Parent Communication Opt-In/Out Policy
The Harlan Community School District utilizes a mass communication system called Communicate, by School Messenger, to send phone, email, and text message communications to parents, guardians, and community members.
This system implements the use of "short code" texting which is a type of text messaging developed by the telecommunications industry specifically for mass text messaging. It is a faster, more reliable method of sending out text communications. "Short codes" are five or six digit numeric identifiers that are used when sending text messages which allow a wireless carrier to determine that the message is coming from an authorized sender. If you have ever texted a vote on a TV show to a number like 46999, you have used short code texting.
Because "short code" texting does use text messaging services, there could be a cost associated with the receipt of text messages from this new system IF the owner of the phone number does NOT have unlimited texting as part of their wireless plan. Because of this potential cost for some recipients, the system will be configured to send text messages only to cell phone numbers whose recipients have agreed to receive them.
To receive text message communications from the Harlan Community School District
The process for receiving communications from the Harlan Community School District is as follows:
- Register a valid phone number (voice-only), email address, and/or text messaging number with the Harlan Community School District. This can be done by contacting any of the Harlan Community School District offices and providing them with valid contact information.
- You must also opt-in to the text messaging service if you wish to receive text messaging. This is only applicable if you wish to receive text messages - this is NOT necessary if you only wish to receive voice and/or email communications. The process to opt-in is as simple as sending a "Y" (or "Yes") to the number 67587. This text message must be sent from the phone number at which you wish to receive text messages.
To STOP receiving text message communications from the Harlan Community School District
If you wish to discontinue receiving voice, email or text messages from the Harlan Community School District:
- Contacting any of the Harlan Community School District offices and request that your contact information be deleted from the School Messenger Communicate system.
- To OPT-Out of the text messaging service only, send a "N" (or "No") to the number 67587. This text message must be sent from the phone number at which you wish to stop receiving text messages.
If you have any questions or concerns about this new system, please contact Jeremy Poore at jpoore@hcsdcyclones.com.