Welcome to our new website!
The process of developing this site was based on research into how visitors use our website, the kinds of information they are seeking, and best practices in website usability and accessibility. Our partner for this project was the Communications Service of Capital Region BOCES.
While the new site retains the vast amount of information that was available on the old site, the new website offers a cleaner, more attractive design with enhanced search and navigation features. On the homepage, the new site uses large photos to showcase district students and staff, and features stories about what’s happening at Guilderland schools.
The new website is categorized by seven major topics: About Us, Academics, Athletics, Board of Education, Budget and Taxes, District Services 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, and “Quick Links” to frequently-visited pages, including the SchoolTool parent portal, SNN, cafeteria menus, and closings and delay information.
The seven school pages can be accessed from the homepage’s main navigation, on the right hand side via an “Our Schools” drop down. 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.
As you begin to take a look at the new site, allow us to point out a few new and enhanced features:
- Searchable Staff Directory: For the first time, the district website contains a searchable directory of school staff. This replaces the directories that were posted on each school page in the past. The searchable directory can be accessed by clicking the “Contact Us” link at the top of any page in the site.
- Mobile-friendly: Unlike the previous site, the display of this mobile-responsive site will automatically adjust to your device, whether it’s a desktop computer, smartphone or tablet.
- Links to top resources: Based on what we learned in the research phase of the new site, there are now direct links at the top of every page to the seven major topic areas, which include frequently requested information.