This page has guidance on how to use texting in the Imagine Learning Virtual Portal (ILVP, formerly SIS). Now that texting is available via the secure ILVP, this is the only approved method of texting students. Any messages sent through the ILVP portal are secure. This is for both your protection and the students.
It is possible to send texts to a student that has "yes" in the "SMS Enabled" column of the current enrollments screen. If the column is not visible, add it by following the steps here.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a student texts your office number, we recommend replying to their text via ILVP SMS text. This action will keep all student communications within the ILVP system. We recommend that your office number be used for phone calls only, however, we understand that sometimes circumstances may keep this from being an optimal solution.
Instruct the parent to contact the school to update student information such as phone numbers and email addresses.
Go to the students “Edit Information” page and remove the contact number under “SMS contact number.” Make a sticky note with the date and your initials as having carried out the request. Example: Parent requested no texting, removed SMS number, 8/13/19 - A.Bell
Yes. You should still be reaching out to students and guardians via phone calls and logging that in the ILVP from the “Add Communications” screen.
- FERPA is the federal law that affords parents the right to access their child’s educational records, request amendments to the records, and have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information.
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- Part of FERPA requires that reasonable methods be used to identify and authenticate the identity of those who are communicating with about a student. Just as with phone calls.
- Do NOT share information with people who are not listed on the student ILVP page. If you ever have any concerns, reach out to your supervisor for guidance.
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- Sending a text via the ILVP is secure. The school and family have opted in to this kind of communication and have provided an approved number.
- We must still be careful about what type of information is sent via text.
- Ask yourself: “If someone from the community were to read my text, would they know who I was referring to?”
| Not Okay to Text | Okay to Text |
|---|---|
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Ex. Hi Sarah, this is Mrs. Bell, your ELA teacher. Are you able to get started in class? |
Many students like to communicate via text message, so you may consider ILVP texting as one of many ways to reach out to students weekly. Be aware that until you text the student FIRST, they will not be able to text you to the ILVP system. Outlined in the table below are some times when it is appropriate and advisable to text students. The graphic at the bottom of the page outlines how ILVP texting is documented in the ILVP.
| Start of Course | Engagement and Pacing | Additional Times |
|---|---|---|
Example: Welcome to Art class Susan! I am happy to have you as a student. What are you most looking forward to in the class? - Mrs. Bell |
Example: Hi Tim, don’t forget about Algebra class, how can I help you get back to work today? - Mrs. Bell Example: Hi Becky, this is Mrs. Bell, your teacher for Biology. Are you able to log on today and work? I want to help you get back on track. |
Example: Hello Maddie, don’t forget we have a study session today at 1:00. - Mrs. Bell Example: Hi Rob, great work this week in your World Cultures class! You made some great progress. - Mrs. Bell |