Our district, with its diverse population encompassing 33 languages across 13 schools, faced a communication challenge during the upheaval brought on by the pandemic. As educators, we realized the need for a more efficient and effective way to engage with parents and caregivers. Our reliance on the student information system for communication was no longer sufficient. We sought a centralized solution that would streamline our processes, encompassing everything from clubs and athletics to compliance with annual use policies.
Amidst discussions with fellow superintendents during the pandemic, the Remind Hub platform emerged as a popular choice for enhancing school-home communications. When ParentSquare acquired Remind, we saw an opportunity to transition to a platform that would revolutionize our district engagement. The move to ParentSquare has since proven to be a game-changer for us.
Utilizing the capabilities of this unified communications platform, we have implemented six strategies to enhance district engagement:
Real-time Language Translation
One of the standout features of the platform is its translation function, which ensures accurate and natural translations of messages. Members of our Portuguese-speaking community were particularly impressed by the quality of automated voice messages, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility.
Improved Accountability
With built-in accountability measures, we now have visibility into message reception. This allows us to address any issues promptly, ensuring that our communications are effective and reaching the intended recipients in their preferred language.
Access to Data and Analytics
The platform’s dashboard provides valuable insights and metrics, enabling us to tailor our communications effectively. By utilizing targeted Smart Alerts and other tools, we can deliver the right messages to the right audience at the right time, optimizing engagement.
In addition to these key strategies, the platform offers a user-friendly Studio Editor for creating visually appealing communications, a Secure Documents feature for seamless information dissemination, and high contactability rates across our student population. By leveraging these features, we have achieved a 99% contactability rate and are striving for 100% districtwide, underscoring the platform’s impact on our communication efforts.
Looking ahead, we see the potential to further consolidate tools and reduce costs by maximizing the capabilities of our unified communications platform. As educators with ever-expanding responsibilities and limited time, this tool has become invaluable in maximizing our efficiency and engagement with the school community.
In conclusion, our journey with ParentSquare has been transformative, allowing us to navigate the complexities of district communications with ease. As we continue to explore the full potential of the platform, we are confident that it will play a crucial role in our long-term success.
About the Authors
John Cabral serves as the superintendent of Taunton Public Schools, while Cynthia Johnson fulfills the role of communications coordinator. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and insight to the realm of education and community engagement.
