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ParentSquare - District rolling out new communication tool for 2024-2025 school year
We are excited to share that we will be using a new communication tool for school-to-home communication in the Snohomish School District called ParentSquare beginning next school year (2024-2025). This communication platform is designed to streamline school district and school communication, keep families informed, and encourage greater engagement and connection with our schools and district. The best part of ParentSquare is that it offers translation in more than 100 languages and allows families to customize when and how they want to receive communication!
Beginning at the start of next school year (2024-2025), all district-wide and school-wide information will be sent to families via email and/or text message through ParentSquare, including notifications for emergencies, absences, lunch balances, and inclement weather/snow days and delays. Families will receive communication automatically translated into whatever language they have designated in Skyward/Family Access as their primary home language. They will also be able to change their language settings to any of the 100+ languages.
Families who activate their ParentSquare account will also have access to all school and district communication in one centralized location, which can be utilized through a web browser or by downloading the mobile app (iOS and Android). While activating your account is optional, it offers many features to streamline information, including:
- Direct two-way messaging that is automatically translated (families can send messages in their home language and it will be auto translated into English for those on the receiving end to read)
- Consolidated, newsfeed-style communications from multiple sources in one place
- School calendars
- And many more features!
Within the coming weeks and months, all families will receive more information about the platform including an email invitation and directions on how to activate their ParentSquare account. This step is optional and is for those who want to change their language settings and have access to all school and district communication in one centralized location through ParentSquare’s web browser or mobile app. If you do not activate your account, you will still receive all important district and school communication via email and text message.
Many other districts in the nation and region use ParentSquare as their school-to-home communication too. Other school districts currently using this platform include Northshore, Mukilteo, Monroe, Edmonds, Lake Washington, Shoreline, Bellingham, Oak Harbor, South Whidbey, Lynden, and Ferndale.
We will roll out the system in a “soft launch” to district staff and families this June. During the June “soft launch,” our district teams will be using this period to troubleshoot issues and adjust as needed. It will also allow users to register their accounts and familiarize themselves with the system before the start of the new school year. Throughout the summer and before the start of the school year, additional resources will be provided to help users navigate the system.
Note: ParentSquare will be used for all district-wide and school-wide communication, including school newsletters, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. With this rollout of ParentSquare, the automated mass notification system School Messenger and our listserv subscription tool for newsletters will no longer be used as of late August 2024. Please note that the School Messenger and listserv will continue to be used through the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year.
Our goal is for every Snohomish School District family to join ParentSquare and stay connected! Watch for more information in the coming weeks, and thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we roll out this new communication tool to better engage and effectively communicate with you!
Learn more at www.sno.wednet.edu/parentsquare.