Schools introduce Communicate broadcast tool

Schools introduce Communicate broadcast tool
Schools will begin using a new broadcasting tool to communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way.

The “Communicate” system will allow us to share important school information with families via text, email or phone message. We will use this tool for urgent items like event cancellations or school emergencies. We may also use it for sharing information such as upcoming progress reports, school council meetings or special events.

Secondary school families will be familiar with a previous version of the broadcast tool (Synrevoice) which allows schools to send messages about student attendance and other important school information.

Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information collected in our student information system. Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts by text message, email or phone call with the exception of emergency events which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school. If parents/guardians choose to receive text messages, they must opt-in due to potential charges from their cell phone carrier. This feature will be turned on Nov. 15 and parents and guardians may receive a text asking if they wish to opt in. Learn how to opt-in for text messages.

It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year. If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information.

Teacher/Coach/Extra-Curricular Leader Messaging:

In addition, teachers and coaches/leaders of extra-curricular activities will also be able to take advantage of an instant message option to keep students and families up to date regarding classroom or practice/game activities in a timely manner. Students and parents/guardians will be invited to join a group and receive messages related specifically to their group. Information on how to join groups will be shared directly with students and families by the teacher, coach/leader. Learn how to join a group.

School Messenger App Account:
All of our new electronic communications tools can be accessed anytime, anywhere online and/or via Smartphones. To take advantage of this new convenience and functionality, we encourage you to create a School Messenger account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place. Learn how to create an account.

Communicate does not replace current school communication tools but enhances the way in which schools will provide information to families. In most cases, information will still be provided on school websites, school newsletters, notices home and social media accounts, where applicable.

Parents/guardians should expect to receive notifications from the system soon.