The minute hand is inches away from the bell ringing. Your backpack is hung on your shoulder as you eye the teacher walk slowly towards their desk. The bell finally rings. You sprint towards the desk in attempt to prevent them from going to lunch. You use this opportunity to beg them for a print out of your class percentage or even a sneak peek at the upcoming report card.

The teacher gives you the usual reply: “I am sorry, shoot me an email, and I’ll send it if I have time.” As you trudge towards the door, you wish there was something different about this system. If you could, you would view your grades anytime of the day and not have an awkward ending when your teacher replies, “No.”

Soon such scenarios will not be the norm for students any longer. Class grades, transcripts, attendance, as well as past California Standardized Test scores will all be accessible for parents and in a couple of months for students also.

“Parents really like having the ability to check grades daily, instead of waiting for a five week progress report,” said Kris Kohlmeier, teacher specialist and the person in GUSD who first piloted the program. “Sometimes it’s even too late to go for an improvement or tutoring.”

Not only does this advancement help students and parents, but teachers also. Spanish teacher Melissa O’Gara said that she is very excited for the new portal access. “I actually like it,” O’Gara said. “I do not need to waste anymore ink and paper when I give my students their grade sheets every couple of weeks. I think that the communication between the parents and I will still continue.” Being one of the few teachers who sends home a grade sheet every couple of weeks, this is something she looks forward to.

Most schools in the district, including Wilson, Toll, Roosevelt, Glendale, Hoover and Daily, have been using the portal for a year or two. Starting Sept. 30, Clark Magnet parents will finally have the opportunity to access the portal.

Parents can access the site if they have previously registered at a Glendale middle school, or if they have never used the system, they can come to the main office, show their ID, and the office staff worker will give them a unique password along with instructions.

In the fall of 2011, a student/parent portal link was added to Wilson Middle School’s website. The portal, piloted by Kohlmeier, gave students access to their grades and allowed parents to monitor their child’s progress. When the student link is added in a couple of months, the feature of contacting their school counselor will be available.

Junior Eliza Suluyan said, “I can finally keep track of all my assignments and percentages in all my classes with my mom, but the only downside is that there is no point in trying to bust a mission to the mailbox before my mom.”