AlertNow Parent Notification System
Introduction
Keeping parents informed is a priority so beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, Springfield Public Schools is implementing AlertNow Notification Service. This system will allow the district and individual schools to contact parents via phone with important announcements about emergencies or important school events.
Parents will be notified of cancellations or early dismissals due to inclement weather, scheduled holidays or early release days among other important announcements. Additionally, individual schools may send parents messages highlighting upcoming events such as report card distribution, testing dates and attendance reports.
The success of this system is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student. Please be sure you complete an AlertNow Student Information Sheet and return it to your child’s school. Notify your school’s office immediately if contact numbers change.
Upcoming system test
To ensure accuracy of the system and contact information provided, two districtwide tests of the AlertNow Notification Service will be conducted in November. Students received a letter for parents the week of Nov. 3 explaining the tests in greater detail.
AlertNow tests are scheduled as follows:
- Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The following Informational Message will be sent to Primary and Secondary phone numbers:
"Hello. Springfield Public Schools is conducting a districtwide test of the AlertNow system. You are receiving this Informational Message because you are listed as a Primary or Secondary contact for an SPS student. In the future, when you receive Informational Messages they will pertain to school cancellations, activities or other routine announcements. If you believe you are receiving this message in error because you do not have a child in SPS schools or are not an SPS employee, please call (417) 523-0111 or e-mail alertnow@spsmail.org to have your name removed from the database. Thank you for your assistance."
- Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The following Priority Message will be sent to Primary, Secondary and Emergency 1, 2 and 3 phone numbers:
“Hello. Springfield Public Schools is conducting a districtwide test of the AlertNow Notification Service. You are receiving this Priority Message because you are listed as the Primary, Secondary or Emergency contact for an SPS student OR you are an SPS employee. In the event of an actual emergency which poses imminent danger to the physical safety of students and/or staff requiring massive evacuations and/or relocations, you will receive a call with important information. Please note that “411” is displayed on caller ID to indicate this is a Priority Message. If you believe you are receiving this message in error because you do not have a child in SPS schools, you are not an emergency contact for an SPS student or you are not an SPS employee, please call (417) 523-0111 or e-mail alertnow@spsmail.org to have your name removed from the database. Thank you for your assistance.”
To Correct Phone Numbers
For Parents
If the test indicates your child’s correct contacts were not called, please phone (417) 523-0111 or send an e-mail to alertnow@spsmail.org before Dec. 8 and include the following information:
a. Your name and daytime telephone number.
b. The name of your child and the school your child attends.
c. The name and correct telephone number of the contact that requires a change. Also, state the person’s relationship to the student (mother, father, aunt, friend, etc.).
For Staff
If you do not receive these calls on the dates listed or you received them but would prefer that AlertNow call a different telephone number, please call 523-0111 or send an e-mail to alertnow@spsmail.org before Dec. 8 and include the following information:
a. Your name and employee number
b. Your work location
c. The telephone number you want contacted with AlertNow messages
Please note: Changing a telephone number through this process will only make that change for AlertNow messages. If you need to correct your permanent contact number for other district purposes, please log into the Munis Self-Service Web site. If a Security Alert appears on the screen, you may click “yes” to continue.
More AlertNow information
- Types of messages you will receive (pdf)
- FAQ for Parents (pdf)
- AlertNow Student Information Sheet (pdf)