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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Setting Restrictions
Make sure calls are made after 5:00 PM, but before 8:00 PM
If only sending via text or 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. Other Way to Send Messages
Mobile App Push Notification

9. 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

10. 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

12. Communication Specialist
Josephine Torres
Point Isabel ISD
Communication Specialist