Parents in Cy-Fair ISD can now choose how they receive information regarding their student and campus emergencies through the district's new School Messenger system.

"We launched [School Messenger] in the spring, and campuses have been using it to send newsletters and phone calls out to parents letting them know what's going on around campus," said Nicole Ray, assistant superintendent for communications and community relations. "Most importantly, we're using it for real time communication during an emergency situation."

District officials mailed a letter home to each student last month with information on how parents can register their preferred contact method through the Contact Manager portion of School Messenger.

In the past, if there was a notification in regards to a student, parents received a phone call to the number associated with their student, which is typically a home phone number.

"The way people communicate has changed so rapidly over the last several years, and most people want to receive information from their cell phone, whether it's an email, text or call," Ray said. "This Contact Manager portion allows parents to be in control for the first time about how they want to be contacted."

Parents can choose to receive a text, email or phone call regarding attendance and transportation information, a food service balance, campus activities and emergency situations.

"We've had a lot of parents sign up, but we're hoping more people get on board," Ray said. "We want to give parents real time information when they need it, where they are. There are times when it's necessary to quickly communicate with large numbers of people, and this is the way to do it."

Parents who did not receive a letter about School Messenger or need help registering can also call the district's customer care center at 281-955-4030.