Don't underestimate the importance of how you roll out your new notifications system to your school and community.
When there is an emergency, quick and accurate communications are critical. Getting your school staff and community onboarded into your notifications system quickly, and painlessly is important if you want them to be ready to receive your messages when you need them to. People want to receive communications in a way that works best for them. For example, some people prefer SMS/text because they are on the go, others prefer email because they are at their desk much of the day and it's just a click away. The first step in your success is a planned product roll-out.
At the beginning of the school year, you already have certain communications, links, packets and other materials to get parents and students all the information they need for a successful year. Here, we provide you one way of making sure they know about your messaging system and how to adjust their preferences the way they like.
Further, let's take the time to get your message center set up all the way right now. Don't wait until there's a need to send your first communication. The onboarding process you'll follow to get set up can take just over a week before you can actually send out your first communication. Why, you may ask? Our upstream communications provider is required by FCC to make sure you are not a spammer before they let you send out bulk emails, texts and phone calls. Let's get the process done and have you ready to start sending communications!
Step 1 - Data Synchronization from your SIS
During the setup of the message center, we'll work with you to synchronize your Student Information System (SIS) data to our side so that you can manage lists, send messages, and allow people to set their preferences and update their information.
Step 2 - Provide your Organization Information
You'll fill out a basic form providing all the information about your organization and its primary and secondary contacts, and then it is subject to human review. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete the form, but can take several days to gain authorization. Don't worry, we'll guide you through the process until it's done.
Step 3 - Verify your Email Address and Phone Number
Before you can send emails, texts and phone calls, you need to verify your domain, validate the phone number and set up caller ID so people can recognize you. We can thank spammers and their abuse of communications for having to jump through these hoops.
Step 4 - Inform your Community
Include information about your notifications system to your faculty/staff, parents and community. This includes a brief overview of the system, what they should expect, and instructions on how they can update their settings and change information if needed.
Step 5 - Send out an initial Communication
We'll provide you a broadcast template specifically for your initial communication at the start of the school year. This message would also go out to new users that come over from your SIS after the start of the year. The goal here is two-fold. First, to inform your community of the presence of your notifications system, and second, give everyone the opportunity set their preferred way to get your messages.
Relax, we're here to support you every step of the way and when you have questions or run into a problem, contact our support team and we'll help walk you through tit.