No First Day of School in 12 Years

 A few weeks ago, my former district returned to school. It was the first time in 12 years I wasn't a part of it. Well, my first year I was hired 5 weeks in, but same thing! Either way, it felt really weird. There was no stress in preparing for a class or deploying district technology. It felt really good. 

There were friends, that are teachers, that reached out to ask questions on why items in technology were or were not happening. I had to explain I wasn't there, it used to be my job, but I don't know if anyone knew I did that. Either way, it wasn't my problem. My Facebook friend suggestions were interesting. It was completely filled with staff that I normally supported at back to school time. It appeared they were looking for me. I would say sorry, but I stand by my statement that "I did nothing wrong."

Things get even more interesting. A friend of mine had a principal reach out asking if they knew where I had gone. They shared that it appears my former department is in shambles. I don't wish that on my former friends, but it kind of is karma for the district. They truly did wrong on multiple good people. 

I'm now two weeks into my job, and I LOVE it. The culture is laid back. I haven't met a person that wasn't welcoming. I'm still adjusting to the pace as they don't work like everything is on fire, but I'm sure I'll acclimate pretty quick. 

Today, I had the opportunity to network with others in the business world, and that have some hand in technology. It was interesting to see all the different jobs they had, and to hear all the different ways we are using AI. Many struggled with my job title as they assumed I did some coding in my job. I felt like I confused them when I explained what I actually do. It truly is the analyst part that is throwing them off. that is unique to the company as I work closely to FinOps and Procurement. I see today as a step in the direction of building new connections outside the education world. 

Class Messenger

Scrolling through my twitter feed today, I came across Class Messenger. The ad worked and I clicked on the article. LOL I am so glad I did! I just had a coworker telling me the other day she didn't like giving out her personal cell number, but the parent wanted a text every day on their child's behavior. I have a solution!

This app runs very similar to Remind, but is way more user friendly! I love that you can send a general message or a homework reminder to parents or students (with parent permission). This will be great to use for your Parent Teacher Conference reminders! Messages you send can be set up to repeat how you want, so if it's the same message weekly, you just set up for it to send the same day of the week and time!

Class Messenger can be used on a desktop or through any device that it can be downloaded to. I currently have it on my phone and desktop. I love it on my phone because if you are sending an email or text message, you typically do those from your phone anyway! The only drawback I have learned (from many attempts of using the app with my mother and husband today) is that the recipient of the message can not respond directly from the text message. They have to click on the link in the text that directs them to the website where they respond, and not all forms of messages you send give them a link. From their email, they can respond right there! This may not be a problem for many people if you use it just to send important messages or reminders.

For those of you that use it daily for parents that want a status update of their child's behavior and they typically respond back, it may be more of a hassle. It can be more of a hassle if your text doesn't give them a link. If they have the app, they can respond with it or through their email.

Here is a video showing you the desktop version, and a brief breakdown on using it.

The only big difference between Class Messenger and Remind, that some users may miss, is the chat feature inside the app. Class Messenger only lets you send messages back and forth through the app, email, or texting. 

Another unique feature with Class Messenger is you can create a staff room. This enables coworkers to communicate messages back and forth. I could see it being used for a building coach or principal to remind staff of a meeting or items they need to bring to the meeting. Another idea is to help keep communication open for collaboration among grade level teams with their coach and principal. You can send a message out to everyone letting them know a date, time, and place. Then as it gets closer you can have your message set up to repeat to remind everyone.