Today we live in a world where people expect information to be instantaneous. From 24-hour news channels to social media and text messaging, we’re accustomed to getting the information we need immediately, often within seconds. So when your audience includes parents and guardians of school-aged children, school districts need to ensure they’re getting important information out as accurately and quickly as possible.
Whether districts need to contact parents to inform them of a school closing, their child’s absence or if there is an emergency situation unfolding at the school, instantaneous communication through Questar III BOCES’ emergency notification service Synervoice allows districts to use both telephone and email to send 60,000 calls per hour and instantaneous email release.
“You want to get as much accurate information out as soon as possible,” said Questar III Director of Health and Safety Craig Hansen. “Synervoice lets you inform people of what you know in a crisis or emergency and when it comes from the superintendent, it adds transparency and personality.”
Through Questar III, school district administrators or staff can log into Synervoice’s web-based system to formulate their message, type (phone call, email, text, etc.) and audience. Unlike other systems where parents must opt-in to the service, Synervoice is compatible with the district’s pre-established student management system, ensuring that all parties are contacted.
The system can be used to reach audiences for non-emergency information as well including meeting cancellations, school trips, bus route changes, lunch account reminder, un-returned library books and more. During a time where districts have been forced to make reductions in staff, the automation of Synervoice helps to save the district time and money.
Questar III negotiates the price on behalf of the participating districts, and those districts receive BOCES state aid. Synervoice will provide as many training for staff as necessary, while Henson provides the initial training.
In the future districts may be able to use the service as a way to document instances of bullying in compliance with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Hansen is currently working with the company to create a “tip line” whereby students or parents can anonymously call in tips with proper documentation.
For more information, please visit https://old.questar.org/fsr/factsheetout.asp?coserID=609.071 or contact Craig Hansen at chanson@questar.org.
