We offer a variety of tools that families can use to access important student information, receive timely news and notifications from the district, and stay updated on what is happening in our schools.
Blackboard Connect is a software tool that enables District 86 to reach parents using the contact information they have provided to the District via its student information system known as eSchool. This means District 86 will use this service for email, automated phone calls and text messages.
Only parents/guardians are automatically entered into the system. If your contact information changes, please notify the registrar at your school to update District 86 records.
Important Information Regarding Text Notification
In addition to email, District 86 will use text messages to contact parents/guardians as circumstances warrant, such as in the event of an emergency, unanticipated school closing, late start or early dismissal. Please note that all parents/guardians are automatically opted in to the system; however, in order to receive text messages, you must have a telephone number identified specifically as a cell phone number on file with the district. If you do not have a cell phone number on file, you will not receive text messages. If you need to update this information, contact the registrar at your student's school.
It is important to note that when you receive a text message from District 86 it will come in from what is known as a short code. In the screenshot below, the short code is 231-77. Blackboard is used by many schools, universities and municipalities. You may receive texts from other schools, universities or municipalities via this same short code.
Message and data rates may apply. If you do not want to receive text notifications, simply reply STOP in response to the issued text from the appropriate cell phone. To re-subscribe, type SUBSCRIBE from the appropriate cell phone. To comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, individual text preferences will be managed directly by the end user through Blackboard. District 86 personnel will not be able to stop or re-subscribe on any recipient’s behalf.
This app that puts greater functionality at your fingertips. You can download this free app from iTunes or Google Play by clicking above. Select which building you would like to receive information about, enable push notifications for important news, view photos, access the Tip Line and more!
