BY NICK SOTO, OLHMS

OLHMS has acquired a new tool to help people connect with our school district. D123 Connect was made by two former students, Jacob Allen and Brian Kobiernicki.  This app is made for iPhones and iPod Touches, but fear not iPad users, the app is being made so you can use it natively. This app was made to bring District 123 to the mobile platform and so student and parents can find anything they need that is on the website. It took Brian and Jacob nine months to make this app, and it was submitted to Apple for review in November of 2012. The app brings resources that people use frequently into a single page for your school or the District Office. You can see the school's Facebook Page and Twitter Feed, view teachers’ pages, the school calendar, login to Home Logic, refill a lunch account, or view District news stories from the app. SWAT District Technology Coach Mrs. Ferrell and Brian came up with the idea for the app in September of 2011.  Jacob learned to develop iOS Applications through reading books after he learned that Brian had received a membership to the iOS Development program. With the help of Mrs. Ferrell, Ms. Keiner, District Technology Coach, Brian and Jacob were able to make D123 Connect. Brian and Jacob were both in SWAT, the school’s technology club. Brian said,"SWAT allowed Jacob and I to become increasingly interested in technology while helping the students and staff of District 123." Jacob and Brian have made another app called  "Pick 4 Me," which is an app that makes decisions for you when given two choices. Brian and Jacob said that SWAT has expanded their horizon with technology, who along with Mrs. Ferrell have gone to TECH 2010, which was a conference in Springfield to showcase the school’s technology initiatives, and have presented at a District 123 Ed foundation and Board of Education meetings. "By helping teachers with special projects, we acquired several new skills that we use now. SWAT helped us build a strong relationship with OLHMS and its faculty." Brian and Jacob are a perfect example of our future generation. They have devoted their time to making this app when they also had several other school commitments. This app will not only help students to remember homework, it will also keep the students in touch with their school so they can be more productive with their time.  

To download the new District 123 Connect app, click here.
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