Communication

District Notification System

KCSD maintains a comprehensive communication system to inform and inspire all members of its community. Families are invited to visit our school and District  websites for the most up-to-date information on policies, procedures, news, and calendars.  In addition, KCSD utilizes School Messenger to communicate by email, text message and phone call. To update personal contact information, families should log into the Skyward Family Access Portal.  Information on how to use the portal can be found at our Get Connected section under Technology. 

Opt in to Text Messaging

You can opt in to text messaging from your district and your school (you will not receive text messages until you opt in).  Using the same mobile device number that you recorded in the Skyward Family Access Portal, text “Y” to 67587.   You only have to opt in once to receive messages during all the years your child attends KCSD schools.  To opt out of text messaging, simply text “STOP” to the same code. 
 

Please Note:  Your teacher may not be checking TalkingPoints until the end of the school day.  If your child will be late or needs to be dismissed early, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE SECRETARY.  Go to the Attendance section of the website for more information on reporting late arrival or early dismissal!

TalkingPoints is a two-way, multilingual family engagement messaging platform that allows your child's teachers to communicate directly with you.  TalkingPoints translates communication in 100+ languages using a combination of AI and human translation.  Teachers message families in English via mobile app or web browser and messages are automatically translated to the language the parent chooses.  Teachers can communicate one-on-one or send whole-class announcements. 

Families receive and send messages in their home language via SMS text message or the optional, free TalkingPoints for Parents Mobile App available at the App Store or at Google Play.  Families can communicate in their home language and it is received by the teacher in English.

Make Sure You Update Your Contact Information

In order for families to successfully use TalkingPoints, they must have a primary cell phone number listed in the Skyward Family Access Portal.  You must have a primary cell number in TalkingPoints to access the platform.

How Do I Get Messages?

If you want to receive TalkingPoints messages via text, you do not have do do anything.  You will receive messages via text from your classroom based on your cell phone number.  Carrier rates apply.  You may not initially recognize the number when you receive the text; please make sure you save the contact in your contacts on your phone.

If you prefer, you can download the TalkingPoints app for your phone.  With the app, all TalkingPoints messages go to one place and it is convenient if you have multiple children in multiple classes/schools.  The app can also read your messages via an audio feature and allows for "likes" and delivered receipts.  Simply download the app, choose your preferred language, and find your classroom. 

Getting Started Guide (English)

Getting Started Guide (Spanish)

 

Calendar of Events

Real-time information on KCSD events can be found on the KCSD website, as well as school websites.  Calendars on our websites will be optimized by November 2024.  
 

School Closing Information

When faced with severe weather, KCSD Administration may choose to announce an early dismissal, delayed opening, or district closure to ensure the safety of our community. Announcements will be made by website, social media (facebook), email, text message, and phone call.  To ensure you receive these communications, please make sure your contact information is updated at the Skyward Family Access Portal and that you have opted in to text messaging.  

Out-of-district programs follow their own schedules. Families must check with their child’s program to determine the impact of early dismissals, delayed openings and district closures. 
 

Social Media

The KCSD is pleased to utilize social media to inform, engage, and inspire our community.  This year, a social media policy and guidelines will be drafted and shared with KCSD families and community members on the KCSD website and at our social media platforms.  The KCSD currently utilizes Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to celebrate our school District.  While reminders of important information will also be posted to social media, we recommend you check your email, voicemail, text messages, and websites for important information related to your child’s school and District. 

Facebook             Instagram          YouTube

Calling a Flexible Instruction Day (FID)

When faced with severe weather or other interruption to opening schools, KCSD may need to act to ensure the safety of our community. This may result in a delayed opening or an early dismissal. In other cases, a Flexible Instructional Day (FID) may be necessary. 

About

In the event of any emergency, Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) provide a safe alternative to in-person learning. All staff and students will remain hom and participate, to the best of their ability, in remote learning.  FIDs do not need to be made up at the end of the school year.

On the Day Before an FID 

Prior to a potential FID (when possible), teachers will review a full class schedule and instructions for participating on Microsoft Teams and Schoology via their device. 

No Access to Wifi? 

No problem! Call (610) 444-2551 or email studenttechhelp@kcsd.org to receive assistance. Advance notice is required.

On the Day Of an FID

Families are encouraged to monitor the KCSD website, social media, email, text and phone in the morning for confirmation of a FID. Then, students should do the following to be marked present: 

1. Reference the school schedules below. 

2. Log into Clever using a Chrome browser to access Microsoft Teams and Schoology and to be marked as attending.  

3. Elementary students should attend Morning Meeting and complete assignments as appropriate.

4. Secondary students should complete assignments as appropriate. 

5. Contact a teacher via Microsoft Teams for additional support during the school day. 

Trouble With Connecting? 

Do not panic! We trust that everyone will notify their teacher (including via Talking Points) and join when they can. 

Kindergarten & Elementary Schedule 

8:50 a.m.	Log Into Clever to Access Microsoft Teams & Schoology
9 - 9:30 a.m.	Morning Meeting (Microsoft Teams)
9:30 - 11 a.m.	Asynchronous Assignments (Schoology)
Teachers will be available via Microsoft Teams for additional support during the school day.

Secondary Schedule 

9:50 a.m.	Log Into Clever to Access Microsoft Teams & Schoology
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.	Asynchronous Assignments (Schoology)
Teachers will be available via Microsoft Teams for additional support during the school day.

Questions? 

Please contact your school.