This document provides an overview of the ParentLink communications and tracking tool used by Broward County Public Schools. It describes the various communication methods that can be used like phone calls, emails, texts and social media posts. It explains how to log in, send a message through different channels, and test messages first before sending them to recipients. The document also shows how messages can be tracked, cancelled if needed, and accessed on mobile devices using the Blackboard Communications HQ app.

1. ParentLink
Communications and Tracking Tool
March 29, 2016

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Today’s Presentation
• Methods of Communication
• Log In
• Send A Message
• Test It
• Track It
• Take It With You

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Methods of Communication
How can I use ParentLink?
You can send multiple forms of communication through one easy-to-
use platform:
• Record and send a telephone/robocall message
• Send an email message
• Send a text/SMS message (only to mobile phones that received
texts and are limited to 160 characters)
• Post information to the mobile app
• Share information on social media – Twitter and Facebook
(Twitter is limited to 140 characters or 116 characters through
ParentLink with a photo)

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Log In
How do I log in?
broward.parentlink.net
What if I forgot my password?
You can reset your password yourself. Simply click on “Forgot
password?” to the left of the blue “LOG IN” button.

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Send A Message
Click on
MESSAGES
in the top
navigational
bar.

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Send A Message
The method of communication is in
gray until you select it.

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Subject,
recipient
and time
to
schedule
message.
All of the methods of communications in a row.
The
message
content.
Insert an
image.
Word count
(if
applicable).

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This icon is the
message
template. It does
not link directly to
the channel of
communication.
This
telephone
icon is for
the
telephone/r
obocall
message.
This icon
represents
the email
message.
This icon is
for the
text/sms
message.
This mobile
phone icon
represents
the mobile
app.
This icon
represents
Facebook.
This icon
represents
Twitter.
What The Icons Mean

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Drill-Down Messaging
Since the Public Information Office staff are at the District-level, we
can drill-down to specific groups such as parents, principals, etc.

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Emergency Messaging
If immediate communications are needed, the emergency option
allows you to communicate quickly:
Remember:
It calls every
number
regardless of
home phone
vs. mobile
phone.

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Telephone/Robocall Message

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Test the Message First – Telephone/Robocall
Users will not see
this information.
Enter your telephone
number to record.

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Test the Message First – Telephone/Robocall

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Test the Message First – Telephone/Robocall
When you pick up the telephone, the message will instruct you to record your
message:
• After you finish speaking press #
• Press 2 to listen to the message
• Press 1 to save the message if you are happy with it
• Press 3 to re-record the message
Once you press 1, you will hear: “This message has been saved. Thank you for
calling. Good bye.” Your recording will be automatically embedded in the
ParentLink screen.

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Test the Message First – Telephone/Robocall
Enter the
recipients.
Length of your
message.

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Email Message

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Test the Message First - Email
Select just
yourself to test
the message
first.

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Test the Message First - Email
This is
the
subject
line of the
email.

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Test the Message First – Email
Subject line of message as entered in the
ParentLink message
Content of message

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Text Message

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Test the Message First – Text to Mobile Phones
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Select the text/sms
option.

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Test the Message First – Text to Mobile Phones
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Select the exact time you want the
message to go out.

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Test the Message First – Text to Mobile Phones
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The message went out
at the exact time.

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Mobile App

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Mobile App Message – All Subscribers
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
This message will go to
people who have already
signed up for the mobile
app. It does not go out to
anyone else in the directory.

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Social Media

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Facebook Post
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Users will not see
this information.

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Twitter Post
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Users will not see
this information.

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Customizable and Convenient
BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Track
Your
Messages

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Track Your Messages
How can I see if a message is scheduled to post?
Click on “Message Tracking”

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Track Your Messages
How can I see if a message is scheduled to post or if it posted.
Select “Broward County Public Schools” and click Generate Report:

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Track Your Messages

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Cancel A Message
How can I cancel a message?
Click on the message and then on the “Details” tab:

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Cancel A Message
How can I cancel a message?
Then click on “Cancel Message” in the “Details” tab:

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Take It With You
What if I don’t have my laptop and need to access ParentLink?
You can do all of this with your mobile phone. Download the
Blackboard Communications HQ app:

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Check on Scheduled Messages Anywhere

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Questions