To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we will be introducing a new, more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival.
WHAT IS SAFEARRIVAL?
SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easier for parents to report student absences, and quicker for schools to verify student attendance and to respond to unexplained absences.
WHEN WILL SCHOOL START USING SAFEARRIVAL?
Starting Monday, January 3, 2022, please report your student’s absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of calling, emailing, or sending notes to the school.
WHAT MUST PARENT DO TO PREPARE FOR SAFEARRIVAL?
SchoolMessenger App (Mobile or Browser)
Download the SchoolMessenger App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The link to download the app is available on the district’s mobile app website (https://santeesd.net/mobile) under SchoolMessenger.
You may choose to use the browser based SchoolMessenger app (https://go.schoolmessenger.com).
The first time you use the app (mobile or browser), select Sign Up to create your account using your email that is on file with the school. You will need to have access to the email for verification during account creation.
Opt-In to SMS
Opt-In to SMS will allow the school to delivery information to you via SMS Text Messaging. The district will only use this service to provide absence information and other information that is timely and relevant.
The SMS Opt-In process is very simple and only takes a few seconds to complete. Simply text any one of the following words SUBSCRIBE, OPTIN, or YES to the number 67587.
You will know you were successful if you receive the following reply message:
“You’re registered 4 SchoolMessenger notifications. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help, Msg&Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies,”
You will want to repeat the opt-in process for every wireless number that you wish to include.
In addition to performing the opt-in process above, please ensure that the district has your wireless number(s) in our PowerSchool Student Information System. If you have not already provided the information to your school, please contact the school office, and provide them with that information.
Note: the district does not pay for text message charges that may be incurred by you for sending or receiving text messages. Please check with your wireless carrier for possible charges.
HOW DO PARENTS USE SAFEARRIVAL TO REPORT STUDENT ABSENCE?
With SafeArrival, you can report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods:
- Using your mobile device, with the SchoolMessenger App. Log in with your SchoolMessenger account, from the menu select Attendance, then Report an Absence.
- Using the SafeArrival website (https://go.schoolmessenger.com) Log in with your SchoolMessenger App account. From the menu, select Attendance then Report an Absence.
- Call the toll-free number [866-704-5952] to report an absence using the automated phone system.
These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.
USER GUIDE AND INSTRUCTIONS
User Guide and Instructions on using SafeArrival to report an absence is available here “Using SchoolMessenger App with SafeArrival” or in the district’s mobile app website (https://santeesd.net/mobile) under SafeArrival.
SCHOOL NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT ABSENCE
School will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence was not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence.
- Notification through the SchoolMessenger mobile app
- SMS text message if you have Opt-In to SMS
- Phone and email message
If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up.
If you have reported your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website, or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.