New feature offers two-way communication
This week, the district launched the final phase—the two-way communications—of its new mass communications system. This last phase, Rooms, will allow teachers to communicate via messaging with their students and their parents in their language of choice.
Rooms is already built right into our district app and the website from which the system is accessed, so it offers a secure messaging platform. Through the mobile app, students and families can access all of the information they need, including messages, events, lunch menus, and more in one place. Designated campus team members will continue to manage the calls, texts, and emails that go out to families as they have in the past. To learn more about the key features of Rooms, click here.
Rooms offers parents one place for messages instead of having to juggle between apps if they have children in different schools. They will be notified automatically of new messages even if they haven’t logged in or downloaded the app.
Training
Communication Services has offered train-the-trainer sessions for schools so they can then train teachers in the use of Rooms to communicate with parents. Virtual training dates offered by the vendor and other helpful information will be set up and shared in the coming weeks.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Log into Rooms using this link or the Apptegy tile in the Dallas ISD Portal (Rooms is found on the list as Connect). It is tied to the district’s SSO.
- Complete the guided orientation and introductory checklist.
- Send your first message to your families to introduce them to the platform.
To access the orientation checklist, you must login via a computer and complete all steps listed. Once you have finished the set-up, you can download the Apptegy Staff Experience app for a mobile experience if preferred. This app is for Dallas ISD staff only and allows you to access the communication platform and send and receive messages from your iOS or Android device. However, you can continue to access the system via the website.
If you need additional guidance, click on the question mark in the lower left corner of the site or the speech bubble icon at the lower right, which will connect you with Apptegy’s support team. If you have any questions about using the system, please contact the trainer at your school or Apptegy support at support@apptegy.com or (501) 613-0370.
