ParentSquare - St. Mary's Catholic School of Waterford

How we communicate

Our school uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically syncs with our Student Information System (FACTS) to generate an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified.

ParentSquare is a safe, secure, and modern approach to communication and collaboration between school and home.

What is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a whole host of tools which allows schools, school administrators and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.

Some features include:

Mass notifications and urgent alerts with two-way communication
Mobile application for administrators and parents (iOS and Android)
Attendance notifications
Teacher and classroom communication
Direct Messaging with two-way translation
Appointment Sign Ups (parent-teacher conferences, technology pick-ups)
Calendar and RSVP
Volunteering and classroom supply sign-ups
And so much more!

As a registered parent, you can:

Receive messages from the school and district via phone, email, text, or app notification
Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6pm
Communicate in your preferred language
Comment on school postings to engage with your school community
Direct message teachers, staff, and other parents
Participate in group messages from schools and teachers
Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
Sign up to volunteer, sign up to donate school supplies, and more all from your desktop or mobile device

Video Tutorials

English

Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for ParentSquare?
- On the app, enter your email or cell phone number. The email and/or cell phone number should match what is in the school’s information system (FACTS) or database.
- On the web, click ‘Sign In’, then under ‘Register’ section, put your email or phone number and click ‘“Go”.
  If the email or phone number is not recognized by ParentSquare, parents can follow directions to request access or call the school office and ask them to update the contact information.

How do I manage my notification settings?
- ParentSquare allows users to customize their notifications based on notification type and select their preferred delivery method for each school. The Instant setting will send all post notifications in real-time. The Digest setting sends direct messages, alerts, and time-sensitive posts instantly, but sends all non-time sensitive posts at the end of the day, reducing the number of notifications you receive daily. (We recommend the Digest setting.) Learn more about managing notifications.

How can parents change their language settings in ParentSquare?
- Parents can update their language preference for their account. Once they have done this, ParentSquare will automatically translate any communication to them in their selected language. This translation will also occur when the parent sends a message to a staff member. Learn more about ParentSquare translations and how to set the language preference.

Top 10 Tips for Parents & Guardians
- Activate Your Account
  Click the link in your activation email/text, or sign up on the ParentSquare website or via the ParentSquare app.
- Download App
  It’s easy to stay in the loop with the ParentSquare app. Download it now. iOS | Android
- Set Preferences
  Click your name in the top right to set your notification and language preferences.
- Get Photos & Files
  Click ‘Photos & Files’ in sidebar to access pictures, forms, and documents that have been shared with you.
- Appreciate Posts
  Click ‘Appreciate’ in your email/app or website to thank a teacher or staff member for a post.
- Comment or Reply
  Click ‘Comment’ in app or website to privately ask a question about the post that your teacher or school sent.
- Participate
  Click ‘Sign Ups & RSVPs’ in the sidebar to see available opportunities. Click bell on top to check your commitments.
- Join a Group
  Click ‘Groups’ in the sidebar to join a group or committee at your school to participate or to stay up to-date.
- Find People
  Click ‘Directory’ in the sidebar to find contact information for school staff.
- Get in Touch
  Click ‘Messages’ in the sidebar to privately get in touch with staff and teachers.

Will Parents recieve notifications from ParentSquare if they do not sign-up for ParentSquare?
- Yes. All parents have a ParentSquare account. ParentSquare is the primary tool for district and school communication. Individuals who do not activate their account in ParentSquare will still receive an email digest at the end of each day that communication is sent out to them. In the event of emergencies, phone calls will be sent as well.

I don’t have a student at your school or my child no longer attends your school. Can you take me off your list?
- Click “Unsubscribe” link on your email from ParentSquare or reply STOP to the SMS from ParentSquare to stop notifications to your email or phone.
  **** If the email or phone number is not recognized by ParentSquare, parents can call the school office and ask them to update the contact information.