Onespot and Desert Garden Montessori: A Partnership That Sprouts Success
Effective communication and organization are crucial for the smooth operation of any school today. Desert Garden Montessori has embraced technology to improve its daily functions and strengthen its connections with the community. A tool in this transformation is Onespot, which meets the varied needs of the school by simplifying processes for staff, students, and parents.
Desert Garden Montessori was established in 1996 by Shetal Walters with a committed group of parents, starting in a home-based setting. Since then, it has expanded considerably, relocating to its current purpose-built facility in 1999 to offer a broader array of programs. Today, the school caters to children from infancy through high school and supports holistic education: arts, organic gardening, and a wellness program. It emphasizes building a strong community connection and prioritizes personalized learning in a supportive environment.
"It is an app that you can have for your school, individualized with your logo on it and everything. So parents have one spot to go get everything they need… We have so much support from this team, and that, personally, for me, is probably the most important."
—Shetal Walters, Executive Director and Founder of Desert Garden Montessori
Creating Customized Features for the School
Onespot created a custom-made app for Desert Garden Montessori to meet their specific requirements. Essential tools, including absence forms and access to the school directory, enable parents to update the school on their child's attendance. The app also features a dedicated Parent Resource Hub, providing essential information and resources to assist parents in supporting their child's education effectively.
Furthermore, Onespot incorporated the following features into the Desert Garden Montessori app:
School and Event Calendars: Assist parents and students in scheduling to accommodate school activities and events.
Schedules and Tuition Information: Transparent details on academic timelines and payment fees.
Organic Lunch Program: Aligned with Desert Garden Montessori’s commitment to wellness education, the school offers an award-winning organic lunch program.
Transforming Communication in Ways Only an App Can
One of the standout features of Onespot is its ability to improve communication through push notifications and group chats. With just one tap, parents can reach out to the school via phone or email, making it easier than ever to stay connected.
Private Messaging feature: The app offers an instant messaging platform for updates, ensuring parents, teachers, and staff receive timely information about events, emergencies, or schedule changes.
Group Chat feature: Enables quick communication among parents and staff while fostering a strong sense of community. Whether discussing school projects, organizing events, or addressing concerns, these tools create a collaborative environment where everyone feels included and informed.
Engagement Highlights for the Desert Garden Montessori App
Desert Garden Montessori has experienced remarkable engagement with Onespot, recording 73,000 user sessions over the past year. A "user session" indicates the duration a user spends actively interacting with the school app. This high level of engagement highlights the app’s value in enhancing the school community. Additionally, we had the opportunity to catch up with the school’s Founder and Executive Director, Shetal Walters, at the 2024 Montessori Peace Academy Conference. She shared valuable insights on how the app can continuously meet the school's needs and vision.
“I am not tech-savvy whatsoever, but I can use this with ease. We can put banners up, make announcements, and add things very quickly.”
—Shetal Walters, Executive Director and Founder of Desert Garden Montessori
Watch the full testimonial
How the School Uses Onespot for Daily Operations
Desert Garden Montessori uses Onespot to enhance its daily operations, providing a smooth experience for students, parents, and staff. The school app acts as a central hub for communication, enabling teachers to share important announcements, event updates, and schedule changes to keep everyone in the loop. Parents enjoy convenient access to their children's academic progress and school resources, while teachers and staff can track student attendance, promoting a collaborative atmosphere with one powerful app.
Conclusion
Onespot has become an essential tool for Desert Garden Montessori, aiding the way the school operates and communicates. With features specifically designed to meet the school's unique needs, Onespot boosts engagement among students, parents, and staff. The app’s seamless integration of essential tools—from communication channels to resource centers—keeps everyone informed and connected. As Desert Garden Montessori continues to embrace technology, the positive impact of Onespot on daily activities and community relationships will support the school's dedication to holistic education and the well-being of its students.