluate how well current technology supports STEM instruction and to plan intentionally for what comes next.

Across districts, STEM initiatives continue to expand beyond specialized labs into everyday classrooms. This shift places new demands on student devices. Reliability, consistency, and ease of management become essential when technology is embedded into daily science experiments, coding activities, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.

Why Spring Is the Right Time to Plan for STEM Growth

STEM programs thrive when technology planning happens early. Waiting until summer to address device needs often results in rushed purchasing decisions, limited flexibility, and unnecessary strain on IT teams. Spring planning allows districts to review device performance, assess instructional needs, and ensure technology aligns with evolving STEM goals.

As hands-on learning becomes more common across grade levels, districts need devices that can support frequent use without disrupting instruction. Planning now helps leaders avoid gaps that can slow momentum once the next school year begins.

Chromebooks as a Platform for Everyday STEM Learning

Chromebooks provide a practical foundation for STEM instruction across K–12 environments. Their cloud-based design supports access to coding platforms, virtual labs, data visualization tools, and collaborative applications without requiring complex setup or ongoing manual updates.

For IT teams, centralized management and automatic updates help maintain consistency across large fleets. For educators, this means fewer interruptions and more time focused on instruction. For students, it creates a reliable environment where experimentation, iteration, and problem-solving can happen daily.

Device Durability Matters in STEM Classrooms

STEM learning is active by nature. Devices move between classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. They are used for projects that involve movement, shared work, and extended screen time. Choosing devices built for education environments helps reduce avoidable downtime and keeps learning on track.

When districts factor durability and ease of repair into spring planning, they can better support hands-on instruction while protecting long-term technology investments.

Thinking Beyond Devices, Supporting the Full STEM Lifecycle

Strong STEM programs depend on more than device selection alone. Deployment, protection, repair processes, and long-term support all play a role in keeping classrooms running smoothly. A lifecycle approach helps districts control costs, extend device usability, and minimize instructional disruption.

Spring is the ideal time to review existing support strategies and align them with upcoming STEM priorities. Addressing these considerations early supports smoother rollouts and more consistent classroom experiences.

Preparing for a STEM-Ready School Year

Technology should enable curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. By using March as a planning checkpoint, district leaders can ensure Chromebook investments are aligned with STEM instruction, operational realities, and future growth.

With intentional planning and the right support structure in place, districts can enter the next school year prepared to sustain and scale meaningful STEM learning across their schools.

Empowering Education with ChromeOS and Google

A Smarter, More Sustainable Approach to K–12 Technology

Across K–12 education, technology leaders are being asked to do more with less. Budgets remain tight. Device fleets are larger than ever. Expectations for security, uptime, and instructional continuity keep rising. In this environment, ChromeOS and Google for Education continue to stand out as practical, future-ready platforms that help districts simplify management while supporting meaningful teaching and learning.

When paired with a K–12–focused technology partner that understands the realities of school IT, ChromeOS becomes a foundation for long-term success.

Why ChromeOS Works for Modern School Districts

ChromeOS was designed with simplicity and scale in mind, two priorities that matter deeply in K–12 environments. For IT leaders managing thousands of devices across multiple campuses, the platform offers clear operational advantages.

ChromeOS devices deploy quickly, update automatically, and maintain strong built-in security without constant manual oversight. Centralized management through the Google Admin console allows districts to apply policies, manage users, and secure devices from one place. This reduces day-to-day friction for IT teams and helps prevent small issues from turning into widespread disruptions.

Just as important, ChromeOS supports equity and accessibility. Fast startup times, cloud-based tools, and consistent user experiences ensure students and educators can focus on learning rather than troubleshooting.

Google for Education, Connecting Classrooms Without Complexity

Google Workspace for Education remains a cornerstone of collaboration in schools. Tools like Docs, Slides, Classroom, and Meet support real-time collaboration, clear communication, and flexible learning models.

For district leaders, the value goes beyond the classroom. Google for Education helps standardize workflows across schools, reduce software sprawl, and simplify user management. Built-in controls and reporting tools give IT teams visibility without adding administrative burden.

As districts look toward the 2026 school year and beyond, Google’s continued investment in AI-powered tools and security enhancements signals a platform that is evolving alongside education, not lagging behind it.

Devices Built for Students, Designed for Durability

Hardware still matters. In K–12 settings, devices must withstand daily use, accidental drops, and frequent transport. ChromeOS devices from trusted manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo are designed specifically for classroom environments, with durability standards that help extend device life and reduce unexpected repair costs.

Selecting the right Chromebook model is only part of the equation. How devices are configured, deployed, and supported over time determines whether they remain an asset or become a drain on IT resources.

From Deployment to Lifecycle Support, Planning Matters

Successful ChromeOS programs begin long before devices arrive on campus. Imaging, enrollment, asset tagging, and logistics all play a role in ensuring a smooth rollout. Ongoing support, repair, and protection planning help districts avoid reactive decisions later.

A thoughtful lifecycle approach allows districts to:

• Reduce device downtime during the school year

• Plan refresh cycles with greater budget predictability

• Keep students learning even when accidents happen

This is where experience in K–12 environments makes a measurable difference.

A K–12 Partner That Understands the Full Picture

Arey Jones Educational Solutions has spent decades working exclusively with school districts, helping leaders navigate the complexities of educational technology. With deep experience in ChromeOS environments and strong relationships with Google and leading device manufacturers, the team supports districts from initial planning through long-term device management.

Services extend beyond hardware. Districts receive support with deployment, configuration, and ongoing protection through JonesCare, a customizable approach to device protection designed specifically for K–12 realities. Local service teams, in-house repairs, and flexible coverage options help schools maintain continuity without adding operational strain.

Technology That Supports Teaching, Not the Other Way Around

At its best, educational technology fades into the background. Devices work. Tools connect people. IT systems support instruction without demanding constant attention.

ChromeOS and Google for Education provide a strong, adaptable platform for today’s schools. When paired with a partner that understands district challenges, budgets, and timelines, they help create learning environments where technology serves its purpose quietly and reliably.

As districts plan for the years ahead, investing in platforms and partnerships built for education remains one of the most effective ways to support students, educators, and communities.

Preparing for the 2026 State Testing Season Starts Now

State testing places the highest operational demand of the year on a district’s device fleet. January becomes the moment when strong leadership turns preparation into control, ensuring testing environments run without disruption and instructional time stays protected.

District leaders know that every spring assessment hinges on predictable performance, reliable connectivity, and a service infrastructure that responds without hesitation. Taking command of these elements early sets the tone for the months ahead, especially as devices enter the second half of their lifecycle and attrition rates naturally increase. This is the time to bring order to the fleet, reinforce stability, and eliminate vulnerabilities before testing windows open.

A strategic testing-readiness plan begins with confirming that devices are updated, compliant, and aligned to state assessment platform requirements. ChromeOS version alignment, app permissions, secure mode settings, and login processes must be validated across the entire fleet so students walk into testing without delays or unexpected lockouts. 

Leaders who streamline this technical foundation now create calmer, more controlled testing environments when the stakes rise.

Network readiness becomes the next pillar of stability. Testing rooms rely on consistent Wi-Fi saturation, predictable authentication speed, and enough bandwidth to support full-grade-level testing blocks without fluctuation. Verifying access point placement, conducting load tests, and reinforcing authentication workflows in January allows districts to stabilize their network landscape long before the heaviest usage period.

Reliable service logistics complete the picture. Devices that falter during testing create immediate interruptions, and districts gain authority over these risks when mid-semester repair workflows are reinforced early. Localized service, direct pickup, and predictable turnaround times ensure that downed devices return to circulation quickly. When combined with tailored JonesCare coverage, districts maintain uninterrupted device availability through the most operationally demanding weeks of the year.

Leaders who invest in this level of preparation safeguard their district’s instructional momentum.

Testing readiness is not a single checklist but a coordinated act of governance—one that protects student time, supports educators, and ensures technology performs exactly when it must. Taking decisive action now ensures the spring semester unfolds with confidence and control, powered by a technology environment that is stable, predictable, and fully aligned to the district’s goals.

Keeping Devices Ready for January Return

The Calm Before the Semester Restart

For school technology teams, December is a key opportunity. As classrooms settle for winter break, IT leaders can use the quiet weeks to reset, refresh, and ready every Chromebook, laptop, and tablet for a strong start in January. A few days of preparation now can prevent weeks of disruption later.

Why Mid-Year Maintenance Matters

When devices sit idle for long stretches, batteries drain, updates fall behind, and minor issues worsen. Each unready device can mean lost learning time when students return. We’ve seen that a proactive mid-year service plan extends device life, safeguards budgets, and helps classrooms pick up right where they left off.

Your Winter-Readiness Checklist

Use the holiday window to get ahead:

1. Run Updates Early. Push OS and firmware updates before teachers power down. Chrome Education Upgrade and Google Admin tools make it easy to automate this across fleets.

2. Charge and Store Correctly. Ask staff to fully charge devices, power them down, and store carts securely. Clear labeling helps prevent confusion in January.

3. Schedule Preventive Repairs. Small cracks or keyboard issues can become bigger problems by spring. Winter break is the perfect time to process devices through JonesCare’s quick repair turnaround.

4. Audit Your Inventory. Confirm serials, user assignments, and loaner pools. Accurate records mean faster support when classes resume.

5. Plan for Upcoming Deployments. If your refresh cycle starts in Q1, confirm purchase orders and staging schedules now to avoid post-holiday delays.

Start the New Year with Confidence

A bit of planning in December can make January feel effortless. When students return, your devices should be ready to go—charged, updated, and reliable. With JonesCare and Arey Jones by your side, you’ll begin 2026 prepared for uninterrupted learning and fewer surprises along the way.

Unlocking Smarter Learning with Google Notebook LM

Turning School Knowledge into Classroom Insight

In classrooms across the country, educators are discovering new ways to turn information into impact. Google Notebook LM, powered by Gemini AI, helps teachers, students, and administrators make sense of the materials that matter most—while keeping every insight private and grounded in trusted school sources.

Unlike open-web tools, Notebook LM operates in a closed, secure environment. It only references the content you upload—lesson plans, readings, research, or slides—never pulling data from the internet. That means every summary, quiz, or discussion prompt it generates comes directly from your verified materials, with in-line citations for full transparency.

Learning, Reimagined for K-12

Imagine a teacher preparing next week’s lesson. By uploading state standards and class readings, Notebook LM can draft discussion questions, create audio or video overviews, and even design short practice quizzes.

For students, it becomes a personalized study companion—organizing notes, visualizing connections through mind maps, and generating flashcards to reinforce understanding. And because Notebook LM stays within your school’s Workspace environment, data never leaves your domain, ensuring enterprise-grade privacy and security.

IT leaders will appreciate the seamless integration. Google Workspace for Education users can access Notebook LM at no additional cost, with the same safeguards already trusted across classrooms. Upgrading to Workspace with Gemini unlocks expanded analytics, customizable notebook responses, and more ways to visualize engagement—helping districts see how AI supports both teaching and learning.

Guided by Insight, Grounded in Care

As a longtime Google for Education partner, we help districts deploy innovations like Notebook LM safely and effectively. From device provisioning and Chromebook rollout to JonesCare protection and professional enablement, our team ensures that every AI-powered solution serves its purpose—empowering learning, not complicating it.

Smarter insights. Stronger outcomes. A simpler path to student success.
That’s the future of classroom technology—built on trust, powered by Google, and supported by us.

5 Scary School Tech Nightmares (and How JonesCare Solves Them

October brings costumes, candy, and classroom celebrations—but for school IT teams, it can also bring a haunted house of tech problems. From cracked screens to device downtime that just won’t die, spooky surprises lurk around every corner.

But don’t worry. With JonesCare, you don’t need a magic wand, you need a service partner who shows up when things get scary.

1. The Case of the Disappearing Devices

"It was there yesterday..."
Lost or stolen devices can feel like a ghost story, but with JonesCare 360, loss and theft coverage ensures your district doesn’t have to absorb the cost or scramble to replace equipment. Plus, our asset tagging services make every device easier to track and recover.

2. Zombie Tech That Won’t Stay Fixed

Ever feel like that one Chromebook keeps coming back with the same problem? JonesCare’s in-house repair teams are manufacturer-certified, and our first-time fix rate is over 99%. No more repairs that rise from the dead.

3. The Cobweb of Confusing Service Calls

When a device goes down, who do you call—OEM, help desk, shipping center? With Arey Jones, there’s one answer. We handle deployment, protection, and repair, all in one place. It’s service without the scary maze of third-party handoffs.

4. Trick-or-Treat Tech Rollouts

Some vendors treat you to quick delivery but trick you with delays in imaging, configuration, or repair. Arey Jones handles the entire lifecycle in-house, from Chrome enrollment to doorstep delivery. That means smoother starts and fewer surprises for your team.

5. The Budget Monster Under the Bed

A cracked screen now could become a budget-busting motherboard replacement later. JonesCare lets you build a coverage plan that matches your device volume and damage rates—so your budget doesn’t get eaten alive by unexpected costs.

School tech doesn’t have to be scary. With JonesCare, you get local, in-house support that keeps learning uninterrupted, even when October gets wild.

Let’s build your custom JonesCare plan. No tricks. Just trusted service.

Before You Roll Out AI in Your District, Read This

What IT leaders need to consider before implementing Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot in K–12 environments

AI is coming to the classroom, fast. Google Gemini is now part of Google Workspace for Education. Microsoft Copilot is already embedded in 365. That means your teachers and students may be using AI tools, even if your district hasn’t officially adopted them.

For IT leaders, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. The right move now can set your district up for success, or expose it to risk, confusion, and costly rework later.

At Arey Jones, we work with K–12 districts of every size, and here’s what we’re telling our partners right now: slow down, plan smart, and ask these five questions before you deploy.

1. Is Your District’s Infrastructure Ready?

AI tools are compute-intensive. While Gemini and Copilot are cloud-based, real-time performance still depends on bandwidth, device age, and endpoint security.

Checklist:

• Are your student and staff devices compatible with the current Workspace or 365 features?

• Have you reviewed your network capacity for sustained AI usage (especially in classrooms)?

• Do your firewalls and filters play well with Gemini or Copilot endpoints?

Tip: Many legacy Chromebooks or unmanaged Windows machines won’t fully support these tools without slowdowns or security gaps.

2. What’s the Educational Use Case?

Not every classroom needs AI right now, and not every teacher wants it. Start by identifying where and why AI would support instruction.

Questions to ask:

• Are you piloting with tech-forward teachers first or doing a district-wide rollout?

• Will AI be used for lesson planning, student writing support, or accessibility tools?

• What training and PD are required to support ethical, effective usage?

Framework: Gemini is conversational and multimodal, Copilot is deeply embedded in documents and spreadsheets. Match the tool to the task.

3. How Will You Manage Privacy and FERPA Compliance?

This is non-negotiable. AI platforms process huge volumes of user data. Even "Education" versions come with different policies than standard licenses.

Key steps:

• Review the data-sharing terms of Gemini and Copilot for Education editions

• Check whether students can opt-in - or are defaulted in - based on license tier

• Confirm where data is stored, how long it's retained, and whether it's used to train models

Reminder: Consumer AI tools like ChatGPT are not FERPA-compliant. Don’t assume all AI is safe for K–12.

4. Who Handles Support When Things Go Wrong?

AI tools are dynamic: features change fast, bugs happen, and users get confused. A successful deployment includes a support model that doesn’t flood your help desk.

Plan for:

• In-app troubleshooting guides for teachers

• Training for your IT staff on Gemini or Copilot management consoles

• A feedback loop to track usage and adjust permissions

5. What’s the Long-Term Strategy?

This isn’t about getting Gemini or Copilot "turned on." It’s about making AI a sustainable part of your tech ecosystem.

Strategic moves:

• Develop a district AI policy that addresses ethics, bias, and academic integrity

• Build in opt-outs or tiers of access based on grade level or user role

• Budget for future training and tool evolution—this space will not stand still

Pro tip: Bake AI strategy into your 3- to 5-year tech plan now, before decisions get made for you.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to be first, you need to be right.

Gemini and Copilot have potential, but only when deployed with clarity, caution, and alignment. 

Back-to-School Without Burnout

 A Tactical Guide for IT Directors Managing K–12 Device Rollouts

As August approaches, IT Directors in K–12 school districts face one of the most critical—and demanding—periods of the year: back-to-school device rollout. While administrators and teachers prepare their lesson plans, IT teams are tasked with ensuring every student has a secure, reliable, and fully functional device from day one.

From inventory management to device provisioning and Wi-Fi optimization, the pressure to deliver a seamless technology experience is high. However, with strategic planning and the right tools, school districts can reduce friction, minimize support tickets, and launch the school year with confidence.

Understanding the Back-to-School Tech Demands

Device deployment in August isn’t just about logistics—it’s about infrastructure resilience, efficient workflows, and future-proofing. Key challenges include:

• Coordinating the distribution of hundreds (or thousands) of student devices

• Verifying connectivity across increasingly hybrid and mobile learning environments

• Managing user provisioning, updates, and access controls

• Supporting teachers, staff, and families with troubleshooting and onboarding

• Ensuring robust security protocols are in place from day one

These are not minor tasks; and without a structured approach, they can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced IT teams.

A Strategic Rollout Checklist

To set your school year up for success, start with these foundational steps:

• Inventory and Configuration: Ensure devices are received, inspected, and configured ahead of distribution. Include spare units for immediate replacements.

• Provisioning Workflow: Use automated enrollment or Google Admin tools to reduce manual setup and improve consistency across the fleet.

• Network Readiness: Conduct Wi-Fi coverage assessments and bandwidth testing, especially in expanded learning spaces or new campus zones.

• Support System Prep: Establish ticketing protocols and provide staff with clear guidelines for common tech issues.

• User Communication: Prepare quick-start guides and FAQs for students, parents, and teachers to ease the transition.

Simplify Management with Chrome Education Upgrade

For IT teams managing ChromeOS devices, the Chrome Education Upgrade provides essential functionality to simplify administration:

• Enforce security settings and access policies at scale

• Enable remote locking and device recovery

• Automate OS and app updates

• Manage devices from a centralized Google Admin console

With these tools in place, IT Directors can reduce manual oversight and focus on proactive initiatives rather than reactive fixes.

Reducing Support Tickets in the First 30 Days

The start of the school year often brings a wave of support tickets—many of which can be avoided through preemptive strategies:

• Provide Basic Training: Offer short tech orientations for educators covering essential troubleshooting skills.

• Implement Self-Service Tools: Link QR codes to instructional videos or FAQ pages accessible from student devices.

• Create "Tech Check-In" Stations: Allow students to verify login and connectivity before the first day of class.

These small efforts can significantly reduce the burden on IT help desks in the opening weeks.

Choosing Devices That Support Long-Term Success

Not all student devices are created equal. Investing in durable, reliable technology now helps prevent disruptions later. The HP Fortis Chromebook for Education is a prime example:

• Built to last: MIL-STD 810G certified and tested for drop resistance and durability

• Reliable battery performance: Designed to support a full school day of learning

• Modern connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and optional 4G LTE keep students connected wherever learning happens

• Optimized for multitasking: A 14" FHD display allows students to comfortably split-screen for productivity

With these features, HP Fortis devices empower students while reducing maintenance and downtime for IT teams.

Let this be the year your rollout runs smoothly—and your IT team gets the recognition it deserves!

Embracing Technology to Set the Tone for the School Year: Communication and digital tools help teachers establish routines, understand student learning styles and simplify administrative tasks

For educators and administrators, the beginning of a new school year brings a sense of anticipation, possibility and planning. But once the novelty begins to fade, educators might be wondering how to keep up the momentum over the months ahead. Here are a few ideas about how teachers can employ technology to help things run smoothly throughout the school year.

Set clear expectations

Students of any age using school devices need to understand the school’s expectations around technology. Answer questions like how students are allowed to use their school-provided devices, what students should steer clear of, and what the consequences of breaking the agreement are.

Along with specific rules around technology use, the beginning of the school year is a good time to integrate some information on digital citizenship.

Continue to emphasize routines

The school day is largely built on routine, and particularly for teachers of younger students, that routine should include guidance on how to take care of any edtech tools the students have access to. Where should the students store their headphones? If students are allowed to take their Chromebook home each day, can packing it up be an explicit part of the classroom’s end-of- the-day routine? 

Use Learning Management System to follow student progress

Using a Learning Management System (LMS) like Google Classroom has a number of benefits. Teachers can use it to post important information like assignments, due dates and reminders in a centralized location. It also enables teachers to follow student progress, and quickly intervene if a student is struggling or behind.

Explore personalized learning

It’s never too early to start figuring out how to best support students. Consider creating a brief survey that asks students about their interests, goals and challenges to get an early snapshot of what individual students might need to thrive.

Take advantage of timesaving tools

If your school offers Gemini for Google Workspace, take some time to explore how this AI tool can save you time and effort in the classroom. Gemini can assist with tasks like creating and summarizing emails, generating visuals that make presentations more engaging, and taking notes during virtual meetings with students and caregivers.

Understand your school’s device repair protocol

It’s inevitable that some of your school’s devices will need to be repaired or replaced during the school year. The beginning of the school year is a great time to make sure you have a clear understanding of your school’s edtech repair program. How long does it generally take for a damaged device to be repaired or replaced? Are there extra devices for students and staff to access while their device is being worked on? If not, are there other ways they can continue to do schoolwork in the interim? Device repair programs like JonesCare play an essential role in keeping the year running smoothly, and having a clear understanding of how your school handles repairs can help teachers minimize interruptions to student learning.

Taking the time to communicate with students and their families about technology use, expectations and repair protocol, having systems in place to monitor student progress and personalize learning, and using technology to simplify your workload can help set the tone for a great school year.

Best Educational Apps for the 2024-2025 School Year: Must-have apps for the back to school season

Educational apps can help teachers hone and optimize their skills, streamline administrative tasks, and engage and communicate with students and families. As we head into a new school year, here’s a roundup of educational apps we love, from classic favorites to emerging stars.  

Microsoft Teams 

A diverse communication app that focuses on collaboration, Microsoft Teams is free for K-12 educators and students. The Microsoft Teams app includes Reflect, a social and emotional learning tool. Newer additions to Microsoft Teams include AI features that assist educators in generating module content. 

Google Classroom 

Chances are, you’re already a Google Classroom pro. If not, what are you waiting for? Google Classroom boosts an array of features that help personalize learning, streamline administrative tasks, encourage academic integrity and  gather analytical data that helps you improve learning.  

Class Dojo 

A teacher favorite, Class Dojo enables easy communication between teachers, students and families. Educators can keep families in the loop by adding photo or video updates, and the calendar feature helps students build awareness of planning and due dates. Class Dojo also offers social-emotional learning opportunities, incentivized through a point system to support student growth. 

Pear Deck 

Pear Deck is technically an add-on that integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides and Classroom apps. Pear Deck allows teachers to design engaging, interactive presentations. With Pear Deck, educators receive instant feedback on how well their students understand a lesson, and offer them responses in real-time. The company also offers additional add-ons, including Pear Assessment (formerly known as Edulastic), which helps teachers deliver and monitor student assessments.  

Mindsets 

Most teachers have heard the timeless question, "Why do I need to learn this?" countless times. Microsoft for Education’s Mindsets delivers an answer– in the form of a Challenge. Designed for middle and high school students, offers Challenges that walk students through a relatable real-world scenario in which they use math or science skills to solve it. 

ParentSquare 

The popular Remind app, which enables teachers to send and receive messages, reminders and updates to students and families, was recently acquired by ParentSquare, a mass messaging platform for K-12 schools,students and caregivers. One of the highlights of this app is its two-way translation software, which enables educators and ELL students and families to communicate in their native language.  

SeeSaw 

Designed for elementary school educators, SeeSaw is a comprehensive app that includes curriculum, messaging, auto-graded assessments and progress monitoring while offering students engaging tools like its digital portfolio, which encourages students to take pride in their work.  

Kahoot! 

The award-winning app Kahoot! gamifies learning and makes studying easy and fun. Users can turn studying into a social event by engaging in friendly competition, creating flashcards instantly and preparing for upcoming tests, even while on the go.  

These are just a few of the top educational apps. Moving forward, we’re excited to see what new apps emerge that help streamline educator and admin workload, personalize learning for students with different needs, and optimize communication between teachers, students and families.