50 Districts Adopt SchoolMessenger Alert System
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According to communication systems developer SchoolMessenger, 50 districts across the United States have deployed its SchoolMessenger for Cisco Unified Communications, an alert system for K-12 institutions. The company has also updated the system to provide SMS text messaging.
SchoolMessenger for Cisco Unified Communications is an Internet-based alert and communications system designed specifically for Cisco Unified Communications environments. It provides e-mail and voice notification for a variety of devices and now, with the latest update, also includes SMS text messaging as a supplemental communications tool.
"We want to assist our parents in being involved in their children's education and aware of what's happening at their schools," said David Burkhart, messaging manager at the Wylie school district in Texas, which deployed the system last fall. "Automating attendance notification across the district has resulted in more students on campus each day, which has had a direct impact on our budget. Equally important are the benefits gained by getting complete and accurate information to parents quickly. Over the last year we have been able to intervene real- time in emergency situations, quell rumors, and remind parents of important school activities, all of which instill a sense of trust and partnership with the school." Wylie is expected to serve about 11,000 students across 17 schools with the system by next year.
SchoolMessenger for Cisco Unified Communications is presently in districts in 15 states, The company reported that the highest concentrations of usage are in Texas and California.
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About the author: David Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's online education technology publications, including THE Journal and Campus Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
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