SMS Text Information

  • Text Messaging Service


    We are pleased to enhance our communication to families by adding SMS messaging (text messages) to our current communications. 

    Evergreen Park Community High School uses SchoolMessenger as our notification system. The system is used to send both emergency and non-emergency messages to parents/guardians, faculty and staff via email and phone call. Text messages will be added to our modes of communication and provides more ways to communicate school delays/closing, emergencies, and general notifications.

     

    What You Need to Know


    The SchoolMessenger system contains contact information for individuals listed as parents/guardians in the district's student information system (Skyward).

    Parent/guardians phone number, cell number, and email address are updated nightly by Skyward.

    If you already receive attendance calls on your cell phone, we have your cell phone number properly listed.

    Parents/guardians who need to update their contact information can visit Skyward Family Access and Follow these instructions.

    • Log in to Skyward Family Access.
    • Select "Student Info" in the left side menu.
    • The Student Information window will open.
    • On the upper right side of the screen (in blue), click "Request Changes for (STUDENT FIRST NAME)" and select "Family Information" from the drop down. Make sure your cell phone number is listed in one of the first two spaces for phone numbers.

    If you have trouble logging in to Skyward Family Access, contact the EPCHS Technology office at (708) 398-1255 or helpdesk@evergreenpark.org.

     

    Opt-In to Receive Text Messages


    Your cell phone number must be listed in Skyward Family Access.

    • You must opt-in to start receiving text messages.
    • You can opt-in to receive text messages by simply sending a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to our district's short code number, 67587.
    • SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy Pledge, so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions


    Can the text messages come from a district phone number, instead of the SchoolMessenger short code?  No. Short codes are the industry standard, and the only fast and reliable way to deliver mass text notifications.

    I do not want to receive district/school test messages anymore, what do I do? To opt out at any time, text STOP to 67587.

    I want to start receiving district/school test messages again, what do I do? To opt in at any time, text YES to 67587.

    I “Opted-In” but I’m not receiving texts.

    • Ensure that the district has your correct cell number in the database. Update/Review your data on the Student Information page (for each of your students) found in Skyward Family Access. It may take 24 hours for a number to become active after being changed or added to the district’s system.
    • Send a text with “Y” or "YES", from that specific device, to 67587. You should receive an opt-in confirmation message from the service.

    How do I know if it worked? 

    After you text one of the key words to the short code the system will always respond back with one of three messages:

    • Opt-in Response: You're registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/txt
    • Opt-out Response: You're unsubscribed from SchoolMessenger. No more msgs will be sent. Reply Y to resubscribe, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/txt
    • Help or Unknown Key Word Response: SchoolMessenger notification service: Reply Y to subscribe or STOP to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Visit schoolmessenger.com/txt for info
    • Any other response – or no response: indicates the recipient should contact their wireless device provider to have SMS messaging/premium content enabled (see below for more details).

    What does it mean if I texted “Y” or “yes” and I received some sort of error message back? 

    If you receive what appears to be an error message, similar to one of the following, it most likely means that short code text messaging is not enabled on your wireless subscription plan:

    • Service access denied
    • Message failed
    • Shortcode may have expired or shortcode texting may be blocked on your account
    • Does not participate

    These replies do not indicate that the wireless provider can’t receive messages from SchoolMessenger. Rather, they are an indication that the specific mobile device does not have short code SMS texting enabled for that number (this is sometimes disabled by default on company provided cell phones). To address this, contact your wireless provider.

    Will I be charged for the text messages that I receive from SchoolMessenger? SchoolMessenger does not charge recipients for the text messages that they receive or send to the short code; however, wireless providers may charge for individual text messages, depending on the plan associated with the wireless device. Please consult your carrier if you are uncertain.