Monessen schools to begin new SMS text message feature

The direct communication service will be available starting Wednesday.

The Monessen School District is adding a new feature that will enable it to provide information to families directly through text messages.

The SchoolMessenger service will launch Wednesday. Last week, the district provided families with instructions on how they can opt in for the new service.

“The Monessen City School District is excited to announce the launch of a new service that will enhance communication by allowing us to deliver important information to you via SMS text messaging,” the district said in a statement to families. “This service is not intended to replace our existing means of communication — rather it will enhance them. The district will only use the service to provide information that is timely and relevant.”

Any wireless number that currently receives district allcall messages associated with staff and student information database,will automatically receive an opt-in message from a 67587 number. Families should receive opt-in information on Wednesday.

The district stated that families who haven’t provided their numbers to the district should email schoolmessenger@ monessensd.org with their updated information. Families can also visit the district website at www.monessenschooldistrict. com.

If a family chooses to go to the district website, they should go under “Departments & Services” and select “Technology” and fill out the Google form on that portion of the site. The Google form will ask them to provide updated student names, student grade, two primary contacts and their email, home phone, and cell phone number.

Families can expect to receive the following message on Wednesday if their number is on file: “Monessen City School District (MonessenSD) alerts. Reply Y 2 confirm, HELP 4 info. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies schoolmessenger.com/txt.”

If a family wants to participate in the new feature, the district encourages them to send “Y” or “Yes” to the message prompt.

The district does not charge for the new service, but it will not cover any text message charges that families may incur when sending or receiving messages. They suggest that families check with their wireless carrier for any potential fees.

More information about the new service can be found on the district website, including a QR code to scan to sign up.