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Parents press board on ClassDojo and communication platforms; district says only authorized channels should be used
Summary
During public comment parents asked for clearer, centralized communication after-school platforms and raised concerns about ClassDojo and use of teachers' personal phones; Superintendent DeNobile said only district‑authorized platforms (Google Classroom, email, the RealTime portal and the district 'School News' app) should be used for official communication. The district will review photo‑release and website posting protocols.
Several parents used the public‑comment period at the Aug. 26 meeting to press the board for clearer, centralized communication tools. Ms. Harkin of William Street asked why ClassDojo had been removed and said information on the district website is difficult to find; she called for more organization similar to what she had seen in another district.
Superintendent Dr. Sue DeNobile responded that the district has multiple authorized platforms (Google Classroom, email and the RealTime portal) and that ClassDojo is not a district‑authorized tool. She explained concerns about data storage in third‑party apps and cautioned against teacher use of personal phones for school communications because of privacy and investigative risks. The district pointed parents to the district 'School News' app and said official directions are posted on the website.
Additional commenters asked about high‑school options and whether information could be shared earlier than 8th grade; the superintendent confirmed the send/receive relationship with Hackensack remains and said high‑school representatives participate in outreach events. Another parent asked about after‑school clubs for K–3; district leaders said they would assess interest and existing Care‑program capacity.
The board said it will check with legal counsel about release of lists for photography permissions and emphasized that the PTO is a separate entity and that website access must be granted carefully.
