ParentSquare Tips & Tricks for Families

At Cleveland Public Schools, one of our goals is to keep communication simple, timely, and effective. ParentSquare is our primary communication tool for school and district updates, classroom information, reminders, and emergency notifications. If you're new to ParentSquare or simply looking to make the most of it, here are a few helpful tips and tricks.

Verify Your Contact Information

The most important step is making sure your phone number and email address are current.

If you have recently changed phone numbers, switched email accounts, or moved, please contact your child's school office so we can update your information. ParentSquare can only send notifications to the contact information we have on file.

Download the Mobile App

While ParentSquare works on a computer, the mobile app makes communication much easier.

With the app, you can:

• Receive notifications instantly
• Send messages to teachers
• View announcements
• Access school information anytime

The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Adjust Your Notification Settings

Did you know you can choose how often ParentSquare contacts you?

Under your account settings, you can select:

• Instant Notifications: Receive messages as they are posted.
• Digest Notifications: Receive one summary message each evening.

Many parents find the daily digest option helps reduce notification overload while still keeping them informed.

Use the Translation Feature

ParentSquare can automatically translate messages into many different languages.

Simply update your language preference in your account settings, and messages will appear in your preferred language whenever available.

Check Announcements and Upcoming Events

Many school events, reminders, and activities are shared through ParentSquare. Make it a habit to check announcements regularly so you don't miss important dates like:

• Parent-teacher conferences
• School programs
• Athletic events
• Fundraisers
• Deadline reminders

Communicate Directly with Staff

ParentSquare makes it easy to communicate with teachers, coaches, and school staff.

When messaging:

• Keep messages brief and specific.
• Allow time for staff to respond during the school day.
• Use ParentSquare for school-related communication whenever possible.

Messages You May Receive

• Posts are used for general news, updates, and routine information. These may appear in the ParentSquare newsfeed and can also generate app notifications.
• Smart Alerts are used for situations that are more important than a regular post but are not emergencies. For example, we used this feature earlier this year when district internet and phone services were unavailable. While utilizing that feature, we also discovered that some parents experienced delays in receiving text messages, which helped us identify areas for improvement.
• Urgent Alerts are reserved for significant emergencies that require immediate attention. These alerts are designed to be highly noticeable and, in many cases, will override a phone's silent mode to ensure the message is received quickly.

We're Here to Help

Strong communication between schools and families helps students succeed. If you're having trouble logging in, receiving messages, or updating your account, please contact your school's office and we'll be happy to assist.

Thank you for partnering with us and staying connected through ParentSquare. Working together, we can ensure every family stays informed and engaged in their child's educational journey.