The Olympia School District recently began offering text-messaging communications to our families. This was via an opt-in text that was auto-generated by SchoolMessenger and went to all families that have cell phone contact information entered into Skyward Family Access.
Here's what the process looked like:
- October 25, 2018 - SchoolMessenger pulled phone number information from Skyward Family Access (Skylert). An opt-in text message was generated to all available cell phone numbers entered for families in any of the phone number fields in Skylert.
- The opt-in text message came from the Olympia School District “short code” phone number, 67587. All communications from the district will be generated from this number.
- This is an opt-in. Only individuals who replied 'Y' or ‘YES’ were opted in to receive text messages. Anyone who did not reply will not receive text messages.
- Once opted in, you will be eligible to receive any text messages sent as General or Emergency communications.
- Texting is most often used in emergency situations such as school lockdowns, late starts or school cancelations due to weather, or a last-minute cancelation of events or activities.
- You may also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying 'Stop' to one of the text messages.
- If after the fact you wish to update these settings, you may do so by accessing your Skyward Family Access account. Once logged into Skyward, you may add/remove text message communications as you see fit (see screencast tutorial).
If you did not receive this message, but would like to receive text message communications to your cell phone from the Olympia School District make sure that your cell phone number has been added to the "Text Message Numbers" field in Skyward Family Access (Skylert). This will opt you in to receive future text message communications.
We hope you and your family find this communication option useful!