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Contrary to what you may have heard, Texting is here to stay, and tech savvy districts, like HISD, are
already instantly communicating to their community. SMS Text Messaging is the key to this puzzle.
Nearly every phone
in the United States supports text messaging. Over half of all Americans have sent or received a text message. The average
mobile phone subscriber sends nearly 200 text messages every month. When you look closer, at the prized 18 – 29 demographic,
the adoption rate is even higher, edging toward saturation at 85%. Among those 30 – 49 years old , the adoption rate
is at 65% and climbing.
Here are some great reasons for this technology...
- It’s Interactive – 21st century communication is about having a conversation with your community, rather than shouting at them.
- It’s Personal - Our community members expect the district to speak to them, and text messaging allows the district to reach them individually, whenever, wherever, in the palm of their hands. This reach is of value to our community members. With a few taps of their thumbs they can respond to whatever message that has been sent to them. With text messaging the district can build relationships with our community.
- It’s Immediate – Text Messaging, like Twitter, and Instant Messaging, is blazingly fast. With text messaging the district can communicate with subscribers as speedily as they are now accustomed to living. The district can also move quickly. Say its a icy day and the students are already at school and weatherman tells us that the worst is on its way. In less than five minutes the district can send a text message to subscribers/parents containing critical information. Bobcat Radio is an excellent way to explain the details... but how do we get them to listen ? Text them!
- It’s New - Although thousands of people already have cell phones that can get messages via text message, the medium is still in its infancy. By HISD acting now, HISD is letting our community know that the district is a forward-thinking school district.
- It's a choice - Certianly not everyone is going to agree... and the great thing about this is that a person subscribes and can unsubscribe at any time.
If you're like us you're sold that's it's worth a try!
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How hard is it to sign up?  | | | Many universities are requiring students to carry a text enabled cell phone for immediate notification of any problems. Look for the article in the upcoming Bobcat Broadcaster! |
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1st you have to have a phone able to receive text messages. Studies show
that 8 in 10 people do! 2nd you need to check your texting plan...
there is no extra cost for receiving Cat Chat other than your own personal plan. They can be anything from free to fairly
costly. You have to be prepared for this. The district has a goal of no more that 3 or 4 messages each week. 3rd then all you do is sign up... here are two ways... A:
On your phone text "catradio" to the number to 313131... it's that simple! If you only want district ALERTS the send the message "catradio alerts
only" and you will only get critical
alerts. B: If you are an HISD staff and want all of the text
messages and especially including HISD staff messages...
text "catradio staff" to 3131. Another way to sign us is to complete
the form below...
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 Enter content here HISD Technology:
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Hallsville Schools: Always bringing our students the best in technology! |