Parents now can sign up for email and text message alerts through Northside ISD’s notification system, School Messenger. 

Northside ISD launched School Messenger at the beginning of the school year to quickly communicate with the parents of almost 95,000 students.

Previously, emergency notices and other important information could be delivered only by a phone call.

Now, parents can add up to five phone numbers for voicemail alerts, five cell phone numbers for text message alerts, and five email addresses. Parents can submit additional contact information by going to the Parent Connection website and clicking on "Sign Up" under "Contact Manager."

To add email addresses and phone numbers, all users will have to set up a new account, even if they received phone alerts earlier in the school year. Instructions for how to set up an account are available in both English and Spanish by clicking on "Creating your account" in the Contact Manager section. 

In addition to emergency notices, parents also can receive notifications about general news and information, student attendance status, and school meal account balances. Schools also can send alerts about PTA meetings, picture day, and other special events.

"We are continually looking for ways to enhance communication between schools and our parents," said Brian Woods, Deputy Superintendent for Administration. "This system enables us to provide timely and accurate news and information, as well as emergency notifications, both from the schools and District."

School Messenger is another communication tool used by NISD in addition to traditional email, phone calls, newsletters, and Parent Connection. Parents and other interested community members may also follow Northside ISD on Twitter and become a Friend of Northside to receive regular newsletters and announcements, Board of Trustee reports, and emergency notices.