NEW Teacher Communication Tool
We have expanded Blackboard communication to Teachers!
Hello and Welcome Back!
We are excited to kick off another school year in the WSD and one of the things we are happy to share with you is the launch of teacher messaging within Blackboard, our mass communications provider. Every certified staff member has access to this tool, which allows you to send emails and texts to parents. All you need to do is visit wentzville.parentlink.net and log in using the “Login with Google” option at the bottom of the login screen. Your class lists are updated automatically, so there is no need to send parents information and ask them to log in or download an app. Other features include:
No teacher setup. Your class rosters are automatically populated for you. You can start messaging right away!
Select from a list of pre-made messages that cover a wide range of topics. Pre-made messages about missing assignments, academic achievements, and sporting events are already available. No need to recreate the wheel!
Not seeing a message you need? You can create your own messages or newsletters from a template.
Select recipients from any of your classes. You can easily select parents, students, one class, all classes — whatever you need.
With the launch of this tool, we ask that you no longer use REMIND, Class Dojo, or any other apps to communicate with parents. Blackboard will be the District-approved means of communicating with parents and students, along with SISK12 or a District-approved Twitter or Instagram account.
Feel free to log in to take a look and give it a try. We would also like to caution against the overuse of text messaging. Our surveys tell us that parents prefer we reserve the use of texts for emergencies, but if your parents are receptive to receiving text reminders, that is okay by us. Speaking of texts, you will not have the ability to text students through Blackboard as their phone numbers are not stored in SISK12, but you WILL be able to text your student’s parents.
We will be scheduling training with your principals that we hope to hold during upcoming staff meetings to answer any questions you may have, but in the meantime feel free to start using the tool. Here is a helpful YouTube video that walks you through how to use teacher messaging.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have changes to your class roster, it will update in Blackboard but it may take 24 hours.
We hope you have a wonderful start to the school year!
~Community Relations and Technology