Varied media keep parents, students informed on schools news, alerts

(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Leaders for Madison City Schools hope parents can stay up-to-date with various communication methods that the district uses.

“NotifyMe enables users to subscribe to email and text notifications from their school and also from the district,” public relations manager John Peck said. He recommends NotifyMe updates for parents with children entering middle school or high school or switching to a new elementary school from rezoning.

NotifyMe is free and available at the district website, madisoncity.k12.al.us.

School principals are using NotifyMe to announce scheduling, upcoming meetings and other news. “The NotifyMe link allows you to sign up for notifications you wish to receive and unsubscribe from those you no longer need,” Peck said. Parents can change options by clicking the “Schools” tab on the respective school’s website.

“NotifyMe is a primary way to alert you of school closings, delayed openings or early dismissals caused by weather,” Peck said. However, if NotifyMe weather notifications are delayed, parents can visit the district’s Facebook page (Facebook/Madison City Schools). Click “Like” to access posts. The district also maintains a Twitter account.

In addition, a blog on the district website offers general news related to education. Each school also posts campus happenings on their respective websites.

“The MCS technology team recently rolled out a new app for iPad users to access our website,” Peck said. Bob Jones High School student Charles Boyd designed the app.

Boyd’s app allows users to download and upload files to and from school drives. Students can edit saved work on school computers with an iPad (using a virtual desktop with VMWare View Client). The app is available in the Apple App store, by clicking “iPad App” at the district website or by visiting appstore.com/madisoncityschools.

“Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler and MCS board members remain committed to keep you informed of the many great happenings in our school district,” Peck said.