advertisement

Jeffco Schools New Emergency Alert System

Written by:
Nina Sparano

Technology Reporter

Jefferson County Public Schools just rolled out a new messaging system this July, a way to better communicate with parents. The “School Message” system is used for news bulletins and as a quick alert system in the event of a crisis. This message alert was put into effect for the first time yesterday at Deer Creek Middle School.

With today’s technology communication is key in a moment of crisis. As we become more accustom to instant gratification in technology, when a crisis happens at one of our schools, parents want to get their hands on the information as soon as possible.  

“We are always looking for ways to improve our communication,” says Melissa Reeves of Jeffco Public Schools.

Jeffco developed School Messenger to create a better system of communication between the school and the parents.

“This is the very first time we used this in a crisis management type of situation,” adds Melissa.

School Messenger is a 24-hour web based site that’s connected directly to Jeffco’s parent contact database. Reeves says, when the district learned of the shooting the emergency alert was put into motion.

“The emergency alert will take every single number and every single email that is listed on that emergency contact sheet and call everybody.”

At 3:56pm the first message was dispatched through the system and was sent to the parents via email, voice mail and text message.

“We try to make it facts only. The most pertinent information only. That we did know some students were injured and all other students were safe,” Reeves says.

Jeffco public school parents are automatically enrolled into the School Messenger system. They can also personalize how they’re reached and who they want contacted.

“If they have a grandma or an aunt, even if she lives in Albuquerque, she got the phone call yesterday.

The Jeffco School Messenger website has a 30 day archive for any message sent out to parents. Whether it’s an emergency or a general bulletin. IF they miss a call, test or voice mail they can access those messages 34 hours a day.

Comments




  • Be the first to comment.

Inappropriate Flag

Flagging notifies the KWGN The Deuce webmaster of inappropriate content. Please flag any messages that violate the Terms of Service. Please include a short explanation why you're flagging this message. Thank you!

If you believe this content violates the Terms of Service, please write a short description why. Thank you.

Inappropriate Comment Flag

Flagging notifies the KWGN The Deuce webmaster of inappropriate content. Please flag any messages that violate the Terms of Service. Please include a short explanation why you're flagging this message. Thank you!

Email Friends

Your First Name (optional)

Email Addresses (comma separated)

Import friends

Message to Friends (optional)

Are you human?

Or, you can forward this blog with your own email application.

Terms of Service

mock rpx login link