Thing 12:

Google has become a commonly used verb in my vocabulary. It is my go to search engine! Google alerts is interesting. I like that you can narrow your alert results or keep them broad and general. You can also decide when you receive the alerts (as-it-happens, once daily or weekly). You can also get all the results or just the best ones. I think Google Calendar would be a great tool for teachers. They can post their daily schedules on there, so parents know what subject(s) their students will miss if they leave early. Teachers can also put field trips, other special events, and various reminders on the calendar to share with parents. Google Translate would come in handy with communicating with parents, like at parent-teacher conferences, who may not speak English at all or very well. I like that you can even attach a file to it and it will translate it. If you are not sure which language it is to begin with, Google Translate can handle that too.