FormLetters+ (formerly known as sqlFormLetters) is a free plugin that allows one to create form letters, plus individual student and staff reports. The output is an HTML page containing all of the letters, but when printed, page breaks will create individual letters and reports. The content of the letters can be just text, text and field and DAT references, or text and some of the content created using SQL. FormLetters+ can run in either the admin or teacher portal. Below is an example how it looks when running a letter that will show a list of courses based on a percentage range (this letter and more can be found in the Custom Letters area of this site):
Running the letter allows the user to enter any user parameters built into the letter. In addition to any user parameters, all of the student letters in the admin portal have the following options (the options are slightly different for staff letters and letters in the teacher portal):
Advantages to Using FormLetters+
- Flexibility - letters can be based on just text, or include SIS coding and DAT's. Also, SQL can be used to create letters that can't be created using legacy systems like object reports or ReportWorks, such as letters with a list of courses with low grades, teacher recommendations, a list of office visits, etc.
- Letters or Individual Reports - in addtion to creating form letters, one can create individual student and staff reports, such as student schedules, permission slips, health office information, and even report cards.
- HTML Coding - FormLetters+ is HTML based and CSS and HTML coding can be used to specify the layout and look of the letter.
- Custom Letters - basic letters can be created using the FormLetters+ user interface, but more complicated letters can be created as HTML pages that can be run with FormLetters+.
- Letters in One Place - the FormLetters+ home page allows users to find the letters easily. In fact, FormLetters+ is coded similar to sqlReports, and includes a lot of the same fuctionality, such as Run Access and drop-downs.
- It's Free! - the customization is free to anyone who has an account on the FreundResources.net web site. Free user guides and sample letters are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
No - it's a customization that's independent of sqlReports.
The only difference is a change in the name. Although the name has changed, the installation folder, extended table, fields, and prefs all stayed the same for backwards compatibility. Any letters created in earlier versions of sqlFormLetters will still work in FormLetters+.