New Website Streamlines Communication
Saint Patrick Catholic School knew they needed a new website, but they didn't have the time or resources to build it. By partnering with NPower Charlotte Region, Saint Patrick's redefined their online presence and streamlined communication with parents.
Challenge
Saint Patrick Catholic School's website was static, out-of-date, and difficult to navigate. Because multiple volunteers had built different pieces of the site, the jumble of layers made updating it a challenge. The staff and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) knew they needed a new site, but they did not have the time or resources needed to create the dynamic, interactive website they envisioned.
Saint Patrick's looked to several sources for help and decided NPower Charlotte Region was the right choice. "Other companies could have built our website, but NPower's philosophy was the best match for us," said Blair Farris, PTO President. "NPower would be a partner, and we were excited about that."
Solution
NPower worked with Blair Farris and Larissa Lopez-Ibanez, Saint Patrick's Volunteer Webmaster, to design a website that would meet their needs. Using the content management system Joomla!, NPower developed an interactive website rich in content and easy for visitors to use. Features include:
- Online donation
- School-wide calendar of events
- Event registration and payment for fundraising activities
- Prospective student section
- Newsletter sign-up
- Photo galleries
- Secure log-in for parents
NPower provided training on the Joomla! interface, which is similar to working in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. Saint Patrick PTO and staff can easily update the site, keeping content fresh and simple to navigate, without HTML coding.
One of parents' favorite features is online lunch ordering, which allows parents to submit orders directly to the cafeteria manager. NPower researched existing products and found one that fit their needs perfectly, saving Saint Patrick's the time and expense of having the module custom built.
Impact
Saint Patrick Catholic School has more than just a stylish new website: they have a secure, interactive tool for communicating with parents, conducting fundraising activities, and facilitating basic administration such as collecting RSVPs for events. The secure log-in for parents has streamlined communication, eliminating about 3000 sheets of paper per week. Donating online has caught on quickly and expanded Saint Patrick's fundraising capability. Not only are more people contributing but the gift amount has also increased.
Saint Patrick's now has a modern, user-friendly web presence welcomed by parents of both current and future students. "NPower made communication with parents easy for us," says Farris. "We are proud of our new site and excited about the possibilities it has opened."
Visit the site at: http://www.saintpatrickschool.org/.
About the Nonprofit
The oldest operating Catholic school in the Charlotte area. Today, St. Patrick's offers students and their families a faith based, academically challenging and culturally enriching educational experience. As part of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic School System (MACS) St. Patrick's is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Saint Patrick faculty and staff are committed to nurturing each student spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. The school community, through the teaching of Jesus Christ, endeavors to achieve these goals.
