Group Chat Created Manually
A parent can start a group chat by simply entering names to the "To" field in the chat interface. A parent can message anyone in the school's platform who does not have messaging turned off. The number of users a parent can add is not limited.
Automated Parent Chat for Clubs & Programs
Clubs & Programs may have needs to discuss certain logistics among parents only, and not include admins and teachers to the conversations.
Example use cases when parents might want to chat as a group might be:
coach/teacher appreciation gift coordination,
carpool conversations,
birthday party invitations,
exchange of sports gear,
parent-to-parent support
Is the Feature Included to All Schools?
Parent group chat is an optional feature. The feature is activated by School Signals Support. If you do not see the Parent Chat button under Club/Program details > Members > Parent Chat, the feature is not enabled for your school. The School Admin of your school can request the Support to turn on the feature.
How Does a Parent Start the Parent Chat for a Club/Program?
The parent chat is started by going to the Club/Program details > Members > Parent Chat
How Do Other Parents Find the Parent Chat for a Club/Program?
To access the chat, parents can click the same button on the Members page. Parents will also see the chat thread on their Chats page. If a parent has notifications turned on for chats, they are notified on new chat messages via app push and email, depending on their choice.
The Specifications
Note the following about the parent group chat for clubs/programs:
Any parent who is a member of the club/program can start the chat.
All parents who belong to the club/program are automatically added to this chat.
Parents who join the club/program after the chat was created are automatically included to the chat group.
Members can see who is in the chat by clicking the 'i" icon > Chat members
A parent can leave the chat group. They can join again by clicking "Parent Chat" button (Club/Program details > Members > Parent Chat).
A parent can mute the chat group and not receive notifications.
The chat group does not have a specific manager. The chat group cannot be deleted by any particular member of the chat.
Keep the conversation informational: School Admin of the school has the access rights to monitor a parent chat
Any member can report a chat or comment for review of the school's School Admin.
School Admin can make a request to School Signals Support for the chat group to be deleted, if needed.