By Horatio Glover ’26
Staying informed about school updates has just gotten easier. The School Messenger service, a trusted communication that’s been used by Derby Public Schools for the past 15 years, now includes text messaging as a new way to reach families. While emails and phone calls have been the primary way to contact parents, many don’t check emails or just don’t want so many notifications of the same thing. To help ensure families receive timely information and updates, the district now allows text messaging for faster and easier communication, which is more direct and convenient for parents.
Additionally, the new text message feature is an extension of PowerSchool, which already provides families with access to grades, attendance, and other important student information.
The feature has been implemented because families wanted a faster option due to new bus schedules and busses coming late to school in the morning. “It allows more concise information,’’ said Principal Jennifer Olson. Due to the recent change in bus schedules, parents need quick updates to adjust their schedule to ensure they are both on the same page. This allows parents to make sure their child makes it to school on time. Text messages also allows for faster and more straightforward way to communicate, and it makes it more convenient since many people usually do text instead of send emails anyway.
If parents aren’t receiving it or are having any problems, they’re to contact JennyLee Hoffman in guidance or Angela Lillemoe in the main office. “We can pull up reports to track whether a message was delivered, and in some cases, messages may have been accidentally deleted or sent to the wrong folder,” Olson said. She also encourages parents to check their spam or junk folders if they’re not receiving emails, as sometimes emails may be accidentally deleted or filtered. The School Messenger systems sadly doesn’t know if it goes into a spam or junk folder, so it can go unnoticed by both parents and the school.
Staying informed on school updates is always important for both the school and parents. With this new change, School Messenger aims to strengthen communication, ensuring families receive essential information quickly and efficiently.
For any further information on or about the School Messenger service, you can call the school or check out the newsletter, including how to opt into texts or change emails and phone numbers.
The Raider Press 