Spencerville, Bluffton, Lima, Wapakoneta, August 10, 2025
News Summary
With the new school year approaching, schools are focusing on improving communication with parents. Many are adopting modern technologies like alert systems and smartphone apps to provide timely information. Schools like Bluffton and Spencerville are implementing One Call Now, while Wapakoneta develops an app leveraging Thrillshare. The aim is to engage parents effectively and streamline notifications to reduce overload. As communication methods evolve, families can expect better access to crucial updates regarding their children’s education.
Schools Enhance Parent Communication as New School Year Approaches
As the new school year approaches, parents of school-age children are taking steps to ensure they have the necessary supplies and technology ready. One significant focus this year is improving the communication between schools and families. Traditionally, schools relied on methods such as print notices, radio, and television announcements to alert parents about important events like delays, cancellations, or other updates. However, many schools are now embracing technology to enhance this crucial communication.
Brian Woods, the superintendent of Spencerville schools, highlighted the necessity of maintaining effective communication between educators and parents. With the rise of cellular technology, school communication methods have evolved significantly to include email and text messaging, providing more immediate and accessible information to families.
Adopting New Alert Systems
Lima schools have successfully used the SchoolMessenger platform for text alerts for several years. Meanwhile, Bluffton schools had been utilizing the Sendit text alert platform, which ceased operations on July 31. In response to this change, Bluffton schools have transitioned to One Call Now for their alert systems. According to Bluffton superintendent Greg Denecker, this new platform includes an athletic alert system and other notifications on school events important for community members.
Similarly, Spencerville schools have adopted One Call Now, investing approximately $4,000 annually for their text alert services. This strong alert system allows for tailored notifications for different groups, including general updates and specific sports information.
Wapakoneta schools are also making strides in parent engagement by developing a smartphone app that provides alerts and district information, such as staff directories and athletic schedules. The app leverages Thrillshare, which permits alert notifications using a single system for calls, text messages, emails, and social media posts.
Increasing Usage of Education Apps
The use of education apps has seen a remarkable rise, increasing from 310 million users in 2018 to 709 million in 2023. In that same year, there were 939 million downloads of education apps, with platforms such as Google Classroom gaining significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. ClassDojo is another app making waves by fostering communication between teachers, students, and sending out school announcements.
Despite the advantages that technology brings, some parents may feel overwhelmed by the influx of multiple communication apps and alerts. School districts are aware of this concern and are working to minimize notification overload to ensure parents receive only the most critical updates.
Encouraging Parent Sign-Ups
To prepare for the upcoming school year, Bluffton schools are proactively promoting their new alert system, encouraging parents to sign up for notifications to enhance engagement. Effective enrollment is critical, and some districts automatically register families during online registration, while others expect parents to sign up manually. Bluffton and Spencerville districts are focused on increasing registration among families as the start of the school year draws near.
Conclusion
The integration of technology in school communication efforts is proving beneficial for educational institutions and families alike. As systems modernize and improve, parents can look forward to more streamlined and accessible communication as the new school year unfolds.
FAQ
What are the new communication systems being adopted by schools?
Schools are adopting platforms like One Call Now, SchoolMessenger, and smartphone apps such as Thrillshare for alerts, notifications, and general communication with parents.
How are these systems improving parent communication?
These systems provide immediate and accessible communication through text messages, emails, and apps, allowing for timely notifications regarding school events, delays, or important updates.
What challenges do parents face with multiple communication channels?
Parents may feel overwhelmed by receiving notifications from multiple apps and systems, leading to a push from districts to streamline communication and reduce notification fatigue.
How can parents ensure they receive important alerts?
Parents should register for alert systems and notifications as encouraged by their respective school districts, either during online registration or through manual sign-ups.
| Feature | Spencerville Schools | Bluffton Schools | Lima Schools | Wapakoneta Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alert System | One Call Now | One Call Now | SchoolMessenger | Thrillshare App |
| Annual Cost | $4,000 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Notification Types | General, Sports | Athletic, Events | Text Alerts | Calls, Texts, Emails, Social Media |
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Additional Resources
- Lima Ohio: Communication Between Schools & Parents
- News9: School Closings
- KHQ: School Closures & Delays
- PennLive: School Closings & Delays
- WTOL: School Closings & Weather Events
- Wikipedia: School Closure
- Google Search: School Communications
- Google Scholar: Technology in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: School Communications
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
