News Summary
As the new school year nears, districts like Bluffton and Spencerville are upgrading how they communicate with parents. With technology replacing traditional methods, schools are implementing text alert systems and mobile apps to keep families informed. The emphasis on effective communication has grown, especially with tools like SchoolMessenger and One Call Now. Parents are encouraged to sign up for alerts to stay engaged in their children’s education, reflecting a broader trend in educational technology adoption.
Spencerville, Ohio – As the new school year approaches, parents of school-age children are stepping up their preparations, focusing not only on supplying their children with necessary school items but also on ensuring they have the technology needed to stay informed about school communications. With rapid changes in how schools communicate with families, traditional alerts are increasingly being replaced by modern digital platforms.
Historically, schools have relied on methods such as print notices, radio and television announcements regarding delays and cancellations, and paper notes sent home with students. However, the importance of effective communication between parents and educators has become even more apparent as advancements in technology allow for quicker and more efficient messaging. Superintendents from various local school districts are prioritizing the enhancement of parent communication through the adoption of digital platforms.
Among the districts that have successfully implemented newer communication methods is the Lima school district, which has been using SchoolMessenger as their text alert platform for several years. In contrast, the Bluffton school district recently transitioned from the now-defunct Sendit text alert platform to One Call Now for their notifications. Bluffton’s superintendent commented on the importance of their athletic alert system and other notifications aimed at community members.
Similarly, the Spencerville school district has opted for One Call Now as its alert system, investing approximately $4,000 annually for its text alert features. This system allows Spencerville to send specific notifications tailored to different groups, such as general alerts and updates regarding sporting events.
Additionally, the Wapakoneta school district has pursued a comprehensive approach to communication by developing a smartphone app that delivers alerts and provides district information, including staff directories and athletic schedules. Using the Thrillshare platform, Wapakoneta’s app allows for multiple forms of notifications—such as calls, texts, emails, and social media posts—streamlining communications from a single system.
The rise in the usage of educational apps reflects a growing trend among schools and families. From 310 million users in 2018, the number of education app users surged to 709 million by 2023, with 939 million downloads occurring in the same year. This growth has been particularly pronounced in applications like Google Classroom, which became widely utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other popular educational tools include ClassDojo, which enhances communication between teachers and students and helps in disseminating school announcements. Even though many parents appreciate the convenience of these apps, some report feelings of being overwhelmed due to the multitude of communication platforms in use. School districts are working diligently to address this challenge, aiming to minimize notification overload while still keeping families informed.
To ensure that parents are well-prepared for the upcoming academic year, Bluffton’s district has undertaken proactive measures to promote their new alert system. There is a focused effort to encourage parents to sign up for notifications, with a goal of achieving high enrollment in time for the new school year. While some districts automatically enroll families in alert systems during online registration, others rely on manual sign-ups from parents.
As the start of the school year looms, both Bluffton and Spencerville districts are encouraging families to register for alerts so that they can remain engaged and informed about their children’s educational experiences. Schools continue to strive for improved communication methods, enhancing the connection between parents and educators, and ultimately benefiting the students they serve.
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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
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