Family, Staff, Student Communications Tools (ParentSquare)

In the Renton School District, we moved to the ParentSquare communication tool to communicate between school and home. ParentSquare is designed to keep families and staff informed, engaged, and connection across the district. ParentSquare provides a safe way for families and students to:

• Send and receive district, school, and classroom communication via email, text, or mobile app notification. 
• Choose when to receive information - as it is sent or all at at a desired time.
• Communicate in your preferred language.
• More

We also use ParentSquare to call, text, and email our families and staff to send emergency school closure notices when inclement weather causes a school or districtwide delayed opening or closure.

Family information (phone numbers and email addresses) are automatically pulled into this system through our Skyward student data system. Families are encouraged to routinely check their Skyward Family Access account to ensure the information is correct.

ParentSquare to replace Remind text messaging service

As the new ParentSquare service includes all the functions of our current Remind text messaging service, we will also move away from Remind as we consolidate tools to better connect with families as well as students in high school.

How to access ParentSquare

In early September, we emailed invitation to all families with instructions on using ParentSquare and creating a login. If you don't see the email, please check your spam/junk folder.

• See the ParentSquare for Families tab below for more information.

NOTE: This service is an optional communication tool for school staff. While families and staff will receive text messages from the district and their school, not all individual teachers or staff will choose to use this tool.

ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for families to stay connected to your classroom, your school, and the district.

You can choose to use ParentSquare in different ways:

• Do nothing: simply choose to receive email on your phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
  • If you want to receive text messages, you need to create a ParentSquare account and select that notification option.
• Create a ParentSquare account by clicking the link emailed to you by the district, or online at www.parentsquare.com.
• Download the mobile app.

Whatever your preference, with ParentSquare you’ll be able to receive district, school, and classroom communication via email, text, or through the free mobile app.

In early September families were sent an invitation email from the district to join ParentSquare. If your email is correct in our Student Information System, you should have received an account activation email/text to register.

Activate Your Account

When you receive the email invitation it will include a link to activate your ParentSquare account. It is safe to click the link in your invitation to activate your account.

• From your email, click the button, Activate your account.

If you do not receive an invitation, please visit https://parentsquare.com/signin and enter your email address or phone number in the registration box.

Mobile App Option Also Available

Once you've activated your account using the email invitation, you can receive phone, email, and text messages from your school, your teacher, and the district right on your phone, laptop, or other device. You can also choose to download the free ParentSquare mobile app, available in both iOS or Android, for more features.

• iOS App - Apple Store
• Android App - Google Play Store
• Register by entering your Email or Phone Number, then click Get Started. 

•  

Note: If you are both a staff member and a parent in the district, you can add your child to your staff account. ParentSquare can help with merging your staff and parent account so that you have access to your children and school under one single account. Please email support@parentsquare.com and include the emails and phone numbers you are using.

Family Training Resources

Watch this ParentSquare 101 training video  (14:23 minutes) to see a a full introduction to ParentSquare from a family member's perspective, get started using the tool, set your personal notification preferences and language, and more.

• Parent Self-Paced Training Module - for more in-depth information about the things you need to know about using ParentSquare.
• ParentSquare Tips for Families 

NOTE: If your ParentSquare notification emails are landing in your junk or spam folder, here are some ways to correct that:

Add ParentSquare to your “Safe Senders” list. (Follow instructions below for the email service you use.)

Outlook and Hotmail (Web)
- Log in to your Outlook or Hotmail account (via a browser).
- Click on the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
- Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- Go to Mail > Junk email.
- Under Safe senders and domains, click Add safe sender.
- Type parentsquare.com and hit OK
- Click Save.

Gmail
- Log in to your Gmail account.
- Click on the Settings gear icon and select See all settings.
- Go to the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab.
- Scroll down and click on Create a new filter.
- In the From field, type @parentsquare.com.
- Click on Create filter.
- In the next window, check the box that says Never send it to Spam.
- Click Create filter.

Yahoo Mail
- Log in to Yahoo Mail.
- If you don't already have one, create a folder you'd like ParentSquare notifications to be sent to.
- Click on the Settings gear icon and select More Settings.
- Go to Filters and click on Add new filters.
- Name the filter (e.g., "ParentSquare").
- In the From field, type @parentsquare.com.
- Choose the folder where you want these emails to be delivered (usually Inbox).
- Click Save.

If you aren't receiving ParentSquare emails at all (and you want to), the first step is to check your notification settings in the app or when logged in online. If you they still don't show up in your inbox or junk/spam folder, contact your child's school office; you may have inadvertently marked messages from ParentSquare as spam, which can be reset in your account by a ParentSquare administrator.

Renton School District will use the ParentSquare communication tool to call, email, and text staff and families with up-to-date information about their students and schools and to send emergency notices when inclement weather causes a school or districtwide delayed opening or closure.

For teachers, ParentSquare is already set up with student and family information populated by classes and courses, so you can communicate with your families individually, in small, specific groups, or class wide. 

Accessing ParentSquare

• Check your inbox for an email from ParentSquare, and click the link in the email to activate your account (be sure to check junk/spam folder if you don't see it)
• ParentSquare can be accessed on your laptop or by downloading the ParentSquare mobile app available in both iOS or Android stores.

• iOS App - Apple Store
• Android App - Google Play Store
• Register by entering your Email or Phone Number, then click Get Started

Note: If you are both a staff member and a parent in the district, you can add your child to your staff account. ParentSquare can help with merging your staff and parent account so that you have access to your children and school under one single account. Please email support@parentsquare.com and include the emails and phone numbers you are using.

Using ParentSquare

Watch the 5-minute video above for a tutorial on using the platform as a staff member, and click the links below for specific ways to use the ParentSquare features.

• See a full suite of help articles and videos
• One-page "How-to" flyer for teachers
• Send a welcome message post
• Add events to your class calendar
• Send a private message to a parent
• Post a class photo to ParentSquare
• Upload forms and flyers to ParentSquare
• Create a form or permission slip
• Create parent-teacher appointment sign-up
• Create a volunteer sign-up post

Video Overview:

• ParentSquare Overview (Parent 101)
• Getting Started

How do I sign up or opt-in to receive messages and notifications?

You don’t have to take any action to receive emails, texts, or phone calls. Our student information system syncs contact information directly with ParentSquare.

However, you can choose to download the ParentSquare app for more options:

• iOS App - Apple Store
• Android App - Google Play Store
• Register by entering your Email or Phone Number, then click Get Started.

How do I manage my parent account?

You can edit your contact information with or without the ParentSquare mobile app. You can also change your language settings and change or reset your password.

• Manage your ParentSquare account
• Parent 101 Overview

Can I access communications for more than one of my students from the same account?

Yes. The first time that you log into the app or web portal, all your students should automatically be listed in the upper left hand corner. If you don’t see them, please contact your school office(s). 

• How to switch which which school you view
• Switch school view on mobile app

What are the message/alert/notification categories, and what do they mean?

You can choose the time you receive messages via email, text, voice and/or the app. While you can opt out of any of these methods of communication, please note that the district has the discretion to override opt-outs for messages and alerts deemed urgent or important, including health and safety situations and attendance. 

• How to change notification settings

What types of messages will I get?

ParentSquare allows the district and your school to send messages in a variety of ways.  

Post: Populates to your school’s “feed” in the ParentSquare app or web portal. You will receive an email and text notification that a post has been made. The time of notification is determined by your notification settings.

Direct Message: Staff can choose to send a private message to one or more users and parents can respond by email or using the ParentSquare mobile app.

Smart Alert: Can be sent at the district and school level: the message may be short regarding non-urgent school related information or may include necessary information such as changes in schedule or attendance notifications. These can be sent via text, email, or phone call. 

Urgent Smart Alert: These messages will be sent via text, email and phone call and include inclement weather notifications and health and safety issues.

• View alerts and notices received
• View class posts
• Parent Dashboard

My email is correct in ParentSquare. Why am I not receiving emails?

Please check your spam to see if any ParentSquare messages ended up there and mark them as "Not Spam." Also add donotreply@parentsquare.com to your email contacts so your server recognizes the messages. If you still aren’t receiving emails, please contact support@parentsquare.com so that they can assist you. 

• Troubleshooting - Parent isn't receiving notifications

How do I change my password?

Please go to parentsquare.com and on the login page, click "Forgot Password." Put in your email or phone number, and you’ll be sent a link to reset your password. 

• Change or reset your password

 Can I change the email and/or cell phone number on my account? 

If you wish to change your contact information, please contact your school or update the information through Skyward. Skyward syncs nightly with ParentSquare to update information. If you would like to make edits to your ParentSquare contact information only log into your account or mobile app.

• Update/Edit your contact information

English is not my first language. How can I receive content in my native language?

You can customize your language settings by going to "My Account" and clicking "Change This" under language settings. From there, you can choose any language that you prefer from the drop-down menu, and you’ll start to receive content in that language.

• How to change your language settings

I am getting too many messages from ParentSquare. Is it possible to receive fewer notifications?

You can customize your notification settings by going to your homepage and clicking on your name in the top right corner and selecting "My Account" from the drop-down menu. On your account page, you find your notification settings in the top right corner and click "Change This" to customize your notifications. If you’re receiving too many notifications, try changing to "digest" setting, meaning you’ll only receive one condensed message in the evening.

• How to change your notification settings

I've received an invalid registration link. What should I do?

If your registration link expired, you’ll need a new one. Please contact your school office or send an email to support@parentsquare.com and ask for a new link to be sent to you.

• How to enroll with or without an invitation link

My account merged with my partners accounts and now one of the accounts is no longer active? 

This occurs when the accounts have the same phone number or email and one of the family members is asked if they want to merge accounts. This is typically used when one family member takes the lead on receiving communications for their students. If both parents would like to maintain individual accounts connected to their students it is recommended to not merge. If you merge accounts and would like to remove the merge (unlink) please contact your district ParentSquare help desk. 

• Unlink accounts (remove merge)

We love sharing good news about our students, staff, families, and community through our official 

• Facebook, 
• Instagram, and
• X pages.

Follow us to get the latest news and information. 

Have a story you’d like to share on district social media? Submit social media post stories and requests relevant to the greater community, staff or students to community.relations@rentonschools.us.

Renton School District uses the electronic flyer communication tool called "Peachjar" an online system for families and staff to view eflyers that offer goods or services from local businesses and organizations. While the site will include some school, district or even PTSA flyers, many of the eflyers have information from non-school/district-related community-based organizations/individuals. The flyers are provided solely for the consideration of families who might be in the market for children/youth community sports, music lessons, coupons/discounts, and more. The district will review the flyers for appropriate language and content, but does not sponsor, endorse, or recommend any of the organizations, services or activities described in the eflyers.

To request flyer approval, follow the steps on this page.

The Community Relations Office is the primary point of contact for the news media. For media requests, including after-hours media inquiries, call our office at 425.204.2345 or email community.relations@rentonschools.us.