Effective and efficient communication is one of the key factors that drive thriving businesses and organizations.
In the education industry, schools can utilize bulk sms solutions as their main communication channel to reach out to parents concerning any relevant information that may affect the learning outcomes of their wards.
While other channels like email, phone calls, or letters may be used for such communications, sms allows parents to keep track of all relevant information at their own pace, even during their busy schedules.
In this guide, we will be looking at how schools can use bulk sms and its benefits.
Why should schools use Bulk SMS?
Educational institutions should add bulk messaging to their marketing mediums because it is one of the few channels with a high delivery and open rate.
Because of the personal nature of sms, schools are assured messages will never go unnoticed.
For example, Messages like children’s attendance, ward performance, behavior, and upcoming events may help keep parents involved in their wards education whiles staying up-to-date.
Types of Bulk sms messages schools can send Parents
There are different types of messages schools can send out to parents to keep them informed about their ward’s education or school activities. Here are a few examples.
1. Terminal Assessment Reporting:
Schools can employ bulk sms services to notify parents of their ward’s assessment for the end of the academic semester. These alerts will help parents track the progress of their wards.
Template: “Dear {{parent_firstname}}, your ward {{child_firstname}} grades for the semester have been posted. Please Log in to the portal to view the grades Now. {{Link}}.”
2. Ward Attendance
When a pupil is absent, schools can use sms to inform guardians about their ward’s absence.
Template: “Dear {{parent_firstname}}, your ward {{child_firstname}} was marked absent today. Please call the school if you believe this is an error. Thank you.”
3. Bad Weather or Emergencies
Schools can use sms to alert parents on emergencies in school or when there is a severe weather condition that may affect closing or opening times. These messages allow parents to take all the precautions needed during these times.
Template: “Dear {{parent_firstname}}, due to severe rains and flooding at the bridge, school will be closed late today. Your child is safe and with the staff here. Thank you.”
4. Fee Reminders
Schools can use bulk sms to remind parents of their ward’s upcoming fees. This will ensure timely payment of fees and smooth running of the school.
Template: “Dear {{parent_firstname}}, this is a gentle reminder that you have a fee of {{child_fee}} which is due on {{date}}. Please ensure to complete payment on time to avoid penalties.”
5. School Reopening Messages
Send all information regarding school reopening dates and schedules via sms before the beginning of the academic year to keep parents aligned with the dates and any other changes.
Template: “Dear parents, we are excited to announce that school will be reopening on {{date}}. Please download the school reopening schedule by clicking on the link. {{Link}}.”
Benefits of Bulk SMS for Schools
1. Track Academic Progress:
Guardians/ parents can know and track the progress of their kids in school. These messages will help keep them informed about their ward’s academic performance. It also helps them address issues when the need arises (like fees).
2. Improve Parent-Teacher Relationships
SMS helps improve parent-teacher relationship that is needed for the welfare of their child. Schools can send any important information while parents can address them when the need arises.
3. Bulk Sms is a cost-effective Channel for Schools.
Bulk Sms eliminates the high costs of phone calls, printing, and postage, whiles delivering an effective way of reaching parents.
4. Improve School Attendance.
Automated attendance reminders can be sent to parents to keep them informed about their child’s absence and take the necessary actions which will reduce unexcused absences.
5. Simplified Event Reminders.
Sms simplifies event management by helping schools send event reminders, invitations, and updates to parents. This will ensure maximum participation in sports day, PTA meetings, excursions, etc.
SMS Best Practices for Schools
1. Be clear and concise
Avoid sending messages that are difficult to understand. Make sure your messages are simple and clear. Avoid using any jargon that may be difficult for parents to understand.
2. Personalize when Necessary
Personalizing messages to parents will help build an open relationship between the school and the parent. Using custom fields like their ward’s name, class, index numbers, etc. will let parents know messages are only for them.
3. Be consistent with your messaging
Understand parents have busy schedules to live with, day in and day out. Therefore to ensure that messages are received and engaged with, deploy a bi-weekly or monthly schedule to help parents know when they will be receiving updates from you and stick with it. (Except during emergencies).
Get Started with NALO SMS for Schools
Bulk SMS allows schools to build lasting relationships with parents whiles keeping them involved with the progress of their wards.
If you are actively looking for an sms platform with all the tools to assist your school send out messages to parents, then choose NALO SMS. Create a free SMS account and join the NALO SMS family. Today!
