- Kent School District
- Text Messages
Text Messages
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Receive Information Through Text Messages
Kent School District uses SchoolMessenger as its mass notification system to communicate with parents and guardians. In addition to emails and phone calls, SMS text messaging is now being used to send short, important messages including general school information, inclement weather, and emergency situations.
To receive text messages, you must opt-in and you may add up to four cell phone numbers.
- Add or confirm your cell phone number(s) in the Text Message Numbers section of Skyward Family Access.
- Text Y or Yes to 67587 from each cell phone you wish to receive texts on.
You will receive a confirmation text message after you opt-in. It may take 24 hours for a number to become active after being changed or added to the system.
Opt-In Using Skyward Family Access
To receive text messages, be sure your cell phone is listed in the Text Message Numbers section of Skyward Family Access. This is in addition to your primary number, cell number, and email address in the Contact section.
Step One: Login to Skyward Family Access.
Login to Skyward Family Access. Use the Forgot your Login/Password feature if you know your email on file with the District or user ID. Contact your school office if you need to retrieve your login information.
Step Two: Navigate to Skylert.
On the left side under General Information, click Skylert in the left column.
Step Three: Scroll down to the Text Message Numbers section.
Add your cell number(s) and choose Emergency and/or General to receive emergency texts or general information texts. The Attendance and Food Service options are not available at this time.
If you have trouble using Skyward Family Access, please call the KSD Customer Support Center at (253) 373-7030 or email CustomerSupportCenter@kent.k12.wa.us.
Contact Us
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Text Questions
(253) 373-7524
Skyward Login Info
Technical Support
CustomerSupportCenter@kent.k12.wa.us
(253) 373-7030
Translations
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is SchoolMessenger SMS text messaging?
Kent School District uses SchoolMessenger as its mass notification system to communicate with parents and guardians. In addition to emails and phone calls, SMS text messaging is used to send short, important messages. To receive text messages, you must opt-in using your cellphone. Text Y or Yes to 67587.
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How do recipients opt-In to receive text messages?
- Add or confirm your cell phone number(s) is in the Text Message Numbers contact section of Skyward Family Access. You may add up to four cell phone numbers.
- Text Y or Yes to 67587 from each cell phone you wish to receive text messages.
- Once the cell phone number has been successfully subscribed, a confirmation text message will be delivered to your cell phone.
Note: Depending on the data synchronization configuration, it may take 24 hours or more for numbers to be updated and added to the system.
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Do I have to opt-in?
Yes, you have to opt-in to receive text messages. Participation is optional and we encourage you to try it.
Your child’s school may choose to use this communication tool for quick notifications and reminders. The District will use it for emergency broadcasts, inclement weather alerts, or to publish districtwide information.
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Do I have to opt-in again if my cell phone number changes?
Yes, please make sure to update your cell phone number with your child’s school or update it in Skyward Family Access. You must opt-in again to 67587 using your new cell number.
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Is this the number, 67587, the District texts will always come from?
Yes, district text messages will always be from 67587.
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Can the text messages come from a district phone number, instead of the short code?
No.
Short codes are the industry standard, and the only fast and reliable way to deliver mass text notifications. -
Why is there a link in the text?
Use the link to opt-out of text messaging from the Kent School District. You can also opt-out by texting the word “STOP” to 67587.
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How do recipients opt-out of receiving text messages?
Recipients not wishing to receive text messages to a particular number can simply do one of the following:
- Don’t opt-in and don’t reply to the opt-in invitation message.
- Text STOP to 67587 at any time.
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I received a text message that says it’s from SchoolMessenger? What does it mean?
If it was from 67587, it was most likely the opt-In invitation message. To continue receiving informational text messages from the Kent School District reply with Y or Yes. If you do not reply, you will not receive any further text messages from the Kent School District.
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I opted-in, but I’m not receiving texts?
- Ensure the district has your correct cell phone number in Skyward/Family Access/Skylert/Text Message Numbers section by logging in on your school’s website homepage Skyward icon. If you do not remember your
log in information, contact your school office. - It may take 24 hours for a number to become active after being changed or added to the system.
- Send a text with Y, from that cell phone to 67587. You should receive an opt-in confirmation message.
- If you want to receive texts on multiple phones, each cell phone number must complete the
opt-In process.
- Ensure the district has your correct cell phone number in Skyward/Family Access/Skylert/Text Message Numbers section by logging in on your school’s website homepage Skyward icon. If you do not remember your
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How do I know, after I replied, if the opt-in, opt-out, or HELP text message worked?
After you text keywords 67587, it will ALWAYS respond with one of three messages.
Opt-in Response
You're registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. msg freq varies. schoolmessenger.com/txt
Opt-out Response
You're unsubscribed from SchoolMessenger. No more msgs will be sent. Reply Y to resubscribe, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply. schoolmessenger.com/txt
Help or Unknown Key Word Response
SchoolMessenger notification service: Reply Y to subscribe or STOP to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Visit schoolmessenger.com/txt for info
Any Other or No Response
Any other response – or no response indicates the recipient should contact their wireless device provider to have SMS messaging/premium content enabled.
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What does it mean if I texted Y or Yes and I received some sort of error message back?
If you receive what appears to be an error message, similar to one of the following, it most likely means that short code text messaging is not enabled on your wireless subscription plan:
- Service access denied
- Message failed
Short code may have expired orshort code texting may be blocked on your account- Does not participate
These replies DO NOT indicate the wireless provider cannot receive messages from SchoolMessenger. Rather, they are an indication the specific mobile device does not have short code SMS texting enabled for that number (this is sometimes disabled by default on company provided cell phones). To address this, contact your wireless provider.
Note
Providers sometimes use various names for this type of texting service (e.g.
short code , SMS, premium, etc.). If you simply ask about text messaging, your carrier may assume you are referring to person-to-person.Therefore, be very clear to refer to “short code” text messages. Most TV programs that have a voting component use
short code SMS text messaging (e.g. American Idol, Dancing with the Stars). In addition, many department or grocery stores use SMS text messaging to distribute coupons and deals. Using an example such as this can be helpful in clarifying the type of texting service you want to enable. -
Will I be charged for the text messages I receive from SchoolMessenger?
SchoolMessenger does not charge recipients for text messages. However, wireless providers may charge for individual text messages, depending on your wireless plan. Please consult your carrier if you are uncertain.