In the bustling community of New Prague, Minnesota, educational innovation thrives within the halls of New Prague Area Schools. With a commitment to excellence in education and a dedication to student achievement, New Prague sought to amplify their recognition efforts through dynamic digital signage. Digital signage serves as a powerful platform for embodying the essence of the New Prague Way, infusing every hallway and gathering space with the district's guiding principles and fostering a community united by shared values.
New Prague Area Schools is home to around 3,900 students across 3 elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and their central education campus home to their early childhood program.
Greg Pint, Technology Director at New Prague Area Schools, at their Central Education Campus
Teamwork is the way things work at New Prague Area Schools. Shawn Brandt, Director of Technology Integration, leads the charge in leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Greg Pint, Technology Director, oversees the district's tech infrastructure, while Julie Schmitz, Marketing and Communications expert, spearheads the dissemination of engaging content across New Prague Area Schools campuses.
Greg delved into finding a suitable digital signage solution after the district's initial experience with Reach didn't meet expectations. The district used the product for a couple of years but recognized that it didn’t fit their needs.
After looking at some free offerings, the district also recognized the need for a solution that didn’t need robust management overseeing it.
New Prague Area Schools was originally looking for a solution so they could share videos and a stream from their public broadcast channel. As they played around with solutions, Rise Vision emerged as the frontrunner, offering a cost-effective and versatile platform that aligned with the school district's goals.
“[Rise Vision] digital signage solution has exceeded our expectations for districtwide communication." - Greg Pint, Director of Technology at New Prague Area Schools
As part of a larger branding strategy, New Prague Area Schools collaborated with Captivate Media to produce high-quality video content that complements their digital signage efforts.
New Prague Area Schools recognized the importance of acknowledging student achievements beyond traditional means. While individual schools had their recognition programs like "Student of the Month," the district lacked a cohesive approach to celebrating student success on a broader scale.
New Prague's utilization of Rise Vision stands out due to its captivating "Hall of Fame" showcase. Unlike traditional static displays, the Hall of Fame dynamically rotates images and bios of students recognized for their excellence in academics, sports, service, and alumni achievements. This innovative use of digital signage, combined with engaging video content, creates an immersive experience, engaging students, staff, and visitors alike.
Using Rise Vision and Captivate Media allows New Prague Area Schools to create cohesive branding and messaging across their digital signage and video content. Captivate Media produces visually stunning videos that align with New Prague Area Schools's brand identity and values, seamlessly integrating with Rise Vision's dynamic displays.
Watch now: Using Video to (Re)build Trust with Captivate Media and Rise Vision
Across New Prague Area Schools' multiple campuses, Rise Vision serves as a versatile communication tool, facilitating seamless dissemination of critical information. From daily lunch menus to upcoming events, student pickup schedules for buses, and announcements, Rise Vision ensures that every corner of New Prague is connected and informed. With three elementary schools, a middle school, high school, and a central education campus, New Prague Schools leverages Rise Vision to enhance communication and engagement at every level of education.
New Prague Area Schools features academic achievers in the Hall of Fame. This holistic approach not only honors individual students but also promotes a culture of academic excellence across the district, reinforcing the district's commitment to scholastic achievement.
Recognizing students for their service and leadership contributions, New Prague Area Schools showcase their achievements through dynamic digital displays. By featuring student accomplishments on the Hall of Fame, the district instills values of compassion and social responsibility in its students, supported by visually engaging video content.
There are 3 takeaways that other schools and districts can take away to adopt the “New Prague Way”.
“Rise Vision has empowered our schools to share timely updates, recognize student achievements, and promote events efficiently.” - Greg Pint, Director of Technology at New Prague Area Schools
In conclusion, New Prague Area Schools' innovative collaboration with Rise Vision and Captivate Media demonstrates the impact of recognizing student achievements through dynamic digital signage and engaging video content. By celebrating excellence in academics, sports, service, and leadership, New Prague Area Schools inspire its students to shine bright and make a difference in their community and beyond. With Rise Vision and Captivate Media as their partners, New Prague Area Schools continue to elevate student recognition, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.