We have made some changes that we are confident will be improvements to our technology systems at Flinthills. These changes will affect our website and social media sites as well as our automated contact programs.
Beginning today, the official website for Flinthills, USD 492 www.usd492.org is being hosted by Apptegy. and has a new look. The site is organized differently than it was previously, and we think you will find it easier to navigate and use. There are two main areas to view when you first log on to the site: News and Live Feed.
The News section contains articles and stories about past or upcoming events. These are the types of things that will also be in the monthly Mustang Flyer that all patrons receive in the mail. The Live Feed section is similar to what one would find on Facebook. It is for short time sensitive announcements or notice. This is where we will post daily announcements, reports from ball games, or important messages – like school cancelations. To ensure best performance on the website, you will need to clear your cookies and your cache on your computer and other devices. Until you do that, you may encounter some trouble navigating the new site. (I don’t understand how all this works. I just know that you need to clear your “cookies” or the old website will continue to be “active”).
We will continue to keep our Facebook page active. We have revived our “X” (Twitter) account, so you can also follow us there. Our official handle is @FHS_Mustangs. Again, there are some old accounts that will pop up if you search “Flinthills”. Don’t use those. Use only the @Flinthills_Mustangs handle. That is the one we sponsor and will be using.
In addition to these social media sites, we have a new App for the school. Please go to your app store and download the Flinthills School District app. The old Flinthills USD 492 app is still available, but it will come down soon. The logos look the same, so be sure you choose the Flinthills School District option to get the new app.
There are some important features on the new website to notice. There is “Web Store” section that is accessed by clicking on the tab. This is the area where you can pay lunch bills and other fees. There is also a tab for the menu and PowerSchool access. Your log on information to PowerSchool will remain the same. You don’t need to change that. However, if you don’t have access you should create an account. Contact your building office to set up a PowerSchool account if you don’t have one. That information in PowerSchool is important. That is where we get the numbers and addresses we use to send the mass messages that go out about snow days and other important events or notices. That is the fastest way we can get messages to everyone, so it is important your information is correct. If you didn’t get a call about the recent late start or other school closings update your information in PowerSchool. The other tab on the new website is the Josten’s Store. That area is where Flinthills items such as shirts, caps and other Mustang merchandise can be purchased. We hope to expand the offerings in this section in the future. Again, for best results on the webpage, clear your browsing history and erase your cookies and cache. Finally, when using the calendars on the website, make sure to mark the District Events box. That will show days we are out of session. The building calendars will not always specify that information.
When you receive a group text from the school it will come from number 98900. Please take note of that number and DO NOT BLOCK IT. Also, do not select “STOP” to cancel the message. Please, Do Not Do That! That will unsubscribe you from our list, and you will not receive any future texts. If you have done that, please contact Mr. Casteel at the school and he will reestablish you in the list. All phone calls will show they are coming from 620-475-2237, which is the District Office number. Again, please do not block that number. Some phones have a setting that denies numbers not in your contacts from being accepted, but will show a call from that number was missed. Be sure your phone is set to accept calls from that number.
As part of the new system you will also receive notice on Monday mornings around 9:30 if your child has a negative lunch balance. Additionally, you will receive notifications each morning your child is absent unless we have had contact from you. You should not get a notification if you have notified the office your child will not be at school. If you do not give us notice, you will receive a message at 9:30.
I know this has been a very long memo, but I hope it explains the new systems properly. If you need assistance please contact the school, or – I hate to make an inappropriate age comment here, but it is probably applicable to some of us – ask your kids to help you with all of it.