Dear Parents/Guardians,

We have important information to share about our new messaging system called SchoolMessengerⓇ.  We ask that you read the following information and set up your preferred account settings prior to the first day of school. SchoolMessenger includes a few key features, including:

1) SafeArrival, an automated student absence reporting system, making it easier to report and verify a student absence from school

2) You can opt-in to receive SafeArrival and school alerts/delays/closings by text message. 

SAFE-ARRIVAL

Starting August 13, 2025, please report student absences in advance using SafeArrival instead of sending notes or calling/emailing the school. SafeArrival is a more efficient student absence reporting system and will enhance our existing absence-checking procedure. This new system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence, and make it easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences. 

With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using either of the following convenient methods:

1. Using your mobile device, download SchoolMessenger by installing the SM Home app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at home.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence. If you used the previous SMApp, you can simply use the same login credentials.

2. Use the SafeArrival website, home.schoolmessenger.com.The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence. If you used the previous go.schoolmessenger.com, you can simply use the same login credentials.

These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time. 

SUA will use the SchoolMessenger automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence is not reported in advance. The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points until a reason is submitted for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, office staff will follow up. 

You will receive messages about unreported absences via phone and email.  If you would also like to receive these messages via text, please follow these instructions. NOTE: By opting in to receive text messages through School Messenger, you will receive alerts about unreported students absences AND all school closings and urgent alerts. If you report your child’s absence in advance using the SafeArrival website or mobile app, you will NOT receive these notifications.

RECEIVE SCHOOL ALERTS BY TEXT

SUA will continue to notify parents and guardians about school delays, closings and alerts by email and phone. You may also opt in to receive these alerts by text through School Messenger. 

To opt-in for text messaging: follow these instructions.

NOTE: By opting in to receive text messages through School Messenger, you will receive alerts about unreported student absences AND all school closings and urgent alerts. 

A top priority at Saint Ursula Academy is safety, which includes ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school every day. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we implement this new system.