Winter is approaching, and with it the inevitability of early school closings and cancellations for inclement weather.
Beginning next month, parents who subscribe to the Howard County Public School System?s emergency alert system can begin receiving text messages on their cell phones regarding emergency situations at any of the schools.
“Now parents can get the messages wherever they are,” said Patti Caplan, schools spokeswoman.
Currently, the messages are sent in free e-mails to parents through the school?s vendor, eSchool Systems, based in Woodbine.
The new text messaging system will cost $1.66 per month, but parents can continue to receive the same e-mail alerts.
“I believe this upgrade of text messaging information to cell phones provides for more immediate and timely communications with parents should any emergency arise,” said Mary Jane Barbato-Grauso, president of the PTA Council of Howard County.
With the press of a button, Caplan said she can reach more than 41,000 parents who?ve signed up for the alert system ? which is about 85 percent of all parents.
If the situation demands it, Caplan said she also can send messages to certain students or schools.
Subjects of messages can vary from information regarding bus delays to procedures regarding emergencies, she said.
Parents can sign up to receive their school?s newsletter, special announcements and emergency notifications by visiting www.eschoolnewsletter.com.
Carroll and Harford counties also use the services of eSchool Systems, while Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City use different notification services.
Anne Arundel has a text-messaging service in place for a cost of $19.95 a year, said school system spokesman Bob Mosier.
