Case Study: Ethel Dwyer Middle School achieves real-time student engagement and reduced administrative workload with Claris FileMaker

Real-time data motivates students and has the power to change school culture

Ethel Dwyer Middle School (K–12) in Huntington Beach faced fragmented data systems, heavy administrative workloads and the need to better engage students and improve school culture. Typical tasks—from registering track-meet results to assigning lockers, scheduling facilities and tracking behavior—were paper-driven, time-consuming and inconsistent, limiting real-time decision-making and positive reinforcement.

The school implemented a teacher-centered custom app built on the Claris FileMaker platform that consolidates data silos and integrates with the district Student Information System, accessible on desktops, iPads and phones. The result: major time savings (locker assignments cut from four days to one), elimination of double-bookings, real-time student engagement at events, faster, more effective discipline and a PBIS-based rewards system that helped earn statewide PBIS recognition—while creating a single, adaptable platform for whole-child decision making and future MTSS/SEL expansion.

Ethel Dwyer Middle School

Don Gray

P.E. Teacher