APS Community Prefers Text Alerts for Emergencies

Survey reveals strong preference for text messages over other communication methods for critical updates.

All hail the power of the text message.

Key parts of the APS community – employees and families – overwhelmingly agreed they prefer text messages as the best way to alert school communities about major events such as shelters-in-place or weather delays.

The survey, which got about 2,600 responses from the district’s employees and 3,100 responses from families indicated texting was their preferred method of receiving such communications. More than 90 percent of both groups said they preferred texting, though 34 percent of employees and 44 percent of families said they liked phone calls as well (respondents were given the ability to select more than one option).

The survey, which included 10 questions, was an attempt to get a better feel for the kinds of communications members of the community want as technology gets more accessible – and at times, more cumbersome.

Other questions included queries about district-level logos and branding. Most families said they liked the current apple logo and brand, though many had a positive response to an updated hot air balloon.

A pair of open-ended questions also were included in the survey, including one that asked for suggestions on improving district-level communications at APS. Reponses included:

• ”Individual school websites need to be improved. They are basically cookie cutter templates with very little useful info. They should be improved so they're actually useful, they should have social media links on them for individual schools, and then once they're improved, they should have important district wide info on them. Then, it will be easier for parents to find info they need for their schools and the district in one place.”

• ”none - APS does a good job with communication. including teachers”

• ”Please APS continue to communicate with families, surrounding neighborhoods and businesses especially during a shelter in place and lock downs. Share with families the ALICE protocol (If this is still implemented) I believe parents want to know where and how their school goes to their emergency off campus locations.”

• ”Timing. Communications need to happen early enough to allow for planning. Families are incredibly busy and even a week is not enough time for most people to add something to their schedule.”