What was the biggest challenge before you used Orah at your school?
Student whereabouts both daily and then preparing the leave process
What was the process of getting started with Orah like?
Intuitive and it took the burden of information off of us. It forced the parents to take more of a pro-active role in accountability of information. It also helped because it gave us safeguards in cases when students tried to approve their own leave. The hard part was getting faculty away from paper rosters. This is still an issue for some.
What has the success/support team at Orah been like to work with?
Extremely helpful. The "chat room" availability made asking questions and getting responses extremely quick and efficient. Any glitches I ran into were very short term.
What was it like to get the rest of your team up and running with Orah?
Approx 80% were immediately on board. Within 6 months another 15% were active users, but I'd say we still have about 5% who haven't bothered to use the program at all. I've had excuses like not having access to or understanding how to use devices (phone, ipad etc.) which is untrue as we provide them and educate faculty on usage. Also, there is a familiarity with using hard copies of rosters that makes transitioning to digital difficult for some. What is most frustrating is the pure lack of understanding of the need for accountability which some just don't get, as if knowing where our students are isn't paramount.
What has allowed you to be so successful with Orah?
Both the Orah staff and the rising realization of the need for a safe and secure environment for our students. Parents are also great about it as they see it as a plus that we track their son's whereabouts.
Has there been a particular Orah feature that has helped you the most?
All of the leave process. Having parents as the main source of inputting leave makes it so that we are checking information rather than having to accumulate it.
What would you say to other schools looking to implement Orah at their school?
It is well worth the money spent for the program. Between regular roll out of new features, staff that are readily available to help, and the peace of mind it gives faculty responsible for students' whereabouts, it is a God-send.
Is there any final thoughts or words you would like to share?
Orah has not only resolved the accountability issues we were facing as a school, but is now coming up with additional resources and options to expand student tracking which only makes a great product better.
