Big Rapids Public Schools uses a variety of tools to communicate with our families and our community. Here is an overview of the platforms and resources the district uses to reach out:
Skyward Student Database
Our district uses Skyward to track grades, class schedules, attendance, family and emergency contact information, student fees, and more! All calls, texts, voice messages, and emails from the district are pulled from the contact information in Skyward. Therefore, it is imperative that all contact information in Skyward is current.
Please see the content below for instructions on how to maintain your contact information in Skyward.
Text, Email, or Voice Messages
BRPS has added the option allowing you to receive text messages for weather and other emergency notifications. Text messages will come from “98900”, and your first text message will include information to “Opt-out” from further notifications. BRPS encourages you to stay connected and allow these types of messages to be sent to you. We will only use texting for these types of important messages. If you do choose to opt-out, you can always opt-in by sending “Start” text message to 98900.
Recurring Messages. Message & Data rates may apply. Terms and Privacy at http://3csms.mobi/98900/
District Newsletter
Big Rapids Public Schools releases a district-wide newsletter twice a year called The Cardinal Connection. Each school building and teacher may have various methods of releasing newsletters to parents.
If your contact information, particularly your email address, is current in Skyward you should be receiving any communication pertaining to your student or your student's building. If you have any questions, please contact your building office.
School Closings & Delay Notifications
When weather or other emergencies impact the school day, Big Rapids Public Schools will share information as quickly as possible through multiple communication channels.
How You'll Be Notified
School closings, delays, early releases, and event cancellations will be communicated through:
BRPS Website and Facebook
Apptegy notifications (text, email, and when appropriate, voice message)
Local media outlets:
Radio: Y-102, 100.9, AM 1460, B103.9
Television: 9&10 News, News Channel 7&4, UpNorthLive, WOOD TV8, and WZZM 13
Notification Types
Morning Closings/Delays: Posted to all communication channels, with text and email notifications sent to families and staff.
Next-Day Closings: Announced through all communication channels. If the decision is made before 10:00 p.m., an automated phone call will also be sent.
Early Releases: Families and staff will receive notifications via website, social media, text, email, and an automated phone call with dismissal information.
Text Notifications
Emergency text messages are sent from 98900. If you opt out, you can opt back in at any time by texting START to 98900.
If you no longer wish to receive district notifications, please contact your child's school office.
For a summary of this information, please review the Closings & Delays flyer.
School Emergency Response
Parent Information Regarding Emergencies in School
In a school emergency, the first instinct as a parent is to pick up the telephone and start calling the school or rush up to the school and get your child/children. Parents too close to an incident often hinder the rescue attempts of the police and fire officials on the scene. The best action parents can take to keep all students and staff safe in an emergency is to stay close to their phone and e-mail and await regular updates and instructions. Safety of all students and staff is our number one priority!
Please refer to the link above for the recommended parent action during a school emergency.