Textcaster Service Now Available
August 02, 2009
When emergencies happen, or when weather threatens to close USD 322 schools, students, teachers and parents can be notified instantly via their cell phones or e-mail thanks to a Kansas City-based technology company and the generous sponsorship of Morrill and Janes Bank and Trust Company.
USD 322 schools have begun using a text-messaging technology called TextCaster, which alerts subscribers when a variety of events occur in a matter of moments. In addition to emergency messages, USD 322 schools are also beginning to use the system to broadcast other important news like school closings, early dismissals, calendar updates and event reminders. With cell phone and e-mail access almost universal among students and parents, the uses of TextCaster are only limited by how the district each school wants to use the technology.
The new messaging system has been introduced thanks to a proposal from Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, who signed on to sponsor the new system “We are grateful to Morrill & Janes Bank for supporting our school district’s use of this new technology,” said USD 322 Superintendent Fred Marten. “Anytime we can improve communications within our community, parents, patrons and students, we are all better served.” Dr. Marten continued that students, parents, patrons and anyone else can go to the district website (www.usd322.org) to sign up for the services. He also stressed that anyone interested needs to check with their wireless provider about their present text service provider. If you have not signed up for texting service, there may be an additional charge for receiving the texts from school.
TextCaster was developed by Kansas City entrepreneur Rob Sweeney. This industry-leading software application is also being used in many commercial applications, but the adoption by local schools is most pleasing to Sweeney. “It’s rewarding to see our technology help schools communicate with students and parents alike,” said Sweeney. “We’ve been very pleased by how educators have embraced this communications tool, not only in K thru 12 school districts but also in early childhood and higher education environments.”
Karen Harder, EVP/Branch Administration of Morrill & Janes Bank said, “Providing support for our area schools has always been a mission of our organization. Associating ourselves with a technology solution that provides a very useful service to students, parents and schools was an easy decision, added Ms. Harder.
To sign up for this service, visit the following link:
