![Parent Suare Banner](https://www.ofpanthers.com/departments/technology/ParentSquare%20Banner.png)
We're excited to announce our transition to a new communication platform, ParentSquare, beginning July 2024.
Why the Change?
Communication can be a complicated endeavor, with numerous platforms and preferences. ParentSquare offers a flexible and user-friendly experience for receiving important school district information in one application. Often calls, emails, texts, and social media posts can get lost in the shuffle. Although the district will continue to send emails, texts, and social media posts, ParentSquare offers a way to keep much of this information in one place. Also, parents will now have options to specify how and when they are notified for certain messages.
How OFPS Uses ParentSquare
OFPS communicates with families about important events, inclement weather, and emergency situations via ParentSquare. The type of communication will depend on the type of situation and user preference.
Email
Email is one of the primary forms of communication through ParentSquare. Email is used to communicate school-level and district-wide news/events that are non-emergency in nature. Emergency alerts are sent via email in conjunction with other forms of communication.
ParentSquare App (Preferred)
The mobile/desktop app is another primary form of communication through ParentSquare. The app is used for the same purposes as email. The ParentSquare mobile app is available for download for both iOS and Android devices.
Text Messages
Text messages are used for time-sensitive messages and in emergency situations. Parents are automatically registered to receive notifications when they enroll their student in the district.
Phone Calls
Phone calls are only used in elevated situations.
Resources for Families
Activation Process
ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number that is currently in our Skyward student information system. We encourage parents to access their accounts, so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.
ParentSquare has a variety of features to streamline district/school communications, such as:
- Receive messages from the school via email, text or app notification
- Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6:00 p.m.
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage with your school community
FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, CAREGIVERS: HOW DO I ACTIVATE MY ACCOUNT?
Parents/guardians/caregivers are automatically connected to ParentSquare but must activate their accounts to receive text messages, app notifications and voice calls through the system.
To activate your account, go to www.parentsquare.com/signin and on the right side of the screen in the “Sign Up/Create Password” area, enter the email address or cell phone number that you have on file with the school. You may also reference the following documents for additional support with ParentSquare.
HOW CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY PARENTSQUARE MESSAGE PREFERENCES?
- When you are logged in to ParentSquare, in the top right hand corner of the page click on your name and then “My Account.”
- On the right side of the page, in the area that says “Notification Settings” click “Customize Your Settings”
- This will bring you to a page that will allow you to turn your settings for Email, App Notifications, and Text Messages (if enabled) to either: OFF, INSTANT, or DIGEST, as defined above.
For any inquiries about ParentSquare, please view the PARENTSQUARE FAQ website or email your school office directly using their contact information from this link.
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