School district enhances communication with ParentSquare multilingual alerts system

During the Westlake City School District Board of Education Regular Meeting on August 26, 2024, key discussions centered around the implementation of ParentSquare, a communication platform designed to enhance engagement between parents, teachers, and the school community. The board emphasized the importance of effectively communicating with families, particularly regarding emergency alerts and routine updates.

One significant point raised was the need to manage the frequency of notifications sent to parents. Board members expressed concerns about overwhelming families with constant alerts, similar to the initial public reaction to Amber Alerts. To mitigate this, they discussed strategies for sending important messages, such as snow day announcements, in a way that ensures accessibility for all families, including those who speak languages other than English. ParentSquare's capability to translate messages automatically was highlighted as a crucial feature that could bridge communication gaps.

The board acknowledged that while many families would likely engage with ParentSquare, there would still be some who might not utilize the platform. This concern was addressed with the assurance that communication would remain effective even if some teachers chose not to engage directly with ParentSquare. Messages sent by parents through the platform would still reach teachers via email, ensuring that no important communication would be lost.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the anticipated increase in usage of ParentSquare, particularly during back-to-school periods when families seek information about schedules and team placements. Board members expressed optimism about the platform's potential to streamline communication and enhance the overall educational experience for students and their families.

In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting underscored the Westlake City School District's commitment to improving communication through innovative tools like ParentSquare. As the district moves forward with this initiative, the board will continue to monitor engagement levels and address any challenges that arise, ensuring that all families feel informed and connected to their children's education.