Ames Schools Will Use Digital Backpacks This Fall

When students head back to school this year, they will come home with lighter backpacks.

That's because the district will no longer pass out community event fliers to students.

The School District has launched a new program called Digital Backpack, that can be used to advertised community events.

Read the excerpt of a press release from the Ames School District on how to submit your community events and where everyone will be able to find them.

Users can find the Digital Backpack link, a button graphic, at the bottom of the District’s home page (www.ames.k12.ia.us) near the social media buttons and on the sidebar menus of each elementary school web page. Users may subscribe to the page and get updates.

The Ames Public Library will also post the link on its web page in time for the new school year.

Lynne Carey, Assistant Director of the Ames Public Library, counts herself among the community organizations glad they no longer need to print and batch flyers for teachers to place in students’ backpacks.

“We are thrilled this service is being offered, “ Carey said.

Tracy Kepley, who works with the Ames Figure Skating Club, said she thinks posting the flyers on the District website will increase their visibility.

“With so much paper in the students’ backpacks, I think a lot of the flyers got lost or thrown away,” she said.

Superintendent Tim Taylor said the move will save time and effort for teachers and support staff.

In considering which notices to post, the District will continue to follow the guidelines set by its policies for distributing information about educational and enrichment opportunities for students and their families.

How to submit notice of a community event:

• Email the Director of School, Community and Media Relations: kathy.hanson@ames.k12.ia.us

• Attach a file of the document you wish to have posted. The document must include the following disclaimer: “This is not an Ames Community School District publication, nor is it in any way endorsed or sponsored by the District. This publication is being provided only to inform you of other community activities and opportunities.”

You will receive an email to let you know whether your document was accepted for posting. The District will display the post while the event or its registration is current.