Pickett County Schools transitioning to the ParentSquare app to improve communication and ensure student safety.
Technology Supervisor and School Safety Coordinator Ethan Holt said the district identified a communication issue with its previous system that prompted the search for a new platform. Holt said the decision to switch was driven by his responsibilities in school safety.
“Just being able to communicate I think from a safety standpoint is key,” Holt said. “That should be our number one priority is being able to communicate with parents. So we just wanted a new system that allowed us to do so.”
Holt said the previous “all-call” system failed to reach approximately 20 to 30 percent of the intended recipients. Holt said the new platform has already achieved 100 percent contact with parents across the district.
“I think just clarity throughout the system and comfort from parents knowing that the school can contact them during, you know, emergencies or just daily activities within the school,” Holt said.
The platform allows for two-way messaging between parents and teachers while keeping personal phone numbers private. Holt said the system stores all communications on the district’s end and offers a more user-friendly experience than the previous method.
“The text allows it to stay on your phone, doesn’t go away like a call would,” Holt said.
The app utilizes push notifications and text messages, which can be accessed on smartphones, flip phones, or desktop computers. Holt said the district uses the service for classroom updates, school-wide events, and mass alerts for school closings.
“I would like for people to start using it and not let it be something we just have that’s occasionally used,” Holt said. “That’s where we want to do most of our communication through.”
Holt said the district is asking for patience from parents during the transition and encourages anyone with technical issues to contact their school office for assistance.
