Anupama Vaid

I am the founder and President of ParentSquare. ParentSquare is an interactive, online system designed to help schools and parents partner to become informed, active participants in children’s learning. It is social media with a meaningful purpose. Whole-school adoption encourages a multi-year, sustained impact on students and opportunities for local collaboration. ParentSquare is easy to use. The fully managed website does not require a technical onsite expert. Parents register using their email or cell phone, and agree to terms for appropriate use, thereby alleviating schools’ privacy concerns. Content is co-constructed by teachers and parents, consistent with the notion that parents are equal partners. It has the traditional school directory, class list, teacher newsletter, and a calendar. It facilitates volunteer sign-ups and offers online fundraising. Users’ comments add reflection and info for others at the school. Email messages inform users of all activity, and teachers can print selections so unregistered parents are included. To promote a focus on student learning, ParentSquare offers teachers curriculum-aligned activities, and information on fostering family engagement. ParentSquare will continue to evolve as we learn from users about connecting with families in new, student-focused ways. The idea for ParentSquare took shape in 2010 fall when my younger boy started elementary school and the absence of a whole-school-home 21st century communication system became much more evident. My can-do-anything technical background and must-continuously-innovate entrepreneurial urge led me to start this journey.