By LORI SZEPELAK
Correspondent
WESTFIELD- A bold, fresh user experience was the catalyst behind Westfield High School Network Specialist Karen Bashaw’s redesign of the school’s website.
“Most schools have a website,” said Bashaw. “They know it’s there but they don’t visit it often. I wanted to create this website with the parents and students in mind.”
Since the launch of the redesign on March 2, Bashaw noted she has had a lot of “positive feedback” from students.
“Students are stopping in my office to tell me how much they like the new look,” she said. “Most importantly, they are coming back with fresh ideas to add to the site.”
Bashaw said it was Principal Jonathan Carter’s vision to represent the school’s ambitions and “Bomber Pride” on the Web site and after their initial meetings, Bashaw set out to give the new site a 21st century appearance.
“We have a new app for the website that quickly lets you see the school calendar, news, daily bulletin and a lot more,” she said.
Updated website features also include activities and upcoming trips, honor rolls, news articles and media, photo albums, the preschool website, staff directory with e-mail contact information, student club web pages, a link to “Anonymous Alerts,” and the Westfield High School Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO).
“Considering how much work the faculty put into the other websites, they’ve been extremely understanding and I enjoy working with them,” said Bashaw. “We have articles written by students, we showcase articles on their accomplishments, and every teacher has their own page for their classroom.”
Bashaw noted that the website is updated daily and will continue to add new information and features.
“The talent here at Westfield High School is amazing,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure to help showcase their events and accomplishments.”
The new address is whs.schoolsofwestfield.org and the website from the districts’ home page is at www.schoolsofwestfield.org.
Bashaw noted that a link for suggestions and comments is under “Contact School” and the community at large is encouraged to provide feedback.
As students, faculty and parents adjust to 21st century technology, Bashaw wants to ensure that the school is on the cutting edge of what is new and bold in website design.
“Mobile users can download the free SharpSchool app from the Google and Apple app stores,” she said. “Once you download it, pick your school based on your location and subscribe to notifications. You may also view the site on a mobile device from a web browser.”
The new school logo will also be added to the website this spring once the PTSO announces the winner. According to Carter, more than 50 logo creations were submitted by students, alumni, teachers and parents.
