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MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDE
1. Dexter Southfield Website & Parent Portal:
From the homepage of the School’s website, parents can access the Login button to the parent portal. The parent portal includes the following information:
> School calendar, with the ability to filter by class or topic and set up email or text message reminders and subscriptions > PDFs of Resource Guides and Handbooks > Links to resources and recent emails > Parents Association information and upcoming events > Virtual event library > Additional links and resources
For questions on the parent portal or assistance setting up calendar notifications, please contact the Marketing & Communications Office.
2. Blackbaud:
Blackbaud Education Management is the school’s platform for student information and learning management. Blackbaud is accessed by logging in to the parent portal and selecting the red “Access Blackbaud” button.
As a parent of a middle school student, you also have access to this part of your student’s academic experience, including viewing rights to their daily schedule, assignments, and course details. Blackbaud is a time management tool for students to view upcoming homework assignments and assessments and plan accordingly; it will not provide you access to grades. Your student’s advisor will continue to be your best point of contact for questions. To access Blackbaud, log in to the parent portal and select the red “Access Blackbaud” button. From there, select your child in the upper lefthand corner. Academic information can be viewed by scrolling down on the “Progress” tab. Please contact Todd or Heather if you need assistance navigating the system.
The platform also includes the following: > Contact cards, where parents can update profile information, including email and physical address > Parent directory > Resource Board links to pickAtime (conference scheduling), Magnus Health SMR (health forms), and
FACTS Tuition Management (billing) > School forms
Please confirm or update your contact information in Blackbaud. This will ensure that the School and other Dexter Southfield families are able to contact you.
LOWER SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDE
3. Middle School News & Notes & Email Notices:
It is important to keep your preferred contact information updated in Blackbaud to ensure timely receipt of information. The School frequently communicates important information via email. As the parent of a middle school child, you can anticipate receiving a biweekly email from Todd outlining important information, upcoming dates, and community events. The Parents Association also sends a monthly email sharing ways you can be involved with the School.
4. Communication with Advisors & Teachers:
During the school year, you are encouraged to contact your child’s advisor directly with any questions or concerns. The middle school day is busy, and once students arrive, teachers seldom have time to check email messages. If you are sending time-sensitive information, please also email Todd or a dean. Given the nature of a typical school day, and to receive the most timely response, we recommend initiating contact through email, which will allow a follow-up phone call to be scheduled as needed.
5. Social Media:
To follow daily life at Dexter Southfield and activity from all three divisions, be sure to follow Dexter Southfield on social media.
