Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this site?
- To provide a simple, convenient way for parents to opt-in to communications from Orono School District parent associations and the Foundation - prevents the need to enter information into multiple sources.
- To build community by offering a free resource for parents to easily connect with one another.
I did this last year. Do I need to do it again?
Yes - if you want to receive communications and/or be included in or have access to the directory. Due to Minnesota State law, parents need to opt-in and reactivate accounts each school year.
What organizations are managing this site?
Organizations partnering to provide this site and community resource are the Orono Foundation for Education (OFE: Pre-K - 12), the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO: K-5), Orono Middle School Parent Association (OMSPA: 6-8) and Spartan Parent Association (SPA: 9-12). Learn more on the About Us page.
What organizations will I receive communications from?
You will only receive communications from the organizations that are tied to your student's school(s). When you enter/verify your student's information this will include a name and grade level. Communications are distributed based on grade level and opt-in preferences.
How will I receive communications?
You will receive information through the email address(es) provided on the Family Information Form.
Who is included in the directory?
Only parents of current students in the Orono School District are included in and can access the directory.
How is the information secured?
We verify each new account with the Orono School District to ensure that only parents of current students are in the directory and can access the directory. The information provided is never given out to external organizations, and access is password-protected.
Do I need to pay for it?
NO! There is no cost to create an account and access to the online directory is now FREE for all parents. If you would still like to purchase a printed copy, orders must be submitted by October 1.
How do I access or create my account?
Returning Users:
- Login on the Membership Toolkit homepage (if needed, click on 'I forgot my password' to reset)
- Confirm/update parent contact information and select communication preferences
- Confirm/update student name and grade information
- Determine publishing preferences for District-Wide Parent Directory
New Users:
- Click on 'Create Account' on the Membership Toolkit homepage
- Enter name and email address
- Open email from Membership Toolkit to verify
- Click on link in email to access contact information form
- Enter parent contact information and communication preferences
- Enter student name and grade information
- Determine publishing preferences for District-Wide Parent Directory
How do I access the free online directory?
Once your account is verified, you can access the online directory in two ways:
- Membership Toolkit Website: Login and click on 'Parent Directory Access' in the menu bar.
- Membership Toolkit App: You can download the app in the App Store or on Google Play. Login and click on the icon for 'Access Parent Directory'.
Note: you will not have access until your account is verified with the Orono School District. If you are not seeing 'Parent Directory Access' it is because your account has not been verified yet. This is a manual process so please provide 1-2 business days after creating a new account to access.
What if I do not want my information published in the directory?
You do not have to have your information published in the directory. Once you enter/verify parent and student information, you will be able to select what, if any, information you want published on the Directory Publish Preferences page. There is no requirement to share your information, and what information you share is completely up to you. You can change your preferences any time throughout the school year.
Can I access the directory if my information is not published in the directory?
Yes - as long as you are a verified parent of a current student in the Orono School District.
What if I want to be in the directory but I don't want to receive communications?
You can still be included in and access the directory, even if you don't want to receive email communications from OFE, PTO, OMSPA and/or SPA. Select the Opt-OUT buttons under Email Communications on the Family Information Form.
Can I change/update my information?
Yes, you can change or update your information at anytime throughout the school year by going to the Family Information Form.
How long will I have access to the directory?
The directory will be active from early September to late July of each school year. During the month of August the site is shutdown for updates and maintenance, and all accounts are designated 'Inactive' until parents login to reactivate their accounts the next school year.
What do parents use the directory for?
Parents have used the directory for a variety of things including but not limited to birthday and grad party invitations, holiday cards, connecting with parents for playdates/hang outs, checking in with or getting to know parents of your student's friend's, finding contact information for a student your child met on the bus or playground, looking up a parent you met at an activity that you would like to ask a question or send follow up information to, or finding other students in your neighborhood or in your child's class (available for K-5 only).
What if my child has multiple households or there are more than two parents who want the information?
If your child has multiple households, two primary parents can be entered into one account with separate addresses and contact information. Both parents can also be given the ability to manage the account separately.
If there are more than two parents who want communications and who want to be included in the directory, separate accounts can be created - just know that this will result in your child having duplicate accounts in the system. Note: ALL parents must be verified as a registered parent of a current student with the Orono School District.
What are Parent Association Dues?
Dues are fees that parents pay to parent associations at their child's school. These dues are used to fund various activities, programs, and resources that benefit the school and its students. Dues help to cover educational field trips, teacher grants, classroom resources, school-wide events and teacher appreciation efforts. For more questions, reach out to your specific parent organization.
Who do I contact if I have issues with the site?
Please contact the Foundation at staff@oronofoundation.org or 952-545-6873.
