Embedded Files
Communicating with Parents and Students through BrightArrow
Communicating with Parents and Students through BrightArrow
Please use the BrightArrow system for mass communications with students/parents (e.g. class updates, information on field trips, etc). BrightArrow allows you to send messages to the email addresses listed in PowerSchool without exposing email addresses to every recipient of your message. To communicate with an individual student/parent, please find their email address in PowerSchool and create a message in Outlook.
1. Log into PowerSchool; to email students, click the Students icon; to email parents, click the Parents icon; to email students/parents of a particular session, click the respective icon on the row for that session; to email all students/parents, click the respective icon at the bottom
2. Begin drafting your message; optionally, give your message a name (this will aid in locating your message if you need any technical support, but this is not the subject line of the message)
a. Optionally, have BrightArrow automatically translate your message into each contact’s preferred language
3. Write your message; we suggest using HTML email and drafting your message in Word/Google Docs, then copying/pasting your text into BrightArrow
4. Change the Email Subject and From Name to something other than the default; use a subject that will catch your students’/parents’ attention, and put your own name in the From field
a. To add an attachment, click Add Attachment; click Choose File and locate the file you wish to attach; give the attachment a clear name; click Upload and Link
b. To add your branded signature, please see this guide
5. After pasting in your message and changing the subject and from info, click OK
6. Optional but highly recommended: preview your message by sending it to yourself by clicking Preview Email; enter your email address and click Preview; review your message; go back to edit or send by clicking Edit Message; repeat this process until you are satisfied with your message
7. Send your message by clicking Send Message Now
a. Optionally, schedule your message to send at a later date/time by checking Pre-Scheduled, then selecting the date and time you wish to send the message
b. If using this option, click Schedule and Close; your message will begin sending at the date/time you specified
BrightArrow will begin sending your message. Each recipient will see the subject and from info you specified and the content of the message, but will only see their email address. All other parent/student email addresses will be kept private, protecting the privacy of all our students and parents.
If you wish to check on the transmission status of your message, please open a Help Desk ticket and be sure to note when you sent your message.
1. Treat all BrightArrow communications as “broadcast” messages. In other words, if the message you want to send is not suitable for public consumption, do not use BrightArrow.
2. Use a professional greeting (e.g. “Dear Parents/Guardians”)
3. Avoid using specific student names. If you want to share a story about specific students’ work, seek permission from their parent(s) first. When in doubt, ask administration. Also be careful when using “son” or “daughter.” “Student” is generic but always works.
4. Keep your messages brief, professional, and always spell-check! Many people will stop reading “below the fold.”
5. Before ending your email, remind parents/guardians they are welcome to contact you with any questions or concerns.
6. Always sign your email with a professional signature. Include: your first and last names, your position/department, Lake County Tech Campus, our mailing address, and your phone number.
Example: E. Alex Escareno - Professional Development Coordinator
Lake County Tech Campus
19525 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030
847-543-6017
Report abuse