Not all news is created equal! Content Manager gives you two main ways to grab attention: Banners and Pop-ups. Choosing the right one ensures your parents stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Banners appear at the top of your website. They are visible and clear, but they don't stop the user from navigating the site.
When to use it: For important info that isn't a "stop everything" emergency.
Examples:
School Board meeting tonight.
Last day to order yearbooks.
"Welcome Back" messages.
Reminder about Early Dismissal.
Pop-ups appear in the centre of the screen and require the user to look at them before they continue.
When to use it: For urgent, time-sensitive, or safety-related information.
Examples:
School closures due to weather.
Power outages or water main breaks.
Emergency lockdowns or evacuations.
Major bus route cancellations.
When someone sees an alert, they usually have three questions: What is happening? Who does it affect? What do I do?
Be Brief: Use the "5 & 20 Rule." Try to keep your title under 5 words and your body text under 20 words.
Lead with the Action: Instead of "Information regarding the weather," use "School Closed Today - Jan 12."
Include the "Who": If an update only affects one grade level or one school, say so immediately (e.g., "Elementary Only: Late Start").
The Next Step: Tell them where to go for more info (e.g., "Check your email for details").
If you have an alert on your site every single day, parents will eventually stop reading them.
Use Expiry Dates: Always set your alert to expire as soon as the event is over.
Check Your Dashboard: Once a week, look at your active alerts and delete anything that is no longer relevant.
Don't Double Up: If you have a Pop-up active, you usually don't need a Banner for the same topic. Pick the one that fits the urgency best!