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District Emergency Alerts & Broadcast Notifications Overview & FAQ

Updated this week

For the 2025–26 school year, TalkingPoints is expanding its offerings with emergency alerts and enhanced multi-platform communications. Get ready for one-button emergency alerts and broadcast notifications — including automated calls — all with our industry-leading translations built in. These enhancements are designed to unify communications, strengthen family engagement, and boost student success.

This will include:

  • Emergency alerts to quickly reach families when it matters most

  • Automated calls delivered with TalkingPoints’ industry-leading translation

  • One-click broadcast messaging — to send texts, calls, and emails with a single action!

  • FERPA & COPPA compliance

When will District Emergency Alerts & Broadcast Notifications be available?

This add-on package will be available in August 2025 for the 2025-26 school year.

What capabilities will TalkingPoints provide to support District Emergency Alerts & Broadcast Notifications?

Capabilities for emergency alerts and notifications include:

Capability

TalkingPoints

Emergency Alerts

(bypass opt outs)

  • Simple distribution via messages - call, email, SMS text

  • One button blast

  • Social Media posts*

  • District website post*

Multi-Modal/Multi-Channel Broadcast Message Delivery

(non-emergency broadcasts)

  • Single-button message broadcast

  • SMS Text

  • Call / Robocall

  • App/Push Notifications

  • Email

Family Preference Management - In App

  • Language

  • Communication methods

  • FERPA & COPPA Compliance

  • Role-based Access Controls

* Not included in the August 2025 release.

When will the social media and district website posting features be available?

Expected availability is fall of 2025.

What is the difference between the emergency alert functionality and enhanced broadcast communication/notification features?

Emergency Alerts:

  • Override opt-out settings to ensure urgent messages reach all families.

  • Delivered through all available channels — not just those selected as family preferences.

  • Sent via short code, which mobile carriers handle differently to prioritize urgent delivery.

Broadcast Notifications:

  • Respect family delivery preferences (e.g., text, email, app).

  • Honor opt-out settings.

  • Similar to standard TalkingPoints messages and announcements.

  • Mirrors the functionality currently available in TalkingPoints Admin Family Connect, with the addition of robocalls alongside existing video, audio, text/app, and email options.

Is this package included as part of TalkingPoints Foundations platform?

No. These new District Emergency Alerts & Notifications capabilities are an add-on package and will be a separate license. Contact your Partner Success Manager for details or email partners@talkingpts.org.

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