DGN has modernized its academic management by launching Infinite Campus, a new and improved student information system (SIS). With this upgrade, the long-standing Home Access Center (HAC) is officially being retired. More than just a replacement, Infinite Campus is designed to streamline everything from grades and attendance to class schedules, assignments, and teacher communication, all in one centralized platform. With real-time updates and more intuitive tools, the new system aims to improve access, enhance communication, and create a stronger connection between all members of the school community.
Before deciding on Infinite Campus, D99 had been exploring new platforms for quite some time. Recognizing the need for a more modern and flexible platform, the district began evaluating options that could better support teachers, students, and families. The transition from HAC to Infinite Campus was smooth and carefully thought out to achieve the district’s goal of finding a long-term student information system.
“This process started a couple of years ago, and our teams spent a lot of time researching the different platforms for student information that we could use,” Principal Dr. Courtney DeMent said. “I don’t remember how many there were in total that we reviewed, but at the end of the day, we chose Infinite Campus because it had a lot of features that we really liked and could support the work that we’re doing.”
Switching to a new system, such as Infinite Campus, always comes with a learning curve. It has required students and staff to learn how to use a completely different set of tools. Since the platform has unfamiliar features, training was essential to make sure staff felt comfortable using it and they could help students and families do the same. Everything from attendance and grading to communication looks different, so the district had to spend time getting everyone ready. That meant a year’s worth of meetings, planning, and informational training sessions across the district to make sure things would run smoothly once the system officially launched.
“Throughout all of last year, we engaged in more than 135 training and decision-related meetings to get to where we are today,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Travis McGuire said. “Additionally, we focused some of our time during the opening day institutes on training staff. Training will continue to be an ongoing process throughout this school year as we learn more about the system and how we can best utilize the functionality of the system.”
The biggest change for students with the new platform is the advanced way of taking attendance. To improve attendance and accountability, students are required to scan their ID whenever they enter the building or a classroom. The data from the scan is then automatically recorded in Infinite Campus, allowing for more accurate attendance. Teachers are then able to check their screens and confirm the students’ presence. While this process may take some getting used to, D99 believes it will lead to improved data, faster reporting, and a more secure school environment.
“At first, having to scan in for every class was hard to remember because I wasn’t used to it. But now that we are further in the year, it feels like second nature. It’s quick and It makes sure that students are actually in class and doing what they are supposed to,” senior Morgan McGrath said.
While the implementation of Infinite Campus is still in its early stages, District 99 is already noticing positive changes. The platform’s ability to provide real-time updates, streamline communication, and improve data accessibility is beginning to improve how students, families, and staff engage with essential information. These early results point to a system that’s not only more efficient but also better aligned with the needs of the current education environment.
“I see the platform being a long-term solution for the district. We believe that we have a tool that will adapt and grow to the educational demands we place on the system,” Dr. McGuire said. “It is important to note the amount of work that goes into a change like this. Our district as a whole has embraced this new tool, and we look forward to refining our processes and communication to further empower teaching and learning in District 99.”
As the district gets more comfortable with Infinite Campus, the plan is to keep building on what’s already working. There’s still a lot to explore within the system, and over time, it could help make things even easier for students, teachers, and families. This change isn’t just about using new software; it’s about creating a better way to stay connected and support learning moving forward.
