Tools for Families

The following district-level parent resources include frequently asked questions and other helpful resources.

For resources such as school-specific information calendars, lunch menus, bell times, office hours, student services and school activities visit your child's school website. For links to your child's school, visit sowashco.org/schools.

Quick Links

Campus Parent Portal

Enter Absences, View Schedules, Bus Routes, Progress Reports and more.

Four colorful, petal-like shapes in green, blue, pink, and orange are arranged in a cross formation against a white background.

ParentSquare

Messaging, Newsletter and Family Communication Tool.

EduTRAK

Payments for school fees such as parking, transcripts, clubs and more.

Schoology

Online learning platform for grades 5-12.

Seesaw

Digital portfolio that students use in grades K-5.

SchoolCafé

School meal accounts and educational benefits applications.

SoWashCo Schools

info@sowashco.org

651-425-6300

How Do I?

Access 833Family Dashboard

1. Go to the link: https://launchpad.classlink.com/833family

2. Enter Your Credentials: Use your existing Infinite Campus parent/guardian username and password to log in.

3. If you don't remember your credentials, you can click here to Retrieve your Username or Change Your Password.

4. Make sure the Code is: 833Family

5. Access Your Dashboard: Once logged in, you will be directed to your parent/guardian dashboard. Here, you will find a user-friendly interface that allows you to connect to many family platforms.

What is ParentSquare

ParentSquare is SoWashCo Schools' new mass messaging, newsletter and parent communication tool.

Learn More

Activate Your Account

There are two ways to activate your account:

By Invitation: Look for an invitation in your email or as a text message with a link to activate your ParentSquare account. These are typically sent out in late August each year.
By Email or Phone: You activate your account by using the email or the phone number you have on file with your child's school (through ParentVUE). Go to ParentSquare.com and use the "Register" box on the right, then click "Get Started."

Get the App

Posts and Messages

Posts and Messages are the two main ways that your child's teachers, coaches and school will communicate with you.

Posts will include important information from your child's teachers and school and are usually sent to large groups of people, like a class, grade level or entire school. With a post, teachers and staff members can share updates, send newsletters, ask families to sign up for things like conferences and volunteer opportunities, as well as share images or files.
Messages are used for private or small-group communication. Regardless of your notification settings, you will always receive messages instantly. If you have texts turned on, you will receive messages directly to your phone as a text, and you can reply directly within the text chain. Otherwise, you can access your messages to read and respond through the App, or receive them as an email and view them through a browser.
Groups are a separate place where communication can be sent to specific members of a group, such as an athletics team, school club or group of students. Posts and updates can be sent to your group by the group owners/admins (most likely the coach, advisor or staff member in charge of the club or activity).

Access Campus Parent Portal

Campus Parent Portal allows families to view online information about student class schedules and view attendance, view school bus route assignments, and more. Log in on a computer or download the app from your app store.

Campus Parent Portal

Campus Parent Portal accounts were created for all families when your student(s) enrolled in SoWashCo Schools.

If you forgot your Parent Campus Portal Username or Password

Do not use the “Forgot Username” and “Forgot Password” links on the Infinite Campus login page follow the directions below.

Password Retrieval:

You can reset your password using this link: https://changepassword.sowashco.org/pwm/private/login.

Click on Forgotten Password.
You will be asked to provide your username and a security code will be sent to your email.
Once you receive a security code, follow the instructions to reset your password.
Be sure to check your junk email if you do not see the code in your inbox.

Username Retrieval:

All parents are already set up with an account, you can retrieve your username using this link: https://changepassword.sowashco.org/pwm/private/login.

Click on “Forgot Username”
You will be asked to provide your email address.
Your username will appear – if it does not, make sure that you are entering the email address that the district has on file for you.

If you need additional support please email ICsupport@sowashco.org or fill out the form below.

Campus Parent Portal Tech Support Form

Required

Campus Parent Portal Tutorials

Enter a School Building

Pay School Fees

EduTrak Connect

South Washington County Schools uses the payment processing system, Edutrak Connect. Edutrak is used for processing payments for our school fees (parking, transcripts, device protection, clubs, etc.) and competitive activities (soccer, hockey, speech team, etc.).

Community Education programs and fees can still be found on their website.
School meals are still paid for through SchoolCafé.

Pay Fees (Link to Edutrak)

Need Help Paying Fees Online?

EduTrak Connect Account Creation Instructions
Online Pay Fees Help Form

EduTrak Connect Account Creation Instructions

1. Create A New Account

If this is the first time you are visiting the website, select the blue “Click here to begin our setup process” button
- This will allow you to create your own user account, add payment methods, etc
Returning users type in your username and password

2. Create Your Personal Login

Use your email as your username and create your own password
- The password should be something unique that you can remember

3. Terms of Use

Read the provided terms of use and click on the checkbox for "I agree to these Terms of Service" and then select the blue "Accept" button

4. Add Your Personal Information

This information is associated with you user account login
You are the only person that has access to this information

5. Add a Student to your user account

You are almost done setting up your
user account
The last step is to associate your
student(s) to your user account
Select the “Add a person” to start this
process
NOTE: Your school may not be using all
modules, so you may not have all of
the Loby Bar icons shown in this
image. You may have just the soccer
ball, or the soccer ball and 1+ icons.

6. Account Management

After selecting the add person button
Select "No, I do not have a key"
- You will need your student's ID number and date of birth

7. Link Your Child To Your Account

Enter your child's student ID number into the Student ID box.
- The Student ID# can be found by checking your Student Information System. This is the school system you typically access to view grades and attendance information.
Then enter your child's birth date
- The birth date is used as a second method to validate your student.
Then click “Link Family”.

8. Your Account is Created - Confirm Your Email

Completing these steps will create your account and link your child(ren) to it
Make sure to confirm your new account via a link you'll receive in your email inbox

Online Pay Fees Help Form

Complete this form to receive assistance with using EduTrak Connect to pay fees.

Required

Find My Student's ID Number

Find My Student's Bus Information

Report My Student Absent

Families can report their child's absence online via Campus Parent Portal. You can use the Absence Request tool to submit a request that informs the office in advance when your child is not going to be in school. After the request is processed, Campus creates an attendance record for your student.

GO TO: CAMPUS PARENT > MORE > ABSENCE REQUEST

Submit a New Absence Request

1. Mark the student for whom you are submitting the absence request.

2. Select the reason the student will be absent from the Excuse dropdown list.

3. Select the Absence Type.

Absence Type	Instructions
Full day absence	This option allows you to submit a request for an entire day. You may request more than one day. Be sure to enter the dates in the First Day and Last Day fields.
Arrive Late	If you select the Arrive Late option, enter the time your student will arrive in the Arrival Time field. Arrival Time must be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Leave Early	If you select the Leave Early option, enter the time your student will leave in the Leave Time field. Leave Time must be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

4. Enter a start and end date for the absence in the First Day and Last Day fields.

5. Enter Comments about the absence reason. Comments are limited to 50 characters.

6. Click Submit when finished.

View Absence Requests

To view all previously submitted absence requests for the student, click the View Requests button. The Current Requests list screen displays details of existing requests can be viewed by selecting the record.

Delete Absence Requests

To delete an unprocessed absence request, click the request on the Current Requests screen then click the Delete Request button.

Find My Student's Meal PIN

Apply for Educational Benefits

Online applications: Complete an online application each year at SCHOOLCAFÉ.
Printable applications from our website in in English, Hmong, Somali, Spanish: Applications can be printed at your convenience. Paper applications can be turned in annually at your school's front desk or mailed to:

South Washington County Schools
Nutrition Services
7362 E. Point Douglas Rd S
Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Learn more about Educational Benefits

Access My Schoology Account

Instructions on how to log in:

Visit: https://launchpad.classlink.com/833family

Enter Your Credentials: Use your existing Infinite Campus parent/guardian username and password to log in. If you don't remember your credentials, you can click here to Retrieve your Username or Change Your Password.

Make sure the Code is: 833Family

Access Your Dashboard: Once logged in, you will be directed to your parent/guardian dashboard. Here, you will find a user-friendly interface that allows you to connect to Schoology as well as other resources.

Find My Student's Missing Assignments

Have My Student's Technology Device Repaired

Please contact your student's teacher or have your student contact their teacher first if your student is having issues with their device. They will help determine whether it is an issue with the physical device or the software (app) their student is trying to use. If necessary the teacher will contact the Technology department to assist in making any necessary device repairs.

Access Interpreters or Translations

All families have the right to communicate in their preferred language.

Please let your school know if you would prefer the use of translations or interpreters.
All SoWashCo Schools staff have access to the service "Language Line" to communicate with non-English speaking families over the phone or in person.

All sowashco.org websites can also be translated on demand.

Steps to Translate a Webpage:

There is a tab on the bottom right of every website that allows users to select one of five languages for translation of the website.
Click on the tab that says English, and then choose the language that is needed.

Campus Parent Portal is available in Spanish and Chinese.

Campus Parent Portal is available in Spanish or Chinese. After you log in you can change the language by clicking the user logo in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Then select "language" then choose your preferred language.

Enroll My Child in SoWashCo Schools

View the Student Handbook

The purpose of the student handbook is to provide a framework of resources for your experience as a student, whether you are full-time, part-time, online or in-person. This includes information so that you can develop an understanding of the general rules/expectations and guidelines, along with notification of board policy or state statute.

Download the Student Handbook

Visit the student Handbook Search Tool

Community Resources

District Partnerships

The following community agencies are partners with SoWashCo Schools and are also also available to youth and families through several of our schools.

Youth Service Bureau: provides chemical health support in our middle and high schools as well as a therapist at South Washington Alternative High School. Contact at 651-458-5224.
Ellie Family Services: provides individual mental health counseling support in most of our schools. Contact 651-313-8080 or online referral.
LifeStance: provides mental health counseling services in East Ridge, Woodbury and Park High Schools.
Washington County Mobile Crisis
- 651-275-7400
- crisisresponse@co.washington.mn.us

Mental Health Resources

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Washington County Resources

988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Call 988 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website.

Do not hesitate to make such a call if you suspect that someone may be a danger to themselves. It could save that person’s life.

Additional Mental Health Resources

Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health provides education and resources to professionals, families and youth throughout Minnesota.
National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota provides education, support and advocacy for individuals with mental illness, their families, professionals and the community.
Survivor Resources provides victim advocacy, education and grief support for families and friends dealing with the death of a loved one

Medical Care Resources

Disability and Special Needs Resources

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) provides individual assistance and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.
Fraser Hope Line provides support for children and adults with autism, mental health and special needs. Call 612-446-4673 (612-446-HOPE) or email FraserHopeLine@fraser.org.
Minnesota Autism Society provides education, access to services and skill development for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Disability Hub MN provides information, referral and assistance service for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to connect to community services.

Food Resources

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Washington County Resources

Food Bank Resources

Fare For All Fare For All is a pop-up grocery store, selling packs of fresh produce and frozen meat at up to 40% off of retail prices. Fare For All is community supported and open to everyone – there are no qualifications to participate. Visit their website for locations and hours.
Friends In Need Food Shelf Make an appointment on Mondays between 12-3 p.m. or Tuesdays after 7:30 a.m. by calling 651-458-0730. Visit their website for information.
Open Cupboard Multiple programs available where you can pick the how you want to receive food. Visit their website to learn about the programs and find a location.
Today's Harvest A free market that households are welcome to shop as often as needed. No appointments needed. Visit their website for locations and hours.
Valley Outreach Food Shelf Services are available free of charge. Visit their website for location, hours and to sign up for food delivery.

Housing Resources

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Washington County Resources

Other Housing Resources

Homeline provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
Housing Link provides details of housing options in different neighborhoods for families participating in the Section 8 voucher and public housing programs.

Other Resources

(This list was updated on 4/16/24; SoWashCo Schools does not sponsor or endorse any of the activities or resources listed below.)

Economic Resources

Child Care Resources

Minnesota State Hotline for School & Childcare Phone: 651-297-1304.
Child Care Aware of MN : 651-290-9704
Parent Aware: 888-291-9811

Transportation Resources

Salvation Army: Bus cards and gas cards
Transit Assistance Program (TAP): $1 dollar bus fare.

Multi-Support Agencies

Absenteeism

What is school absenteeism?

Minnesota Absenteeism Law

All children aged 7 to 17 must attend school, whether it is public, private, charter, online, or homeschooled.
If a student has 7 or more unexcused absences, the school may initiate a support process that includes notifying parents, holding meetings, and, if necessary, intervening with Washington County.
If the student is under 12 years old, it is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians to ensure that he or she attends school.
If a student aged 12 or older is absent from school without a valid reason, it is assumed that the student did so by their own choice.

Consequences of absenteeism

What should families do?

Create clear routines and expectations
- Teach your child that education is important.
- Establish schedules for waking up, breakfast, and leaving for school.
- Review the school calendar and plan activities and schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
Maintain communication with the school
- Meet the teachers, counselors, and staff who keep track of attendance.
- Justify legitimate absences (illness, medical appointments) using the Parent Portal or by calling the school.
Have an environment that encourages school attendance
- Ensure a quiet place for your student to rest and study.
- Limit distractions such as video games or cell phones before going to sleep.
- Encourage your student to participate in sports, clubs, or tutoring.
- If you notice frequent absences, talk to your student and the school to find solutions.
Addressing specific obstacles
- Transport: Make sure you can get to school on time.
- Health: Coordinate with medical professionals if your student has frequent health problems.
- Emotional well-being: Seek support if your students experience anxiety, bullying, or adjustment difficulties.
- Academic support: The school may offer tutoring or catch-up programs if your student is behind.

How do I report my student absent?

GO TO: CAMPUS PARENT > MORE > ABSENCE REQUEST

Submit a New Absence Request

1. Mark the student for whom you are submitting the absence request.

2. Select the reason the student will be absent from the Excuse dropdown list.

3. Select the Absence Type.

Absence Type	Instructions
Full day absence	This option allows you to submit a request for an entire day. You may request more than one day. Be sure to enter the dates in the First Day and Last Day fields.
Arrive Late	If you select the Arrive Late option, enter the time your student will arrive in the Arrival Time field. Arrival Time must be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Leave Early	If you select the Leave Early option, enter the time your student will leave in the Leave Time field. Leave Time must be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.