Family Communication

The EVSC utilizes several systems to communicate with families and keep them informed of events and school closures. In addition, many classroom teachers also use various systems to communicate with families.

EVSC Introduces Family/Student Communication System

ParentSquare

EVSC is excited to announce the launch of ParentSquare, a new optional tool designed to help families with students in grades 6-12 stay connected during the school day. With the new Indiana state law prohibiting students from using mobile devices during school hours, ParentSquare will provide a safe, easy-to-use solution to ensure students (using their Chromebooks) and families have a reliable way to communicate during the school day.

See the information below to learn more and to sign up.

Updated Contact Information

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date!

It is extremely important for families to keep their contact information up-to-date so they don't miss important information! If you have a phone number, email or address change, you can contact your school, or complete the form titled "Student Address & Contacts" found on the Parent Portal.

Talking Points

Talking Points is a two-way texting tool that allows the district, schools and teachers to text with families. Families can then respond to those messages as needed. There is no opt-in requirement or invitation families need to accept in order to receive text messages sent from Talking Points. As long as we have your contact information, you will receive a text message! Plus, Talking Points automatically translates the messages and attachments in more than 150 languages! See below for more information on Talking Points.

SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger is used by the district to send out automated phone calls and emails. This system is used primarily for school closings. SchoolMessenger also is part of our SafeArrival attendance system. A mobile app is available for families to use in order to report absences and manage communications. Click on the button below to learn more about the SchoolMessenger mobile app.

SchoolMessenger

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is an optional tool designed to help families with students in grades 6-12 stay connected during the school day. With the new Indiana state law prohibiting students from using mobile devices during school hours, ParentSquare provides a safe, easy-to-use solution to ensure students (using their Chromebooks) and families have a reliable way to communicate during the school day. See below for more information on ParentSquare including how you and your student can get signed up and start messaging!

Talking Points for Families

Talking Points is a two-way text messaging tool that allows for better communication between schools and families. With Talking Points, schools, teachers and other school staff can text parents and then parents can respond to those text messages.

No Opt In!
With Talking Points, there is no optin requirement or app you have to download or invitation you need to select! As long as the EVSC has a valid cell number for you, you will receive the text message on behalf of your EVSC students.

Translations
Talking Points automatically translates the text message AND attachments! If you would like to receive communication in another language, please reach out to your student's school.

Family FAQs

With any new system, we know there will be questions. See below for a list of family FAQs, including information about the Talking Points family app, what to do if you aren't receiving messages and much more!

Is there a Mobile App for Talking Points?
Talking Points does have a mobile app families can download if they feel that is easier for them to navigate. Families just need to search Talking Points in their app store and select Families: Talking Points.

When families download the mobile app, it will text a confirmation code to the phone number you entered. Please look on your phone for that code. Once you install the Talking Points family app, all messages will go through the app instead of being sent as a text message. Please make sure your notifications for the app are turned on. If you would rather receive text messages, simply log out of the app and you will start to receive regular text messages again.

When I try to download the app, it is asking me for a 6-12 digit classroom code?
If you are receiving a request for a classroom code, something is incorrect! First, please confirm with your student's school that the number you are using matches what we have in our system. If the numbers are correct, please uninstall and reinstall the app.

What if I am no longer receiving text messages?
The main reason families may no longer be receiving text messages could be because they have downloaded the Talking Points Families mobile app. When families download the app, all Talking Points messages will now be sent to the app instead of as a text message. Parents will either need to make sure they turn on notifications for the app or, if they want to receive text messages instead, they can go to Settings in the app and log out.

How do I unsubscribe?
Users who no longer want to receive messages need to reply STOP to any messages they receive.

What if I accidentally unsubscribed?
If families accidentally unsubscribed from receiving messages, they can text REJOIN to the number they opted out from. If parents don’t know or can’t identify what number to respond to, the school can locate the number by searching for the student under Students and then hovering over the Opted Out icon on the right.

Do I need to download an app, have a class code or opt in?
No, families are not required to download an app (though there is a Talking Points app for families!), have a class code or opt in to receive text messages from Talking Points. If families do download the Talking Points family app, all messages will go through the app instead of being sent as a text message.

How do I change the number you are texting?
All parent/family communication is automatically being pulled from the Contact Management page in PowerSchool. Any contact marked as Custody and/or Lives With will receive text messages from Talking Points. Parents can reach out to their student’s school to get their phone numbers updated, or, they can complete the Student Address & Contacts form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Why aren’t I receiving messages for ALL my students?
Most likely, your student’s school needs to update your settings for all your students. Please reach out to your student's school.

Talking Points for Students

High school students in the EVSC also will be invited to join Talking Points. This will allow schools, teachers and coaches to communicate directly with students and families regarding school work, practices and much more.

Note: Since the EVSC and other Indiana schools are now connected wireless device free zones (meaning students cannot have phones, watches or other connected devices on them during the school day) students are encouraged to sign in to the Talking Points website at families.talkingpts.org in order to see messages sent during the school day. Students also will continue to receive text messages on their cell phones unless they have downloaded the Talking Points for Families mobile app on their phones.

How do I join?

Students will receive an email that includes instructions on how to join. The email will include a phone number and a 12 digit code that is unique to each student. Students must text the code to the number listed in the email. Or, students can also join via the "Talking Points for Families" mobile app.

What email will the student invitation come from?

The email will include the subject heading: Sign up for TalkingPoints to communicate with your school" and it will come from noreply@talkingpts.org.

Can the unique 12-digit code students receive be used multiple times?

No, the code can only be used once.

How long is the verification code valid?

The 12-digit code is valid until activated.

What happens if a student is in multiple schools?

Students who are in multiple schools may receive multiple email invitations. Students will need to link to each school independently to participate in student messaging at each school.

What language options are available for students?

All students will receive their initial email in English. Students who choose to receive messages via text/SMS, can ask their schools for assistance to change their language. Or, students can sign into the mobile or web platform of Taking Points to change their language. If using the mobile app, students can go to Settings, the Personal Info to update their language.

What if the student gets a new phone number?

If a student gets a new phone number, please notify the student's school and the school will be able to update it directly in the platform.

Will student phone numbers be visible?

School Administrators (i.e. principals and assistant principals) will be able to see the full phone number. However, all other staff members will see the last 3 digits of the number.

Can students message each other?

No, student messaging is designed to improve communication between the school and the student.

email showing instructions for students to join Talking Points

picture showing how students should join Talking Points via the mobile app

ParentSquare

In order to use ParentSquare, both parents/guardians and students must create an account. Once accounts are created, parents/guardians and students can message each other during the school day. Parents will either receive messages from their students via the ParentSquare Mobile app or by logging in to ParentSquare.com. Parents/guardians will also receive an email notification when a message is sent to them from their student.

Parent Accounts:

Option 1: Download the ParentSquare Mobile App

Step 1: Download the ParentSquare Mobile app from your app store
Step 2: Once downloaded, enter your email or phone number and click Continue and follow the prompts to sign up.

Option 2: Sign in via the web at parentsquare.com/signin

Step 1: Visit parentsquare.com/signin
Step 2: In the Register box, enter your email or phone number and click Get Started.
Step 3: You will receive an email with a link to activate your account.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Note: You must use the email/phone number that we have on file for you at your student’s school. If you need to update your contact information, please reach out to your student’s school or complete the form titled “Student Addresses & Contacts” on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

How Do I Message My Student?
Once logged in, open the Messages tab and select “New Message” or “Direct Message” depending if you are accessing the system from the ParentSquare mobile app or online and search for your student. IMPORTANT: If you are wanting to message your student, please make sure they have registered at MyStudentSquare.com.

How will my student see messages during the school day?
Students will receive an email notification when messages are sent to them through ParentSquare. The email will include the message sent, but students will need to log onto MyStudentSquare on their school chromebooks in order to respond to the message.

ParentSquare for Students

Students also need to create an account prior to messaging their parents/guardians. If you would like to communicate with your student via ParentSquare during the school day, students must follow the steps below to create an account.

Students will receive an email notification when a message is sent to them through ParentSquare. Students will be able to see the message in their email, but will need to log onto MyStudentSquare in order to respond. Students can also stay logged in to MyStudentSquare throughout the day to check messages.

Step 1: Visit mystudentsquare.com/signin on the student’s Chromebook
Step 2: Enter your EVSC email address
Step 3: Enter your Student ID number as the password
Step 4: You will receive a verification code via email. Enter the code when asked.
Step 5: Create a password you will remember
Step 6: Click Register

Note: Students are not able to sign in with Google. They must use their EVSC email address and Student ID number to log in.