For PowerSchool, School Loop has a custom Java program that will reads the grade import file from School Loop and modifies it to be compatible with PowerSchool's import utility. Contact School Loop to get the latest version of Gripper for PowerSchool.
Using Gripper for PowerSchool
1. Install Gripper
Download Gripper using the link provided by School Loop. Unzip and save the Gripper program to a local directory on a computer that has access rights to the directory containing the database for your SIS.
2. Launch Gripper
Locate and double click the batch file: gripper.bat.
3. Choose the Grade Import File
Click the Import File tab, then the Choose button to select the import file previously created. (See the Grade Export Setup page)
4. Enter Database Information
Click the Database tab, then enter values for Host, as well as the User and Password credentials for a database user with read access rights. Then Click Connect.
5. Enter PowerSchool Information
Click the Powerschool tab, then click Choose to set the name and location for the PowerSchool Import File that will be generated. Enter the Store Code for your grading period, then click Create PowerSchool Import File.
Terms and Percentages multiplies the EarnedCrHours by the percentage specified for the term of the section (default is 100%).
6. Import Grades into PowerSchool
Locate the PowerSchool compatible data file generated by Gripper and use this file to imports grades using PowerSchool grade import utility.
Connecting to Hosted Version of PowerSchool
To connect Gripper to your hosted PowerSchool database:
1. Setup A VPN Connection
Pearson provides this connection
2. Obtain the following information about your database
IP address, Port number, and SID for your PowerSchool database.
3. Edit Gripper.bat in the Gripper folder
Replace the default port number (1521) if necessary and replace PSPRODDB with the database SID in the java line: java -DjdbcCon=jdbc:oracle:thin:%%s/%%s@%%s:1521:PSPRODDB
