Have you visited the Great Neck Public Schools website recently to see its fresh new look, updated content, and services? On the Home Page, you are greeted by school mascots and logos, prominently displayed front and center, that beckon you to link to and visit the school sites. Each school's website provides a unique and authentic look at its culture, curriculum, course offerings, club activities, and more.

The Home Page now sports a blue and orange motif that reflects the district's colors and spirit. Familiar navigation menus have been retained, with a new row of links that provide immediate access to Board of Education meetings and agendas, district and website news, and other current information.

Beyond aesthetics, several useful features have been added, with transportation topping the list. In response to changing weather conditions, Transportation Alert provides updated information about school-bus transportation delays. The Transportation Alert link appears on the Home Page, as well as on the Transportation Web Page (click on the Services link from the District Menu on the left and then select Transportation); it will change from black to red with flashing red sirens when it is activated by a school-closing, delayed-opening, or early-dismissal announcement. During these situations, parents are encouraged to view the Transportation Alert for updated announcements when district phone lines may be busy.

Another new, online transportation service will be of particular interest to parents, prospective residents, and real estate agents. Using the Transportation Search feature, you can enter a home address to find the public school it is zoned for, the nearest school-bus stop, and its morning and afternoon bus-stop times. A street map illustrates the location of the home address as a red house and the school as a blue building with a flag. The nearest bus stop is signified by a yellow school bus. Below the map under Other Services, parents can register for a new e-mail notification system to receive important e-mail messages from the district's transportation department.

In addition to these transportation enhancements, other aspects of the school district website have been broadened. Prior to Board of Education meetings, agendas are posted on the Board Meetings page. Under Policies, all district policies are posted in PDF format and indexed for convenience and easy navigation. The Statistics menu provides test results and class-profile information about the current high school graduating class.

Content has always been paramount on the site. Important information, such as registration procedures, lunch menus, school calendars, employment opportunities, adult education courses, parent seminars, and testing dates, is online. The scrolling marquee at the bottom of the Home Page provides important district announcements and, when it's snowing, look for the falling snowflake animation, which signals the possibility of a snow day. The Site conveys with pride the many and varied accolades and recognitions that our schools and students receive for participation in local contests and national competitions. It also documents the accomplishments of a growing list of famous alumni, including graduates who have gone on to become politicians, scientists, astronauts, authors, reporters, entertainers, musicians, and athletes.

All this and more is available with the click of a mouse, 24/7, at greatneck.k12.ny.us.