You've been using ClassDojo to communicate with parents, but now your school wants you to use SchoolStatus. Here's a guide to show you how to easily make the switch.
Creating Your Account
For ClassDojo, users create accounts from their website. Teachers, parents, or students can sign up. SchoolStatus accounts are created by your school district's staff because accounts are linked to your SIS (Student Information System). Rest assured that accounts are secure because no one can create their own account.
For parents, there is no need to sign up at all! Teachers send regular text messages, emails, and phone calls with SchoolStatus.
Adding or Creating a Class
In ClassDojo, teachers can add or create a class by clicking the + New Tile. You would then add the class details and select each student to add to the class. If you're connected to your SIS (Student Information System), the student names populate as you add them. If not, you'll need to type in each student's name.
In SchoolStatus you don't have to create a class. If you teach courses, they will automatically show up in your account because SchoolStatus syncs with your Student Information System (SIS). There is no need to create a class or a group of the students in your 3rd period math class. You can create custom Groups, which are subsets of your existing course list.
Communicating
ClassDojo is more like a group message board, where a teacher can post pictures of the class, award points, and make announcements. For parents to participate, they must have a ClassDojo account and the app on their smartphone.
ClassDojo uses 'skills' as a method of communication. Skills have points associated with them, either positive or negative points. Teachers can add 'notes' to the skills posted, and parents can read those notes. Parents can reply to 1:1 messages but they must use the iOS app or the ClassDojo website.
In SchoolStatus, educators can send 1:1 text messages, 1:1 emails, phone calls, emails to courses, and broadcast messages. Broadcast messages are like group or announcement messages, but responses come back to the teacher as a 1:1 message. We believe meaningful connections with parents start with 1:1 conversations. The key is, parents don't need to download an app or access a website to participate in the conversation. Texts are delivered to their phone (smartphone or not), and phone calls ring their device as well.
On SchoolStatus web, to start a 1:1 conversation, locate a Student Card by searching in the box or clicking any student name. Notice the other data points available like Attendance, Discipline, Assessments, Grades, Notes, Attachments, and Schedule (and not just this year, but previous years too).
Click Contacts to select someone with whom you want to communicate. Then click the icon for Call, Text, or Email.
Making Calls on Web
Click the call icon and select the type of call you'd like to make. If your cell phone has been saved in your Settings, you can make a call with your cell phone, while still keeping your phone number private.
When you select the computer call, your computer will then act as a speakerphone. You'll want to be sure your mic and speakers are allowed access. The first time you make a call, you'll be prompted to allow access.
To access your call history or call recording, click Engagement on the Student Card or History from your main menu.
Making Calls on Mobile
Download the SchoolStatus mobile app for iPhone or Android. Login using your credentials from your web account. Search for a student in the search box at the top. Select the student.
Select the contact to call.
Whether you place the call from web or mobile, the call is recorded and logged on the engagement details for the student and in your History.
Sending 1:1 Messages
To initiate a new text, click the text icon from Contacts on the Student Card. When you click Messages in the bottom right of the screen, you'll see your existing message threads.
You can translate texts too! After you type your message, click the translate button to choose your desired language. Use the paperclip to add an attachments. Then click Send.
Sending 1:1 Texts on Mobile
Again, login to SchoolStatus mobile. Search for a student and then a contact. Click Message and type your text.
Sending Broadcast Messages on Web
Broadcast messages are perfect for classroom announcements and reminders. Responses come back to you as a 1:1 message. To start a new broadcast, click Broadcasts from the bottom right of your screen. Then +New Message.
Now select your audience, a Student Group, Course, or Individual Contacts.
- When to use a Student Group - if you have already created a group of students that is different from your regular classes. For example: all the kids on the chess club.
- When to use a Course - if you're sending information pertinent to an entire class of students. For example: Test this Friday on cell division.
- When to use Individual Contacts - if you need to send a message to more than 1 contact like multiple parents. For example: Jose has had a really great week and stayed on task! (sent to mom, dad, and grandma)
With SchoolStatus, Broadcasts are sent to contacts marked 'preferred' with a star. Click here to learn how to mark contacts preferred on the student card or from the Preferred Contacts Management Tool.
Sending Broadcast Messages on Mobile
Login to the mobile app and click Broadcast from the bottom menu. Then click the + to start a new broadcast.
Again, select your audience. And remember, only contacts marked preferred will receive the message.
