Point Isabel Independent School District Don’t Get Caught Crying Wolf! Best Practices For Sending Mass Notifications

Mass Notification Messages Communication is the foundation of effective parent and community engagement. By sending messages to your audiences through the devices and channels they prefer, you'll build a connected and safe environment for learning. -Blackboard

Message Request Forms Message request forms must be submitted if messages are being sent for club, extra curricular activity, or athletic purposes. Request should be turned in in a timely manner. Message requests should include the Spanish translation of the message. Connect Ed excel.xlsx

Setting Restrictions Make sure calls are made after 5:00 PM, but before 8:00 PM If only sending via text or e-mail make sure they are either during lunch hour or after 5 PM, but before 8 PM Messages can only be sent with the same information no more than 3 times within a 2 week period

Set a Schedule Please try and follow the set schedule to unify when messages are being sent so that parents don’t get bombarded with messages. Send times should be coordinated with the following times. Elementary – 5:30 PM Junior High – 6:00 PM High School - 7:00 PM

Create Draft Messages Don’t wait until it happens create draft messages. Examples Inclement weather days No Electricity School Closures

Collecting Information Blackboard Connect Parent Form.doc Utilize the form to get the most accurate information and best source of communication to reach parent/guardians.

Other Way to Send Messages Mobile App Push Notification

Website and Mobile App Headlines Pictures need to be uniformed and sized 350 x 270 If headline is for a certain time frame include start and end dates Highlight any and all student and campus achievements Honor roll Student of the week Teacher of the month Any awards Sport achievements UIL achievements Calendar At the beginning of each month include all events scheduled on campus calendar Make sure to link to district calendar

Website and Mobile App Cont. Mobile app push notifications Notifications can be sent from mobile app and will post on all linked accounts This feature saves times Can also edit your campus portion of the app

Communication Specialist Josephine Torres Point Isabel ISD Communication Specialist jtorres@pi-isd.net 956-943-0091