​4-Week Journey: Creating the Schenectady Scholars Charter School Website

​When I began the Schenectady Scholars Charter School website project on January 20, 2025, as the Technology and Digital Outreach Specialist, I recognized the critical role a website would play in legitimizing our cause. The school is in its early stages of development, but establishing an online presence was essential to share our vision, connect with the community, and build credibility. This website would serve as a cornerstone for our communication, ensuring that our message reached a broader audience and laid the foundation for future growth.

Website Development Progress: 01/20/25 - 01/24/25

Working on the Schenectady Scholars Charter School website was one of the most significant projects I’ve undertaken, especially as I was getting familiar with Wix website software. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about the large commitment this project required. However, I found confidence in my project planning skills and pushed forward. I started by gathering information about the website's purpose and goals, which gave me a clear direction. During the first week, I focused on designing the layout and selecting a vibrant color palette that aligned with the school’s identity. I also worked on creating the navigation menu and links to ensure an intuitive user experience, while drafting some key content for the school’s pages. This foundational work allowed me to build momentum and set the stage for the rest of the project.

Embracing Growth in Web Development 01/27/25 - 01/31/25

​During my second week, I struggled with balancing school, work, and developing the Schenectady Scholar Charter School website while battling my perfectionist tendencies. I found myself stuck in cycles of overanalyzing minor details—spending hours tweaking fonts and layouts instead of focusing on functionality. The pressure to make everything “perfect” led to frustration and self-doubt, but my mentor, Michael Mokay, helped me shift my mindset. Through his guidance, I realized that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. He encouraged me to step back, reflect on what I had accomplished so far, and appreciate the functionality of the website rather than fixating on every small imperfection.

This week, I was able to update key pages based on content feedback and evolving school needs, ensuring the site remains clear and effective. I also focused on refining the "Support Us" page, adding more opportunities for community involvement, such as volunteering and partnerships to encourage engagement. Additionally, I worked on structuring a projected timeline, which will serve as a roadmap for when we will have a clearer direction for the school’s opening. This timeline will help guide decisions regarding enrollment, staffing, and curriculum development, ensuring we stay on track as we move forward. By the end of the week, I felt more at peace, understanding that done is better than perfect and that every step forward is a step toward success.

Design and User Experience Improvements 02/03/25 - 02/07/25

This week, I focused on refining the updates for my website, making several key improvements. I began by polishing the design to ensure it was not only user-friendly but also consistent with the branding across the site. Next, I updated and fine-tuned all written content for clarity, relevance, and engagement, ensuring it effectively communicates with the target audience. I also tested all links to confirm they were functioning properly, ensuring smooth and seamless navigation.

User experience remained a top priority throughout the process. I optimized the layout to create an intuitive journey for visitors, adjusting proportions and refining the color scheme to enhance both readability and visual appeal. I paid close attention to the alignment of text, images, and other design elements, ensuring they created a harmonious flow and a cohesive look.

To gather valuable insights and feedback, I reached out to a few trusted contacts in the tech field, including my current mentor Michael Mokay and past mentor Frank Archambeault. I also posted in private UX/UI design groups to connect with professionals willing to offer their expertise on the website’s design. Once I receive their feedback, along with input from the Board members, I will carefully evaluate all suggestions. This feedback will be essential in fine-tuning the design to ensure it aligns with both functional objectives and aesthetic standards. After making the necessary adjustments based on their input, I will finalize the design, confident it will meet the expectations of all stakeholders and provide an optimal user experience.

Follow up 02/10/25 - 02/21/25

It’s been two weeks since I last provided an update, and I’m excited to share the progress that’s been made. The feedback from my associates has been overwhelmingly positive, with many complimenting the website’s professional layout and user-friendly design. While my attempt to gather private feedback from strangers didn’t work out as planned, it has been a valuable learning experience. I've gained a deeper understanding of how to balance layout design, SEO, image sizes, and upload speeds for optimal usability.

In terms of updates, I’ve added several new features to the site. I created a dedicated blog page to host long-form updates and announcements, providing a space for ongoing communication. There’s also now an announcement board to keep visitors informed on the latest news. Additionally, I’ve included a volunteer opportunities section, and a contact page to facilitate easy communication. One of the highlights is the new rainbow pattern on the homepage, which adds a fun, engaging touch. For consistency, I’ve incorporated the school’s colors on each page, which gives the website a cohesive and branded feel.

While the timeline for the launch has stretched beyond what I initially anticipated, the additional time has allowed me to fine-tune every detail and improve the overall user experience. I’m now targeting March 3rd, 2025, for the official launch, and I’m looking forward to seeing everything come together. 

The objective slightly changed with inspired the redevelopment project of the school website. This is the link to the finalized initial project:

Link: 

SECONDARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: REDEVELOPED PROJECT