After more than a year of planning, designing, writing new content and migrating existing material, the South Colonie Central School District has launched a new, redesigned version of its website, www.southcolonieschools.org.
While the new site retains the vast amount of information that was available on the old site, the new website boasts a cleaner, more attractive design with enhanced search and navigation features.
The new design incorporates a “responsive” layout that adapts to different devices (smart phones, tablets and desktop computers) and multiple web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari) for an optimal viewing experience with easy reading and navigation. The site was also designed to fulfill web accessibility requirements under the American Disabilities Act, making it accessible to individuals who have vision, hearing, and physical disabilities.
Along with the updated look, the site offers a news page where visitors can find the latest headlines, photo galleries, archives and more. On the homepage, the new site uses large photos to showcase district students and staff, and features stories about what’s happening at South Colonie Schools.
The new website is categorized by eight major topics: District, Academics, Athletics, Board of Education, Departments, Parents, Students and News. Clicking on any of these links across the top of the site will allow visitors to access more detailed sub-pages for each. Windows with “More Information” on the sub-pages will help visitors gain quick access to the information they’re seeking.
Other elements of the homepage include an agenda-style google calendar of upcoming events and important dates carried over from the previous site, “Quick Links” to frequently-visited pages including the Aspen parent/student portal, school budget information, PTA groups, Facebook, photo galleries, school menus, SNN and the school spirit store.
The school pages also can be accessed from the homepage’s main navigation. Each school’s page includes featured photos, school links and more. A google calendar with school specific events can be viewed from each school homepage as well.
If visitors can’t find what they’re looking for, they can use the powerful “Search” button on the top right of each page. Also at the top of the homepage is “Contact Us,” which provides a searchable staff directory. The new website can also be displayed in a variety of languages from the box at the top of the homepage.
“We are excited to present the newly designed website,” said Superintendent Jonathan Buhner. “The new website will provide important information and resources to all members of the South Colonie community in a clear, easily accessible manner. We hope our families and staff find it a valuable resource for information related to the district and its schools.”