LISD adds Parent Notification System

The LISD Board of Trustees is investing $113,000 in communications and security systems that will enhance the safety of its students and staff. A Parent Notification System purchased from SchoolMessenger and an upgraded visitor management system will allow LISD to better communicate in a matter of minutes with parents, students, and staff members.

The SchoolMessenger system sends time-sensitive emergency notifications via voice, email, and text messages affecting safety and security, such as weather alerts, lockdowns, and school closure messages. The messages are sent within a matter of minutes after being prepared by a district representative.

"SchoolMessenger will provide a great value to the district. The system will allow for better safety and security at our campuses while providing accurate and timely communications to our parents using state-of-the-art technology," said Marcus Nelson, LISD Superintendent. "We will also utilize the system for tracking daily student attendance."

The system allows the district to make non-emergency messages such as attendance/truancy alerts, family nights, and parent/teacher group meetings. The messages can even be translated to Spanish for those listing it as their primary language.

The district encourages all families to ensure their child's information is up-to-date, including preferred language and method of communication. Parents do not need to subscribe. They will simply start receiving messages.

"We want to make sure we have to right contact information to ensure that factual information is released to families in a timely manner," Nelson said.

LISD's Information Technology Department is setting up the parent notification system and employees will be trained on its use.

LISD also recently upgraded its visitor management system with the purchase of a Raptor Sex Offender Database Registry at all campuses. The registry helps track visitors, students, faculty, contractors, and volunteers at LISD schools, while providing a safer and more monitored environment for the student.

When visitors, volunteers, or contractors check-in, or parents come to pick up students, they will be asked to present a valid identification card for entering into the system. The system has the ability to provide alerts on people who may jeopardize the safety of the campus.

"The main objective with this system is to ensure a safe learning environment for all of our students and a safe working environment for all our staff and visitors," said LISD Crisis Management Officer Victor Mora. "The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority."