Messages

The Messages section lets you read messages from your child's teachers and school, and reply to them.

Accessing Messages

1. Click "Messages" in the sidebar navigation
2. View your message inbox

Inbox Overview

Message List

The banner shows how many unread messages you have, and the Inbox card lists them. Each row shows:

• Who sent it
• A badge for their role — Teacher, Admin or System
• A High Priority badge on urgent messages
• The date
• The subject and the first lines of the message

Unread messages are highlighted with an orange dot. Click any message to open it.

If you have nothing yet, the page reads "No messages yet."

Reading a Message

Opening a message shows the sender, their role, which child it concerns, the subject, the date and time, the priority, and the full text. It's marked as read automatically.

From the message you can:

• "Reply" - Opens the composer with the sender already filled in
• "Delete" - Removes the message after you confirm
• "Back to Inbox" - Returns to the list

When a teacher wrote to you, a card at the bottom offers "Send New Message" to write to that teacher again.

Composing Messages

New Message

1. Click "Compose" at the top of the inbox
2. Pick the recipient under To
3. Enter a Subject (at least 3 characters)
4. Write your Message
5. Click "Send Message"

Use "Cancel" or "Back to Messages" to leave without sending.

Who You Can Message

You can message people who have already written to you — they're the options in the To list. If nobody has messaged you yet, the composer explains: "You can message a teacher by replying to a message they've sent you. There are no contacts to message yet."

:::note There is no teacher directory in the Parents App. To start a conversation with a teacher who hasn't contacted you, ask the school office to have them message you first. :::

Message Types

Teacher Messages

Teachers may message about:

• Academic progress
• Behavior observations
• Assignment concerns
• Upcoming events
• Meeting requests

School Messages

School administrators may message about:

• School events
• Schedule changes
• Important notices
• Policy updates

System Messages

Automated messages appear with a System badge.

Best Practices

Effective Communication

When messaging teachers:

• Be specific about your concern
• Include relevant details
• Ask clear questions
• Be respectful and professional

Response Times

• Teachers typically respond within 1-2 school days
• Urgent matters: contact school directly
• Non-urgent: be patient

Appropriate Topics

Appropriate:

• Academic concerns
• Behavioral questions
• Schedule inquiries
• Support requests

Better handled in person:

• Complex issues
• Sensitive matters
• Conflict resolution

Notifications

The bell icon in the header shows how many notifications you haven't read, and school messages can also arrive there as notifications. See Notifications.

Multiple Children

An opened message shows "Regarding:" the child you currently have selected. If a message concerns another child, switch child with the child picker before reading or replying so the context is right.

Tips

1. Be clear - State your purpose upfront
2. Be concise - Keep messages focused
3. Be respectful - Professional tone always
4. Check regularly - Don't miss important messages
5. Follow up - If no response after reasonable time
6. Keep records - Deleting a message removes it from your inbox