ParentSquare

Q: Do I need to download the app to use ParentSquare?
A: No. You can receive messages by email, text, or voice call depending on your preferences. However, the free app (available for iOS and Android) gives you access to more features like calendars, forms, notifications, and messaging history.

Q: How do I update my contact information or notification settings?
A: Log in at www.parentsquare.com or use the app. Click your name in the top right corner, then choose My Account to update your contact info, language preference, and notification settings (instant vs. digest, text/email/app).

Q: Who receives ParentSquare messages for a student?
A: ParentSquare pulls contact information directly from PowerSchool. Anyone listed as having custody or data access for a student will automatically receive messages through ParentSquare. This includes guardians, parents, or others with legal or educational rights.

If someone (like a grandparent, family friend, or neighbor) wants to receive districtwide alerts only, such as weather closings or emergency notifications, they can sign up as a community member instead. Community members won’t receive classroom or student-specific updates.

Sign Up For Community Alerts Here

Q: What should I do if I’m not receiving messages from ParentSquare?
A: First, make sure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool. Contact your child’s school to verify that your email address and phone number are listed correctly. You can also check your notification settings in your ParentSquare account.

Q: Is the information shared on ParentSquare secure?
A: Yes. ParentSquare is a secure platform. Only verified users with permissions based on school records can view student-specific messages or information. Your messages and personal data are protected according to industry standards.

Q: Will I still receive messages in my home language?
A: Yes. ParentSquare supports automatic translation into over 100 languages, based on the language listed in your student’s school records or your preferences in your account. (Please note: Chuukese is not currently supported by ParentSquare’s auto-translation.)

Q: Can families reply to messages?
A: Yes. Teachers and staff can enable replies on individual messages. Parents can respond in their home language, and ParentSquare will translate the message for the staff member automatically.

Q: Can I message my child’s teacher directly?
A: Yes. Families can send private messages to teachers and staff through ParentSquare, and receive responses in their preferred language (if supported, see above).

Q: Will I still get important alerts like snow days or emergencies?
A: Yes. Emergency notifications and weather alerts will come through ParentSquare as phone calls, texts, and push notifications, depending on your settings. Make sure your contact information is up to date to receive these messages promptly.

Q: How do I sign up for the ParentSquare app?
A: Download the ParentSquare app from the App Store or Google Play. Use the email or phone number you have on file with your student’s school to create your account.

Q: Are there any ParentSquare features we won't be using as a district?
A: Yes. While ParentSquare offers several optional features, SJSD will not be using the following at this time:

• Volunteer Hours Tracking
• Secure Document Delivery
• Virtual Phone
• Fundraisers
• ParentSquare Pay

We’ll revisit these options in the future if our needs change, but for now, they will not be part of our ParentSquare setup.