The Comal Independent School District is offering parents a new automated notification system this year, that will deliver important information to them via SMS text messaging.

"Certainly in case of emergencies; that's the top priority. But we also can use this system to notify them of newsletters that we've posted on the website and they can go look at, or upcoming events," said Comal ISD Spokeswoman Julie Jerome.

The service is provided by School Messenger, and parents can also choose to receive the notifications via home phone, cell phone, or e-mail as well.

"We also use this system for attendance and even our school lunch balances. It's leaves a message on a voicemail on the home phone or a cell phone, sends an e-mail, and the newest feature on this is we can send a text," said Jerome.

In order for parents to receive the new service, they must first "opt-in" by sending the word YES to a number they will be given when they register their child for school.

"We won't be sending any texts to parents who don't want to receive the texts, in other words who might have to pay for it. But if the parents choose to opt-in then they can receive their notification by text," said Jerome.

The new service will be officially launched with the start of school.

By: Marissa A. Wagner