The storm comes, the electricity goes out and the school needs to get the kids home.
Most Kaufman County districts now have a way to get a message to parents in such emergencies. They’ve installed an emergency communications system that allows them to send e-mail messages or call parents’ cell phones with alerts.
“It’s just for emergencies, right now,” said Kathy Covington, Kaufman assistant superintendent.
Eventually, it could be used to send parents messages about special programs or other school district news.
Terrell also has recently set up the system, along with Crandall, Kemp and Scurry-Rosser. Forney is discussing it with Region 10.
Parents who want to participate go to a Web site and enter their information. Districts don’t have access to the information; they only know the number of parents who have signed up.
Region 10 began discussing the system with districts in November and districts began activating them in January. The system is free to districts. Messages can be sent for weather problems or other emergencies at the schools.
“With the weather coming, that’s one reason we really started getting on the ball,” Ms. Covington said.
Terrell began installation at the end of the year after students began spreading rumors of possible fights or students carrying guns at the high school. The system would have allowed the district to send parents a message with the facts.
Only parents and district staff members who register will receive the messages.
The county is working on installing a similar system that will call residents in case of emergency.
To register for the school system:
Sign on to www.flashalert.net.
Click on the Dallas button on the map.
Click on the Kaufman, Rockwall & Van Zandt Co. Schools.
Click on your district and follow the directions.
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