Hays schools offer parents e-mail, text alerts

HAYS, Kansas, September 5, 2008 – You never know what might happened while your child is at school. But to keep you informed, the Hays School District is launching a new text and e-mail program.

“People want information instantly and we've looked for ways we could provide the critical information with very short notice and few gaps,” said USD 489 Superintendent Fred Kaufman. “And this seemed to be the way to do it.”

The new “Text Caster Program” will cost the district $2,000 per year, but it doesn’t cost parents anything to sign up. There’s a link to get started at www.usd489.com.

Once you sign up for the service online, you'll get a text on your cell or email on your computer giving you an authorization code. You log on-line and after that, you'll be able to receive alerts about anything from snow days to other unplanned dismissals.

Hundreds of parents, students and others in the community have already signed up for the service. And they appreciate the district offering this new line of communication, especially now that they can be aware of any drills or real emergencies that happen.

“From the parent's side, even if I wasn't involved with the district, I think it's important,” said parent and district employee Elizabeth Jaeger. “It is a little alarming when you do see medical or emergency teams heading to a school location.”

No messages have been sent out yet, but district officials think once that are people will see how useful the service is and more will sign up.

Great Bend High kicks off football

GREAT BEND, Kansas, September 5, 2008 – Great Bend High School is opening its football season tonight.

The Panthers will play Mulvane at 7 p.m.

Food and drinks will be served as part of a tailgate party before the game just north of the new athletic center.

Christmas in the Plains preview

RUSSELL, Kansas, September 5, 2008 – Residents can see a preview of Christmas in the Plains in Russell next week.

Smoky Hills Public Television recorded the music program in January, featuring the Barton County Community College Hilltop Singers, St. John Lutheran Church Bell Choir and the Vespers Choir of Russell among others.

The preview will be presented in movie format Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the Dream Theater in downtown Russell. It will air on Smoky Hills Public Television on November 28th at 8:30 p.m.