Talking Points is a two-way text messaging tool that allows for better communication between schools and families. With Talking Points, schools, teachers and other school staff can text parents and then parents can respond to those text messages.
No Opt In!
With Talking Points, there is no optin requirement or app you have to download or invitation you need to select! As long as the EVSC has a valid cell number for you, you will receive the text message on behalf of your EVSC students.
Translations
Talking Points automatically translates the text message AND attachments! If you would like to receive communication in another language, please reach out to your student's school.
Family FAQs
With any new system, we know there will be questions. See below for a list of family FAQs, including information about the Talking Points family app, what to do if you aren't receiving messages and much more!
Is there a Mobile App for Talking Points?
Talking Points does have a mobile app families can download if they feel that is easier for them to navigate. Families just need to search Talking Points in their app store and select Families: Talking Points.
When families download the mobile app, it will text a confirmation code to the phone number you entered. Please look on your phone for that code. Once you install the Talking Points family app, all messages will go through the app instead of being sent as a text message. Please make sure your notifications for the app are turned on. If you would rather receive text messages, simply log out of the app and you will start to receive regular text messages again.
When I try to download the app, it is asking me for a 6-12 digit classroom code?
If you are receiving a request for a classroom code, something is incorrect! First, please confirm with your student's school that the number you are using matches what we have in our system. If the numbers are correct, please uninstall and reinstall the app.
What if I am no longer receiving text messages?
The main reason families may no longer be receiving text messages could be because they have downloaded the Talking Points Families mobile app. When families download the app, all Talking Points messages will now be sent to the app instead of as a text message. Parents will either need to make sure they turn on notifications for the app or, if they want to receive text messages instead, they can go to Settings in the app and log out.
How do I unsubscribe?
Users who no longer want to receive messages need to reply STOP to any messages they receive.
What if I accidentally unsubscribed?
If families accidentally unsubscribed from receiving messages, they can text REJOIN to the number they opted out from. If parents don’t know or can’t identify what number to respond to, the school can locate the number by searching for the student under Students and then hovering over the Opted Out icon on the right.
Do I need to download an app, have a class code or opt in?
No, families are not required to download an app (though there is a Talking Points app for families!), have a class code or opt in to receive text messages from Talking Points. If families do download the Talking Points family app, all messages will go through the app instead of being sent as a text message.
How do I change the number you are texting?
All parent/family communication is automatically being pulled from the Contact Management page in PowerSchool. Any contact marked as Custody and/or Lives With will receive text messages from Talking Points. Parents can reach out to their student’s school to get their phone numbers updated, or, they can complete the Student Address & Contacts form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Why aren’t I receiving messages for ALL my students?
Most likely, your student’s school needs to update your settings for all your students. Please reach out to your student's school.
