Schools Enhance Communication with New Alert Systems

News Summary

As the new school year approaches, schools in Spencerville, Bluffton, and Wapakoneta are implementing advanced communication tools to connect with parents. Shifting away from traditional methods, these districts are adopting platforms such as One Call Now and Thrillshare to ensure timely notifications regarding important updates. While the technology improves engagement, districts are mindful of reducing notification overload for parents, emphasizing the importance of keeping families informed as they prepare for the academic year ahead.

Spencerville – As the new school year approaches, parents of school-age children are preparing by ensuring both supplies and technology are ready. In recent years, schools have reformed communication methods to better connect with parents, moving beyond traditional alerts such as print, radio, and television announcements. Education institutions are now increasingly relying on technological solutions to foster seamless communication between educators and families.

The shift in communication methods has been propelled by advancements in cellular technology, leading schools to adopt platforms that include email, text messaging, and even smartphone applications. For instance, Lima schools have effectively used the SchoolMessenger platform for text alerts over the past few years, significantly enhancing their communication strategy with parents.

In Bluffton, schools faced a change after their previous text alert platform, Sendit, ceased operations at the end of July. They have now transitioned to One Call Now, a service that will facilitate their alert system and improve how they communicate important news to parents, especially regarding athletics and community events. Bluffton’s educational leaders are promoting their new alert system to urge parents to sign up, seeking a high enrollment ahead of the upcoming school year.

Meanwhile, Spencerville has made a similar switch to One Call Now, investing around $4,000 annually for its text alert features. Their alert system is designed to provide distinct notifications for different groups, ensuring that parents receive relevant information, including general updates and specific sports announcements.

Wapakoneta schools, along with several other districts in the area, have developed a smartphone app to keep parents informed. The app, built using the Thrillshare platform, offers alerts and district information, including staff directories and athletic schedules. This system integrates multiple notification methods such as calls, texts, emails, and social media posts, providing a comprehensive communication tool for families.

According to recent data, the number of education app users has surged dramatically, growing from 310 million in 2018 to 709 million in 2023. Additionally, there were 939 million downloads of education applications in 2023, showcasing the momentum of digital tools in education, particularly highlighted through platforms like Google Classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. ClassDojo is also recognized as an effective tool for improving the lines of communication between teachers, students, and families.

Despite the positive aspects of technology in school communications, some parents might feel overwhelmed by the numerous applications and alerts received. To address this concern, school districts are making a concerted effort to reduce notification overload while encouraging families to stay informed. Parent engagement is critical, and Bluffton, along with Spencerville, is focusing on promoting their alert systems as the new school year approaches. Some districts automatically enroll families when they sign up for online registration, while others require manual sign-ups for their alert systems.

As the new academic year looms near, both Bluffton and Spencerville school districts are dedicated to ensuring that families are prepared and registered for alerts. This modernization of communication practices stands to create a more informed community, enhancing the relationship between educators and parents as they work together in support of their children’s education.

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Additional Resources

• Lima Ohio: Communication Between Schools & Parents
• News9: School Closings
• KHQ: School Closures & Delays
• PennLive: School Closings & Delays
• WTOL: School Closings & Weather Events
• Wikipedia: School Closure
• Google Search: School Communications
• Google Scholar: Technology in Education
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Google News: School Communications