ParentSquare for Families

ParentSquare is a comprehensive school-home communication platform designed to foster engagement and streamline interactions between schools and families. It serves as a bridge, enabling school districts, teachers, parents, and students to connect and communicate effectively in one unified space. Here are some key features and functionalities of ParentSquare:

1. Unified Communication: With ParentSquare, parents and guardians can receive all district, school, and classroom communications, whether they come via email, text, or app notification.
2. Multifunctional Platform: Beyond simple messaging, ParentSquare offers features like a calendar for viewing school and classroom events, the ability to RSVP to events, sign digital forms and permission slips, and receive important student documents securely.
3. Direct Messaging: The platform facilitates direct messaging between parents and school staff, including teachers, principals, and other school personnel.
4. Multilingual Support: To cater to diverse communities, ParentSquare allows communication in one's preferred language.
5. Community Engagement: Parents and guardians can comment on school posts, participate in group messages, and engage with the broader school community.
6. Mobile and Desktop Access: ParentSquare is accessible through various devices. There's a free mobile app available for both iOS and Android, and a desktop version accessible through any web browser.
7. Notification Customization: Parents can set their preferences for how and when they receive notifications, choosing between immediate updates or a daily digest. They can also determine which type of communication method (email, text, app notification) they prefer for different kinds of messages.
8. Secure Platform: All communications on ParentSquare are safe and secure, ensuring the privacy of students and their families.

In essence, ParentSquare is a one-stop solution that centralizes all school-related communications, making it easier for parents and guardians to stay informed and engaged in their child's educational experience.

Skyward Family Access and ParentSquare are both valuable tools for parents, educators, and school administrators, but they serve different primary functions within the educational ecosystem. Here's a breakdown of the two:

1. Skyward Family Access:

   • Primary Function: Skyward Family Access is primarily a student information system (SIS). It is a web-based application that allows parents and guardians to view student-specific details such as grades, attendance records, schedules, and other academic information.
   • Access to Records: With Skyward, parents can monitor their child's academic progress in real-time. They can check report cards, test scores, and track attendance.
   • Registration and Enrollment: NKSD uses Skyward for enrollment and registration processes, allowing parents to update student information or enroll them in specific courses or extracurricular activities.

2. ParentSquare:

   • Primary Function: ParentSquare is primarily a communication and engagement platform. It focuses on improving and streamlining communication between schools and families.
   • Unified Communication: ParentSquare consolidates all school-to-home communications, whether they are district-wide announcements, classroom-specific updates, or group messages.
   • Event Calendars and RSVP: It includes features for event scheduling, allowing parents to see school and classroom events and RSVP.
   • Direct Messaging: Parents can directly message teachers, staff, and other parents through ParentSquare.
   • Multilingual Support: ParentSquare offers communication in multiple languages to cater to diverse communities.
   • Digital Forms and Permissions: It provides functionalities like signing digital forms and permission slips, making the process easier and paper-free.

Key Difference: While there might be some overlap, the primary distinction is that Skyward Family Access is more focused on academic and administrative information specific to students, whereas ParentSquare emphasizes communication and engagement between the school and its families.

Both tools, when used together, provide a comprehensive view of a student's academic journey, ensuring parents are informed and engaged every step of the way.

Accessing ParentSquare is easy and can be done through various devices and platforms. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to access and use ParentSquare:

1. Web Browser:
   • Navigate to the ParentSquare website by typing in or clicking on www.parentsquare.com.
   • Once on the site, log in using your email or phone number and the password you created during activation. If you haven’t activated your account, you'll need to do that first with the invitation you received.
2. Mobile App:
   • Download the App: ParentSquare offers a free mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. Visit the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) and search for "ParentSquare."
   • Install: Once you find the app, tap on 'Download' or 'Install'.
   • Open the App: After installation, open the app on your device.
   • Log In: Use the same email or phone number and password you set during the activation process to log in.
3. Email and Text Links:
   • Occasionally, you might receive notifications or messages from the school via email or text. These messages often contain direct links that, when clicked, will take you to the specific message or notification on ParentSquare. If prompted, log in using your credentials.
4. Ensure Updated Information in Skyward:
   • ParentSquare uses the contact information shared in Skyward. Make sure your contact details, like emails and phone numbers, are updated in Skyward to ensure seamless access to ParentSquare.
5. Support & Troubleshooting:
   • If you encounter any issues accessing or using ParentSquare, you can always reach out to the support team at North Kitsap School District by emailing communications@nkschools.org. They will be able to assist you or guide you to the right resources.

By accessing ParentSquare through these methods, you can stay connected with the school, teachers, and the wider community, ensuring you are always updated about your child's educational journey and school events.

Activating your ParentSquare account is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the information shared earlier:

1. Invitation from School: Wait for the invitation to join ParentSquare. North Kitsap School District will send an invitation via email or text.
2. Open the Invitation: Once you receive the invitation, open the email or text.
3. Click the Activation Link: Within the invitation, there will be a link or button that says "Activate your account" or similar. Click on it.
4. Create a Password: You'll be prompted to set up a password for your ParentSquare account. Choose a secure password, and click "Register" or the equivalent button.
5. Confirm Contact Details: You might be asked to confirm your phone number and/or email address. Click "Confirm" for each.
6. Verification Code: After confirming your contact details, you will receive a verification code sent to the email or phone number you provided.
7. Enter Verification Code: Input the verification code where prompted in the activation process to verify your identity.
8. Completion: Once verified, your account should be active, and you can start using ParentSquare right away.

Remember, ParentSquare will use the contact details you've provided in Skyward. Ensure your contact information, like emails and phone numbers, is up-to-date in Skyward, as this information is used to generate your ParentSquare account.

If you face any issues during the activation process or don't receive an invitation as expected, consider reaching out to North Kitsap School District's Communications Team at communications@nkschools.org for assistance.

ParentSquare is a comprehensive communication and engagement platform designed to bridge the gap between schools and families. Here's a breakdown of what you can do with ParentSquare:

1. Unified Communication: Receive all district, school, and classroom communications in one place, whether they come via email, text, or app notification.
2. Calendar and Events: View the school and classroom calendar, see upcoming events, and even RSVP to them.
3. Direct Messaging: Directly message teachers, staff, principals, and other parents, ensuring private and streamlined communication.
4. Language Preferences: Communicate in your preferred language, as ParentSquare offers multilingual support.
5. Engage with Community: Comment on school postings, share your thoughts, and engage with your school community in group messages.
6. Volunteer and Contribute: Easily sign up to volunteer for school events or activities and offer to bring items as needed.
7. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Use the platform to sign up for parent-teacher conference slots, ensuring smooth scheduling.
8. Digital Forms and Permission Slips: Sign forms, permission slips, and other necessary documents digitally, right from your device.
9. Customize Notifications: Control how and when you receive notifications. Choose immediate updates or a daily digest, set your preferences for email, text, or app notifications, and even opt-out of certain types of communications.
10. Access on Multiple Devices: Whether you're on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, ParentSquare is accessible. There's a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices for on-the-go access.
11. Pictures and Files: Share and view pictures and files related to school events, projects, or updates.
12. Daily Digest Option: For those who prefer fewer notifications, you can choose to receive a summary of all communications in a daily digest sent at a specified time.

In essence, ParentSquare acts as a digital hub, centralizing school-related communications and actions, ensuring that parents and guardians remain informed and actively engaged in their child's educational journey.

Yes, you can control how you receive notifications from ParentSquare. The platform offers flexibility in how parents and guardians choose to be notified, ensuring that communications fit seamlessly into individual preferences and lifestyles. Here's how you can manage your notification settings:

1. Notification Preferences: Within ParentSquare, you can access your notification settings to specify how you'd like to receive different types of messages. You can choose between email, text, or app notifications, depending on your preference.
2. Daily Digest Option: If you prefer not to receive notifications immediately as they come, you can opt for the "daily digest" feature. This will consolidate all the day's notifications into a single summary that you'll receive at a specified time, like 6:00 p.m.
3. Urgent vs. Regular Communications: You can set different preferences for regular updates and urgent messages. For example, while you might choose to get regular updates via email, you might prefer urgent messages to come as text messages to ensure you see them promptly.
4. Direct Messaging Preferences: For one-on-one or group conversations (like direct messages with teachers, staff, or other parents), you can set specific notification preferences as well.
5. App-Specific Notifications: If you're using the ParentSquare app on a mobile device, you can also manage notifications from within your device's settings. This allows you to control app badge counts, sound alerts, and more.
6. Opt-Out Option: If there are specific types of notifications you'd rather not receive, you can often opt out of certain categories. However, it's essential to ensure you still receive critical school and classroom updates.

It's a good practice to familiarize yourself with the notification settings early on, so you receive communications in a manner that's most convenient for you. This personalization ensures you stay connected and informed without feeling overwhelmed. If you need assistance adjusting these settings, you can refer to ParentSquare's Help Center or contact your school's designated ParentSquare administrator for guidance.

Yes, you can use ParentSquare in a language other than English. ParentSquare offers multilingual support to ensure that all families, regardless of their primary language, can engage effectively with their child's school. Here's how it works:

1. Automatic Translations: Messages sent by the school or teachers can be automatically translated into your preferred language. This ensures that you receive important updates and communications in a language you understand.

2. Set Your Preferred Language: Within ParentSquare, users can set their preferred language for communications. Once set, you'll receive messages translated into that language.

3. Communicate in Your Preferred Language: You can also communicate with the school or teachers in your preferred language. When you send a message in another language, it can be translated for the recipient, ensuring clear communication.

4. Multiple Languages Supported: ParentSquare supports a wide range of languages, making it versatile and accessible for diverse communities.

It's essential for schools to provide inclusive communication tools, and ParentSquare's multilingual features help bridge language barriers, ensuring that all parents and guardians can stay informed and engaged in their child's education. If you're unsure how to set your language preferences or need further assistance, consider reaching out to your school or ParentSquare support for guidance.

f you're encountering issues with ParentSquare, follow these steps to get assistance:

1. ParentSquare Help Center: ParentSquare has its own Help Center with guides, articles, and FAQs that can address common questions and issues.
2. Contact Your School: Reach out to your child's school directly. Often, schools have designated staff members or administrators who are familiar with ParentSquare and can assist with general queries or problems.
3. Contact North Kitsap School District's Communications Team: If you're a part of the North Kitsap School District, you can email communications@nkschools.org for further assistance with ParentSquare-specific issues.
4. ParentSquare Support: ParentSquare offers support options that you can access through their platform or website. Depending on your school or district's agreement with ParentSquare, there might be direct support lines or email addresses available.
5. Review Instructional Materials: If you received any instructional materials or guides when you were introduced to ParentSquare (either digitally or on paper), reviewing them can often clarify issues or provide solutions.
6. Update Your App/Software: If you're using the ParentSquare mobile app and experiencing glitches, make sure you have the latest version of the app installed. Updates often include fixes for known issues.
7. Check Your Contact Information in Skyward: Since ParentSquare uses contact details shared in Skyward, ensuring your information is accurate in this system can solve problems related to account activation or receiving communications.

By following these avenues, you should be able to address and resolve most concerns or challenges you might face with ParentSquare. Always remember that the tool is there to facilitate communication between the school and home, so don't hesitate to seek help when needed.

ParentSquare is designed with the security and privacy of its users in mind, especially since it handles sensitive information related to students and school communications. Here are some aspects highlighting its security:

1. Compliance with Regulations: ParentSquare complies with both the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These regulations ensure that the platform meets specific standards for the protection of students' and families' data.
2. Private and Secure Communications: All communications on ParentSquare are private and can only be accessed by authorized users, such as school staff, parents, and guardians associated with a particular school or district.
3. No Third-Party Selling: ParentSquare does not sell or share your contact information or any other personal data with third parties. Their primary aim is to facilitate communication between schools and families, not to commercialize user data.
4. Data Encryption: Data transmitted to and from ParentSquare is typically encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and safe from potential breaches.
5. Regular Updates and Patches: Like other responsible software platforms, ParentSquare routinely updates its systems to address potential security vulnerabilities and to enhance overall system security.
6. User Verification: The process of user invitation and account activation ensures that only legitimate users, associated with the school or district, can access the system.

While ParentSquare employs various measures to ensure the platform's security, it's also essential for users (parents, guardians, and school staff) to practice safe online habits, like using strong passwords and not sharing login credentials.

If you have specific concerns or need more detailed information about ParentSquare's security protocols, you can contact the platform directly or reach out to the North Kitsap School District's communications team at communications@nkschools.org.

Yes, you can access ParentSquare from any device with internet connectivity. Here's how:

1. Desktop or Laptop: You can access ParentSquare via its website (www.parentsquare.com) using any web browser on your desktop or laptop.
2. Mobile Devices (Tablet or Smartphone): ParentSquare offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. You can download the ParentSquare app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices). Once downloaded, you can log in using your ParentSquare credentials to access all features directly from your mobile device.

This cross-platform accessibility ensures that parents and guardians can stay connected and informed about school communications and updates, no matter where they are or which device they prefer to use.

If you haven't received an invitation to join ParentSquare, follow these steps to address the situation:

1. Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: Sometimes, emails from new platforms might be directed to your spam or junk folder. Review these folders to see if the invitation ended up there by mistake.
2. Ensure Correct Contact Information: Make sure the school has your current and correct email address and phone number on file. The school might be sending the invitation to an old or incorrect address.
3. Contact the School Directly: Reach out to your child's school office or the designated school administrator in charge of communications. They can verify whether an invitation was sent and resend it if necessary.
4. Update Your Contact Information in Skyward: ParentSquare uses contact information shared in Skyward. Ensure your details are up-to-date in this system if your school uses it.
5. Wait: There might be a staggered rollout of invitations, especially if the school has a large student population. It's possible that your invitation is scheduled to be sent at a later date.
6. Technical Glitches: Occasionally, technical issues can prevent the successful delivery of emails. By notifying the school, they can check if there's a wider issue or if it's an isolated incident.
7. Seek Support: If you're still facing challenges, you can contact the North Kitsap School District's communications team at communications@nkschools.org for further assistance.

Remember, joining ParentSquare is crucial to stay updated with school communications and your child's educational journey. It's essential to address any hurdles in the registration process promptly.

Yes, parents and guardians typically have the option to opt out of using ParentSquare. However, it's essential to remember that ParentSquare is a primary communication tool for many schools, including the North Kitsap School District. Opting out might mean that you miss essential updates, announcements, or other communications related to your child's schooling.

If you decide that you still want to opt out:

1. Contact the school: Reach out to your child's school directly and inform them of your decision. They may provide alternative methods for you to receive school communications or ask for your reasons for opting out to address any concerns you might have.
2. Update Settings: If you don't want to receive notifications but wish to retain access to ParentSquare, you can adjust your notification preferences in your account settings. This allows you to control which types of notifications you receive and how you receive them, whether by email, text, or app notifications.
3. Unsubscribe from emails: If ParentSquare sends you emails, there's typically an 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of the email. Clicking this will stop those specific emails, but it's a good idea to inform the school of your decision so they can adjust their records accordingly.
4. App Uninstallation: If you have the ParentSquare app on your mobile device and wish to stop using it, you can uninstall the app. However, uninstalling the app doesn't mean you've opted out of ParentSquare entirely; you may still receive emails or texts unless you change your notification preferences or inform the school.

Lastly, if you have concerns or issues with ParentSquare, consider reaching out to the school or the North Kitsap School District's communications team at communications@nkschools.org. They may be able to address your concerns or provide clarity on any issues you might have.

1. From Home, locate post in the main feed. Click Print at the bottom of the post, next to Appreciate and Comment.
   
   
    
2. Or, go to the post detail page and click Print in right sidebar.
   
   
    
3. Send to printer or save as PDF.
   To save as PDF: choose File > Print. Click the option marked PDF in the lower left corner of the menu box that appears. In the drop-down menu, select Save as PDF. Save the file under a new name.

Yes, you can print an entire direct message conversation. What messages you can view and print depends on your role.

• Go to Home > Messages (in left sidebar), click on a message, then click print icon in upper right.
• Print the message thread on a printer or save as PDF.