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School Crossings: How the SDMA Will Use ParentSquare to Enhance Communication


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Clear, timely, and accessible communication is essential to building strong school communities. That’s why the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) is excited to announce the official rollout of ParentSquare—a unified communication platform designed to keep students, families, and community members informed and engaged.


What is ParentSquare?


ParentSquare is a secure, all-in-one communication tool that allows the district, schools, and teachers to send updates directly to families via email, text, app notifications, or phone. Whether it’s a school closure, a classroom update, or an invitation to a community event, ParentSquare ensures important information reaches everyone—when and how they need it.


A Central Hub for Communication


One of the biggest advantages of ParentSquare is its ability to streamline communication across the district. Rather than juggling multiple apps, websites, or paper flyers, families can receive everything in one place:


  • District Announcements: From calendar changes to emergency alerts, ParentSquare will be the district’s go-to channel for reaching all families quickly and efficiently.

  • School News: Each school will use ParentSquare to share newsletters, reminders, and school-specific updates, helping parents stay involved in their child’s day-to-day experience.

  • Classroom Communication: Teachers can use the platform to send direct messages to parents, share assignments, or schedule conferences, creating a stronger partnership between home and school.

  • Two-Way Communication: ParentSquare isn’t just about broadcasting information—it also allows families to reply, ask questions, or RSVP to events, fostering more meaningful engagement.


Supporting Our Community


Beyond just parents and students, ParentSquare can also serve as a valuable tool for community engagement. Local partners, volunteers, and interested residents will be able to opt-in to receive relevant updates, event invitations, and opportunities to support our schools. More information about signing up for community communication groups will be shared this fall, but for the time being, community communication opportunities on the district website include:



*The high school and middle school daily announcements webpages, and the page that hosts school board meeting agendas and minutes, provide an RSS Feed option so people can sign up to be automatically messaged anytime something is added to this webpage.


Easy to Use, Accessible for All


ParentSquare is designed with equity in mind. Messages are automatically translated into over 100 languages, ensuring all families—regardless of their preferred language—stay informed. The platform is accessible via mobile app, web browser, text message, or phone call, meeting families where they are.


What’s Next?


It is important that families manage their contact information in the Skyward Family Access system. Families will soon receive an invitation to activate their ParentSquare account. We encourage everyone to download the app and customize their notification settings to ensure they receive information in the way that works best for them. As the SDMA moves forward with ParentSquare, our goal remains simple: to strengthen the connection between school and home. We’re excited to take this step together and look forward to more open, timely, and transparent communication with all members of our school community. 


For more information and resources about how to use ParentSquare, please visit the SDMA website or contact your school’s front office. If school families or community members have any questions or concerns about the school district, please do not hesitate to email (joe_zydowsky@msd.k12.wi.us), call (715-232-1642 ext. 11111), or visit with me at the Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue.

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