How do I send messages to families through Connect?

To send messages to families through Connect, follow these steps:

1.  Click on the Group Messages page, which you can find on the left side of your screen next to the paper airplane icon. 

2. Here you can see the options to create a new message, view scheduled messages, look at messages you have previously sent, or check your inbox. 

3. To send a new message, first make sure the New Message button is highlighted in blue. Underneath this is a list of your students. 

4. To make a student the recipient of your message, select the box to the left of their name and ID, making sure that the box turns blue with a check mark.

5.  Once you have selected your recipients, you will scroll down under the list of students. 

1. There you will find the message box where you can type up the message you want to send out to families. 

2. After composing your message, look to the right side of the screen to input your message delivery details. 

   1. Choose the method of delivery under ‘Select delivery channel’. You have three options:

      1. Student’s preferred communication channel (whichever delivery method they have selected in their Connect account)

      2. Text Message SMS

      3. Email

   2.  After choosing your method of delivery, you will choose when to send the message. 

   3. Send the message right away by selecting the box next to ‘Deliver as soon as possible’, or schedule when the message goes out by choosing the date and time you would like it sent. 

1. Once you have finished selecting the recipients, composing the message, and setting the delivery instructions, click the Send Messages button located under the message box. 

   1. You can make sure that the message is sent by selecting either Scheduled Messages or Sent Messages (depending on if you scheduled or sent the message) at the top of the page next to New Message, and see the status of your message. 

   2. You can view messages and responses from families in your inbox. On the Group Messages page, you will see a teal ‘Inbox’ button at the top of the page. This is where responses and messages from families will be delivered. Make sure to check your inbox often to communicate with and help families as they use Connect. 

Please reach out to your Springboard Program Director if you have any questions about sending messages to families.

To use message templates, please refer to this article: How to use message templates in Connect