Schools introduce new communication tools

Limestone Learning Foundation
Schools introduce new communication tools
Posted on 09/13/2019
Image of postcard promoting SchoolMessenger tools

Our Board and schools have introduced several new electronic tools to help communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way.

The tools are part of the SchoolMessenger app which allows schools to share important school information with families via text, phone or email message. Schools will use this tool for urgent items like event cancellations or school emergencies. They may also use it for sharing information such as upcoming progress reports, school council meetings or special events.

Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information that is collected in our student information system. This information is exchanged via a secure connection between the Board and SchoolMessenger. This is the same system that also allows parents/guardians to report their student’s absence in advance, or report back to the school regarding an unexplained absence.

Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts by text message, email or phone call with the exception of emergency events or attendance calls which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school. It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year. If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information.

Our new system also allows teachers to communicate directly with families via a group message option. Teachers will provide families with a code so they can sign up for these messages, all available within the SchoolMessenger app or website.

The easiest way to have access to all these tools is to set up a SchoolMessenger account. We encourage you to create a SchoolMessenger account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place.

Learn how to:

Our mobile app is the best way for families to stay connected to what’s going on at school. The free LDSB mobile app, which can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play Store. The new app allows users to subscribe to their schools of choice and will provide families with instant access to school calendars and news items as well as links to sports schedules, busing information and social media accounts. Be sure to select “push notifications” when you  download the app to receive the latest news from your school(s) and the Board.

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.