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School will upgrade communications system |
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Friday, 01 February 2008 |
A new tool to enhance communications between the
Forest Lake Area Schools and parents and staff will be implemented next
week. The district recently announced the implementation of a new
messaging service called Connect-ED by the NTI Group, Inc. Connect-ED
will allow district leaders to personally communicate with parents,
faculty and staff with time-sensitive information within minutes.
“Through the strategic planning process parents stressed the
importance of fast, effective communication,” said Lynn Steenblock,
superintendent. “We recognize the important role that immediate
communication plays in safety as well as with ongoing parent outreach
initiatives. We’re excited to offer Connect-ED as another important
tool to share information.”
The Connect-ED service enables school and district leaders to schedule,
send, and track personalized voice messages at up to six phone numbers
and two e-mail addresses per student. In all, the multi-modal service
helps officials reach out to parents and staff via:
● Voice messages to home phones, work phones, cell phones, and
even e-mails
● Text messages to cell phones, PDAs and other text-based devices
● Written messages to e-mail accounts
● Messages to TTY/TDD receiving devices for the hearing impaired
“It’s crucial that we are able to notify parents immediately in
emergency situations because up-to-date communication helps minimize the
spread of misinformation, restore order and provide direction,”
Steenblock said.
The system can be used to inform parents and staff members of school
closures due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. It is
also an effective way to keep parents informed about important events at
their child’s school.
To learn more about the Connect-ED messaging system, visit the
district’s website at www.forestlake.k12.mn.us.
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