Uses Cases & Templates for SMS Marketing for Schools

To communicate quickly and effectively with parents and students, meet them where they’re at- on their phones!

SMS marketing leverages text messages to share updates and key information, which works wonders for schools and educators.

Find out the top ways to use SMS in schools and get started with these easy templates!

Use Cases and Templates for SMS Marketing in Schools Video

When & How to Use SMS in Schools

Here are some of the top ways schools and educators can use SMS:

Weather or School Emergencies

SMS can put an end to the days of staring at the TV during the 5 a.m. news to see if there’s a snow delay. Send quick updates for weather emergencies, including snow days, cold days, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, etc.

Alert parents and students of any school emergencies or evacuations as well. Texts keep students and parents informed and safe.

Here are some helpful templates:

• Weather-Related School Closure
  • Important Alert: [School Name] will be closed tomorrow/today due to inclement weather. For updates and further instructions, visit [School Website Link]. Stay safe!
• Delayed Opening
  • Delay Alert: [School Name] will have a delayed opening tomorrow/today due to weather conditions. School will start at [Delayed Time] with bus pickup beginning at [time]. Please plan accordingly.
• Emergency Evacuation
  • Emergency Alert: An evacuation is in progress at [School Name]. Parents, please proceed to the designated pick-up area at [Location]. Bring your ID. Follow updates on our website.
• All-Clear Notification
  • Update: The emergency situation at [School Name] has been resolved, and it's safe to return. Please pick up your child at [Location] as usual. Thank you for your cooperation.

School Events

Increase attendance and engagement at school events with SMS reminders. Announce new events, send out sign-up forms, and share reminders for upcoming events.

Texts are a simple and cost-effective way to get more school spirit at your fundraisers, sporting events, band concerts, and more.

Some templates to try include:

• Event Announcement
  • Exciting News! Join us for [Event Name] at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. Bring your friends and family for a great time! Tickets available at [Ticketing Link]. See you there!
• Fundraiser Information
  • Support [School Name]! Our annual fundraiser is here. Buy raffle tickets to win amazing prizes and help us raise funds for [Cause]. Get your tickets at [Location] or online at [Fundraiser Link].
• Sporting Event Reminder
  • Cheer on our [Team Name] at their next game! Tomorrow at [Time], they face [Opponent] at [Location]. Let's show our school spirit and fill the stands!
• Performance Invitation
  • You're invited to [School Name]'s [Performance Name]. Enjoy an evening of music and talent on [Date] at [Time] in the [School Auditorium]. Get your tickets at [Ticketing Link]. Don't miss it!

Progress Reports

Use texts to send out progress reports or alerts when grades are posted. It’s a simple way to help parents stay informed about their child’s performance.

Check out these helpful templates:

• Midterm Progress Report
  • Hello [Student's Name], this is [School Name]. Your midterm progress report is now available. Please log in to [Student Portal Link] to view your grades and feedback. If you have any questions, contact your teacher or counselor.
• End-of-Term Grade Notification
  • Hi [Student's Name], the end-of-term grades are in! Check your performance and comments from teachers on [Student Portal Link]. If you need assistance or have concerns, please reach out to the school.
• Positive Progress Acknowledgment
  • Congratulations [Student's Name]! We're proud of your hard work and dedication. Your recent progress report shows improvement in [Subject/Category]. Keep up the excellent work!
• Concerned Progress Follow-Up
  • Dear [Student's Name] and parents, we've noticed a decline in your recent progress report in [Subject/Category]. Let's work together to address any challenges. Reach out to your teacher or counselor for support and guidance.

Assignment Reminders

Send reminders to students about upcoming assignments, tests, or project due dates to help them stay organized and manage their time effectively. These can also include notifications and alerts for any past-due work.

Try out these helpful templates:

• Assignment Reminder
  • Hello [Student's Name], a friendly reminder about your upcoming assignment for [Subject]. It's due on [Due Date]. Stay on top of your work, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help.
• Upcoming Assignment Notification
  • Hi [Student's Name], you have an assignment due in [Subject] on [Due Date]. Ensure you've completed all the necessary tasks and submit them on time. Your effort matters!
• Assignment Extension Notification
  • Dear [Student's Name], your assignment for [Subject] has been extended until [New Due Date]. Use this extra time wisely to do your best. If you have questions, ask your teacher.
• Past-Due Assignment Reminder
  • Important: You have a past-due assignment for [Subject]. Please complete and submit it as soon as possible to avoid late penalties. Reach out to your teacher if you need assistance.

Classroom Activities

SMS for educators can also work great for communicating with students during class. Involve SMS in classroom activities as well, including polls or brief morning quizzes. Instead of fighting technology, embrace it in a way that improves classroom engagement.

Here are some examples to consider:

• Quick Quiz Question
  • Hey students! Let's test your knowledge. What is the capital of France? Reply with A for Paris, B for London, or C for Berlin. Your answer in 3… 2… 1…
• Multiple-Choice Challenge
  • Time for a quick multiple-choice challenge! What's the largest planet in our solar system? A) Jupiter B) Earth C) Venus Reply with your choice!”
• Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise
  • Complete the sentence: ‘The mitochondria are the ____________ of the cell.' A) Brain B) Powerhouse C) Lungs Reply with your answer!
• True or False Question
  • True or False: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). Reply with ‘True' or ‘False' to test your science knowledge!

Updates & Newsletters

Get important messages across quicker than an email newsletter with SMS. Send out quick updates for any number of school-related concerns. Focus each text on one single message, like an upcoming field trip, holiday break calendar, back-to-school tips, etc.

Try out these newsletter text templates:

• Upcoming Events Newsletter
  • Get ready for an exciting month ahead! Check out our newsletter for a list of upcoming events, including [Event 1], [Event 2], and more. View the full newsletter at [Link].
• Student Spotlight
  • Celebrating student excellence! Meet our star student of the month, [Student's Name], who achieved [Achievement]. Read their story at [Link].
• School Clubs and Activities
  • Discover the latest clubs and activities at [School Name]. From chess club to drama productions, there's something for everyone! Learn more at [Link].
• Important Dates Reminder
  • Mark your calendars! Don't forget these important dates: [Date 1 + reason], [Date 2+ reason], [Date 3+ reason]. Stay informed and stay connected with [School Name].”

Scheduling

Make scheduling for school functions a breeze. Set up SMS scheduling and reminders for parent-teacher conferences, student-teacher meetings, and more.

Some helpful templates include:

• Parent-Teacher Conference Reminder
  • Friendly reminder: Your parent-teacher conference with [Teacher's Name] is scheduled for [Date] at [Time]. Please be punctual. We look forward to discussing your child's progress.
• Student-Teacher Meeting Reminder
  • Hi [Student's Name], your meeting with [Teacher's Name] is tomorrow at [Time]. Be prepared to discuss your academic goals and progress. See you there!
• Parent Workshop Notification
  • Join us for our upcoming parent workshop on [Topic] this [Date] at [Time]. Gain valuable insights to support your child's education. RSVP at [RSVP Link].
• School Event Volunteer Meeting
  • Calling all event volunteers! Our meeting to coordinate [Event Name] is on [Date] at [Time] in [Location]. Your help makes a difference!

Homework Tips and Tricks

Consider creating a homework hotline that students can text for assistance. Another way you can use SMS to improve the homework experience is to send out a relevant tip or clue for that night’s homework.

Or, send out some general homework and study tips to help kids improve their strategies!

Check out these template ideas:

• Study Tip of the Day
  • Hey [Student Name], Did you know that taking short breaks during study sessions can boost concentration? Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break.
• Math Homework Help
  • Struggling with math homework? Visit our website for step-by-step tutorials and practice problems to help you ace your assignments. [Math Help Link].
• Test Preparation Reminder
  • Test coming up? Remember to review your notes and create flashcards. A little daily practice goes a long way. Stay organized and confident!
• Time Management Strategy
  • Time management is key to success. Use tools like to-do lists and calendars to plan your study schedule. Allocate time for breaks and relaxation too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the use cases of SMS for schools?

Schools can use SMS in many beneficial ways, including scheduling parent-teacher conferences, sending out emergency information, engaging students during class, and sending important updates.

What is the best SMS tool for schools?

Some of the best SMS tools for Schools include SimpleTexting, TextMagic, Mobile Text Alerts, and Omnisend.

What are the limitations of SMS for schools?

When using SMS for schools, educators should be aware of privacy concerns and security requirements to keep private student information safe.