Big Rapids Public Schools uses a variety of tools to communicate with our families and our community.  This page gives an overview of the platforms and resources the district uses to reach BRPS families.  

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.  

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/

Big Rapids Public Schools can be found on Facebook (Big Rapids Public Schools) or Instagram (@big_rapids_cardinals).  For our school building social media accounts, please see each school's information on this page.

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 receive any communication about your student or your student's building. If you have any questions, please contact your building's office.

When inclement weather or emergencies affect school operations, Big Rapids Public Schools communicates updates in several ways to ensure families and staff are informed quickly and accurately.

How We Share Cancelation Information

BRPS reports school closings, delays, and event cancelations through the following outlets:

• Radio: Y-102, 100.9, AM 1460, and B103.9

• Television: 9&10 News, 7&4 News/Up North Live, WOOD TV 8, and WZZM TV 13

• Online: Updates are always posted on the BRPS website, BR App, and our district social media platforms -- Facebook and Instagram.

Families and staff also receive text, email, or voice messages through our Apptegy notification system, depending on the timing of the decision.

If you wish to be removed from these notifications, please contact your building office.

Types of Notifications

Different situations require slightly different communication steps:

• Morning Cancelation:
  When school is closed early in the morning, BRPS will post to the website, Facebook, and news outlets, and send text and email notifications to families.

• Next-Day Cancelation:
  When the decision to close school is made the night before, BRPS will post and send text, email, and a phone call (if the decision is made before 10:00 p.m.).

• Early Release (During the School Day):
  If weather conditions worsen during the day, BRPS will post updates and send text, email, and phone notifications to let families know dismissal times and other details.

Text Message Alerts

BRPS offers optional text message alerts for weather and emergency notifications.
Messages come from 98900, and your first message will include opt-out instructions.
If you ever wish to rejoin, simply text “Start” to 98900.

We encourage families to stay opted in—texts are only used for important updates such as weather-related closings or emergencies.

In Summary

Whenever BRPS cancels or delays school, we will:

• Post updates on the district website and Facebook page

• Notify local radio and TV stations

• Send email and text

• Send phone messages if the notification is between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

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. The 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.  

Our district offers a mobile app that links to our most commonly accessed resources including calendars, sports schedules, lunch and breakfast menus, job postings, and more! Parents will also have the option to receive push notifications from whichever building they choose. You will be able to find the app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.