Teachers Can Get Free Voice Mail
US West's Connected Schools initiative, ensuring networking capabilities to over three million students in a 14-state region, has two major components: Internet access including technology training and support; and electronic and voice mailboxes for better communication among teachers, students and parents. Two Internet connectivity packages are available. Package A, intended for schools not connected to the Internet, includes one free dial-up !NTERACT account with no set-up charges; Netscape Navigator; one free mailbox for Internet mail; free access to a 28.8 kbps modem pool; free access to the !NTERACT Help Desk and free hosting of each school's own Home Page. Package B, for schools that already have Internet service, includes many of the free elements of Package A, plus an additional nine mailboxes for Internet mail. The Parent Teacher Exchange (PTX) component provides free Voice Messaging Services (VMS) to enrolled elementary teachers, enabling them to send messages to the home of each student with one call. Parents will also be able to use the VMS to leave messages for teachers. Additionally, teachers will receive a Hotline voice mailbox to leave messages that can be accessed by parents who do not have VMS at home. Parents will be eligible for a free 30-day trial of US West's VMS in the fall. US West Communications, Inc., Denver, CO, (800) DATAUSW, www.uswest.com.