Mom creates school database system

Tracie Oken, mother of twin boys who attend Westlake Elementary School and a former software engineer, has created MyDirectoryMaker, an easytouse, complete software solution that delivers printready directory reports for schools and PTA groups.

The system is designed for volunteer parents who face the difficulty of organizing and managing the vast amount of family information collected and distributed through family directories and PTA membership rosters.

Oken drew inspiration from her morethan20year background in software development for large aerospace companies and the U.S. Navy. She enlisted the help of her husband, Jay Oken, who consults companies and nonprofit organizations on how to use technology to streamline their businesses.

The software's key functions include the following:

•Contact management for family and faculty contact information. Data entry is quick and simple with default values and list formats. Keeps track of details for students with divorced families.

•Reports by school, grade, class, class roster, staff/faculty members, change report, mailing labels, distribution lists and board members.

•Membership management eliminates the need for multiple databases. Keeps track of donations, board and committee positions. Includes an export to the national PTA database (OMDR).

•The importer brings in data from an existing spreadsheet file.

•Automatic promotion and graduation.

•Export e-mail addresses creates e-mail groups that can be imported into any standard email program and distributed to the school, teachers and room parents.

•Automatic data confirmation letter sends families current contact information at the beginning of the school year, with an option for them to modify the details or to opt out.

"The response from PTA members and other parents has been overwhelming," Oken said.

"In just two months, we've attracted customers from all over the country and a thick stack of thank-you notes."

For more information or to download a free trial, visit www.mydirectorymaker.com.