School Software Services
Focus School Software offers not only a technologically advanced school management software, but also a suite of services that can be customized based on the existing resources within your organization. The implementation process of our school management software has four key components:
- Installation
- Data migration
- Integration
- Training
Installation
Focus/SIS engineers can provide technical specifications for running our school information management system at your facility or you can choose to have Focus School Software host the application. Focus/SIS can install the software on a variety of platforms including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and IBM Series I. Supported databases include Oracle, MS SQL, PostgreSQL and DB2. The installation process typically takes 1-5 days depending on whether your organization requires a hardware audit prior to installation.
Data Migration
Focus/SIS will provide worksheets for you to use when extracting data from your current student management system. Our school management information system team will then run scripts against your extracts to populate the SIS. This process is repeated multiple times to ensure that the data are mapped to the correct fields in Focus/SIS. Depending on the number of years and quality of the data, this process can take from two weeks to several months.
Integration
Focus/SIS can integrate with almost any other system on the market. The underlying architecture of the third party system will determine the best way to integrate that program with Focus/SIS. Focus/SIS is SIF certified and can use SIF agents for integration. In addition, Focus/SIS can integrate using real-time update or batch processes. Listed below are some of the more common programs that Focus/SIS clients integrate with the school information system. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and Focus/SIS can most likely integrate with your systems that may not be listed below.
Notification: ConnectED, Ready Alert, TCN
Authentication: LDAP, Open Directory
E-Learning: Moodle, Blackboard
Library: Open Biblio, Destiny, Alexandria
Transportation: EduLog, VersaTrans
Cafeteria: PS Café, Horizons, Nutrikids
HR/Finance: JD Edwards, Oracle, Peoplesoft, TERMS, Sungard, Quickbooks
Training
Focus/SIS tailors the training to the client. Each training session is customized to the type of users in the group. Training on the student information system can be offered in a face-to-face or online learning environment. In addition, Focus/SIS offers training videos to all clients via the support website. Lastly, training is offered at the annual Focus School Software users conference. The conference brings together users from around the world to offer tips and tricks on real-world scenarios.
When describing Focus to another district, I tell them that it is user-friendly, very intuitive and that the company is always adding functions that meet teachers needs.
Meg Brown - Director of Technology - Flagler County Schools
We are happy to use Focus/SIS. As a new school, we were nervous about choosing a student information system. Focus/SIS has been a great choice. The responsiveness of the Focus team, trainings, troubleshooting and assistance has made using our SIS a breeze.
Malka Borrego - Executive Director - Equitas Academy Charter School
Administrators are able to get information about students in real-time.
Meg Brown - Director of Technology - Flagler County Schools
With Focus we got what we wanted – portal, grades, attendance, etc. - without spending as much...
Adam Lewis - Director of Technology - Elverado Schools
When describing Focus to another district, I tell them that it is user-friendly, very intuitive and that the company is always adding functions that meet teachers needs.
Meg Brown - Director of Technology - Flagler County Schools
The parent portal has been a huge success in getting parents involved in their child/children's education. Parents are very pleased with the ease of the program and ability to view all their children with one logon.
Maria McGovern - Flagler County Public Schools
The program is very user-friendly. If I do run into any problems, I simply pick up the phone or email tech support and I get a response in a timely manner. Everyone at Focus has been very helpful!
Patricia G. Mahaney - Director of Guidance - Kenston Forest School
Personally, I don’t think you need a lot of training with Focus because it is so easy to use.
Adam Lewis - Director of Technology - Elverado Schools
Administration and parents are pleased to have this valuable tool to encourage parent communication. The online gradebook has motivated teachers to be current in posting their grades and their assignments.
Maria McGovern - Flagler County Public Schools
The program is very user-friendly. If I do run into any problems, I simply pick up the phone or email tech support and I get a response in a timely manner. Everyone at Focus has been very helpful!
Patricia G. Mahaney - Director of Guidance - Kenston Forest School
Focus is very good at capturing translating, displaying and communicating information to key stakeholders.
John Just - Assistant Superintendent - Pinellas County Schools
