ParentSquare in GAPS
About ParentSquare
Greater Albany Public Schools uses ParentSquare to share important information and stay connected with families and our school communities. ParentSquare brings district and school communications together in one place, including announcements, news, events, reminders, and alerts.
ParentSquare is available as both a website and a mobile app for Android and iOS. Families can receive messages in the way that works best for them, including email, text message, phone call, or app notification. Once an account is activated, users can choose their preferred delivery method and notification settings.
Teachers, school staff, administrators, and district teams use ParentSquare to communicate with families, share classroom updates, and send timely school and district information.
Getting Started
Parents and guardians are automatically added to ParentSquare using the contact information provided during school registration, including email addresses and phone numbers. Activating an account allows families to customize settings and access all ParentSquare features.
Emergency notifications will be sent by email, text message, AND phone call.
Community flyers and approved partner information are shared through ParentSquare. For information about sharing community partner information, visit our Community Flyers & Digital Sharing webpage.
NEW: Changes to ParentSquare Text Messages
ParentSquare text messages may look a little different this year!
Many ParentSquare messages will now come from regular 10-digit phone numbers instead of the familiar 5-digit short code. These numbers are assigned by ParentSquare and are not the personal phone numbers of teachers or staff members.
Different types of messages may come from different numbers:
- Direct Messages
- ParentSquare assigns a number to your conversation with a teacher or staff member. You can save the number using the staff member's name and reply directly to the text. Your response will be delivered to the staff member through ParentSquare.
- Classroom & Group Posts
- Classes and groups associated with a school will use a designated 10-digit number.
- School Posts
- Each school will use a designated 10-digit number for schoolwide posts.
- District Messages, Digests & Alerts
- These will continue to come from the familiar 5-digit ParentSquare short code.
Save the Numbers!
The first time you receive a message from a new ParentSquare number, you'll receive a short introduction letting you know who or what type of communication the number represents. Save it in your phone so you'll recognize future messages.
Learn More About ParentSquare Text Messages → ParentSquare: Changes to ParentSquare Text Messages
What You Can Do in ParentSquare
Check out these features that fit your family's communication style!
Receive district updates and messages from your student’s school
Choose how & when messages are delivered; instantly or as a daily digest
Communicate in your preferred language
View school calendars and directory information
Directly message your student’s teacher(s)
Stay up to date on delays or closures with texts, phone calls, and app alerts
Activate your ParentSquare Account today!
Need help activating your account? Contact communications@albany.k12.or.us for help!