Implementations

Following an explosion of separate apps for school to home communications, integrated communications platforms have become an increasingly popular solution for many schools/districts. The amount of separate apps has simply become unmanageable for many (or inefficient, or may pose a data security risk), and integrating multiple functionalities within one tool offers a tremendous array of benefits - to both staff and families. This is demonstrated well in this animated graphic and short videos.

(There are several integrated school communications SaaS providers on the market, including Apptegy Thrillshare, ParentSquare and Finalsite).

Animated graphic from ParentSquare demonstrating before and after implementation impacts

Integrated School Communications Platforms

In order to achieve optimal results, implementation tasks may require a significant initial time investment, and/or benefit from additional information management or communications expertise (particularly at the campus or program level where, typically, there isn't a dedicated communications specialist on-site).

This is especially true following the April 2024 DOJ ruling update regarding accessibility of web content and mobile apps. With campus staff already stretched thin - this service helps bridge that gap.

Implementation Example: Apptegy Thrillshare MEDIA

01.

Website/App

Build new branded campus website and app, refresh photography, incorporate social media live feed and news, all while addressing new ADA Digital content standards. Connect with SIS to set up users, permissions and groups, establish 1-way messaging notifications and co-ordinate internal & external campus implementation announcements and instructions

02.

Calendar

Develop calendar for new website integration

Identify opportunities to centralize all campus and program calendar events and provide users with filtering and subscribing options (one source data!)

Cellphone showing a school calendar on Apptegy Thrillshare app

2 cellphones showing news and social media feed on Apptegy Thrillshare app

03.

Social Media Management

Determine which accounts will be kept, which will be eliminated, and which will be consolidated (For example, parent run class pages, clubs, programs, campus). Incorporate selected accounts into Thrillshare website and tool and assign users and permissions. Establish a base level 'collective authorship' campus program. (Click to learn how Saginaw ISD achieved this)