The Cumberland County School System will use the ParentSquare App to more efficiently communicate with parents and families.
Director of Technology Elbert Farley said the district tried other software, but ParentSquare is a better fit for the system’s needs. Farley said the app’s digital communication will make sure parents get important messages from the schools.
“Sometimes, parents miss out on a lot of stuff because of a lot of paper, you know, that’s being put in a kid’s backpack that don’t make it home,” Farley said. “So, you know, it’s very important for teachers to communicate with parents on a daily if not a weekly basis.”
Farley said the app will be used to relay information like school closings and delays due to inclement weather. Farley said students can also use ParentSquare.
Farley said students would primarily use ParentSquare to keep up with their extracurricular activities.
“These clubs or coaches can set up ParentSquare for those students to interact with their students in case of, you know, practices being cancelled or clubs being moved to a different date.”
Farley said ParentSquare is essential now that the district has approved a new cell phone policy.
“ParentSquare aligns with our SIS program, which is our Skyward program here in Cumberland County, which has all the students’ data and parents’ data in there, as far as phone numbers, email addresses, et cetera,” Farley said. “So it allows us to communicate with those parents on a daily basis if need be.
Farley said other area school systems, including White County, already use ParentSquare. He said the reviews have been positive, but recognizes that it will take time for everyone to acclimate to the new system.
ParentSquare will also allow the school system and parents to share information, photos, events and more. The app may also serve as a place for parents to sign up to volunteer with the school system.