Dear Families,
We are excited to announce that Windber Area School District is transitioning to a new communication platform called ParentSquare for the 2024-2025 school year. This change means we will be moving away from using Remind, Seesaw, SMORE, and other tools. ParentSquare will serve as our all-in-one communication hub, handling everything from routine updates to emergency notifications, such as delays and cancellations. Teachers, administrators, and coaches will exclusively use ParentSquare to communicate.
We wanted to inform you about this change now so you can plan accordingly. We understand that this transition may cause some confusion and anxiety, but we ask you to give it a fair chance. We believe it will significantly streamline our communication efforts. We will start to transition all communication via ParentSquare starting immediately.
This change will take effect in the 2024-2025 school year as we conclude various contracts to unify our communication tools. As we roll out ParentSquare, we anticipate encountering some errors, mistakes, and frustration. This is a normal part of the learning process, so don't worry about making mistakes. We are confident that together we can learn how to use this new tool in no time.
We recognize that this transition will require time and effort from everyone, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. See below for some additional clarification regarding the change. In the meantime, we are asking Parents to register their accounts and download the app so that we can start communicating with families through this new avenue.
We have created a page on our website dedicated to ParentSquare. This page offers detailed information and resources for both staff and families to learn more about the platform. I strongly suggest you visit the site to learn more about ParentSquare.
To join ParentSquare and to receive communication, we are asking families to do the following:
- Register your account. Click here to review a getting started guide. Click here for the actual log-in page to register for an account and log into the dashboard. You will soon receive an invitation email or text to join ParentSquare. Please click the link to activate your account. It takes less than a minute.
- Download the app for your phone to receive notifications from the district. Click here to visit our webpage with the download options for iPhone or Android systems. Once on this page, open your camera and scan the QR code for iPhone or Android.
What is ParentSquare?
ParentSquare is a unified communication platform designed to consolidate all parent and guardian communications from the district, schools, classrooms, and activity groups into one easy-to-use system. This will streamline our communication efforts and ensure consistency across the district.
Why are we making this change?
We have been using multiple communication platforms across the district because each offered different functionalities. ParentSquare provides all these functions under one umbrella, simplifying communication for teachers, students, and families. It will also replace School Messenger as our primary tool for sending emails and e-blasts.
Key Features of ParentSquare
- Mass notifications and urgent alerts with two-way communication
- Mobile app for administrators and parents (iOS and Android)
- Attendance notifications
- Teacher and classroom communication
- Direct messaging with two-way translation
- Appointment sign-ups (parent-teacher conferences, technology pick-ups)
- Calendar and RSVP
- Volunteering and classroom supply sign-ups
- And more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ParentSquare replacing other platforms such as Class Dojo, SMORE, and Remind? Yes, ParentSquare is replacing all previous platforms to unify and simplify our communication efforts.
Will ParentSquare be used for classroom assignments? No, ParentSquare will not be the main source for classroom assignments. However, teachers can use it to remind families and students of due dates.
What happens to posts and messages at the end of the school year? Most posts and messages are archived on June 30 each year, allowing for a fresh start in the upcoming school year.
How is information updated in ParentSquare? Information in ParentSquare is synced with PowerSchool. Any updates to staff or family data should be made in PowerSchool and will be reflected in ParentSquare within 24 hours.
Can I change my contact information in ParentSquare? Yes, you can update your email or cell phone number by editing your account in ParentSquare. If you encounter any issues, please contact your school office.
Who will ParentSquare contact? ParentSquare will notify those listed as Primary Parent, Parent, or Guardian in PowerSchool.
Should each school use the calendar function in ParentSquare? Yes, linking your school’s Google calendar to ParentSquare ensures that families see the most up-to-date events and important dates.
We believe ParentSquare will greatly enhance our communication capabilities and look forward to working with you during this transition. For more information, please visit the ParentSquare page on our website or reach out with any questions.