Computerized Calling System!
You should have already received several calls from Shackelford via its automated calling system. Messages are sent out on a regular basis concerning progress reports, report cards, meetings and activities at Shackelford, and other important information. We will be using a new system that uses multiple lines for callouts so all homes being called will be called much more quickly than in the past. This new system can only be used after 4:00 so you will only receive calls in the evening and on weekends. Also, this year, the system does have the ability to delete duplicate phone numbers, so if you have more than one child at Shackelford, you will be called only once. The phone number that will show up on your caller id is 682-867-3600. If you have a call-screening device such as caller ID you may want to let the calls get answered by your answering machine for later playback.
If you find you are missing messages, you might try the following:
1. Make sure the outgoing message from your answering machine is loud and short. The time between your last word and the “beep” should be as short as possible.
2. Say “hello” with a loud voice. The machine starts after it both “hears” a voice and then “hears” silence.
3. Let Shackelford know immediately if your home phone number changes.
4. If possible, instruct small children not to answer calls from 682-867-3600 in the evening and on weekends. The machine will call again later if no one answers or if a message machine is not present.
5. And last, if you do not have a screening device, keep a pen and paper by the phone and instruct whoever answers to write down what the message is about. If all else fails, you can call Shackelford and the main office receptionists will have a copy of any message for a day or two.
The new system has the ability to call any alternate number that is in our data base for you if there is no answer on the phone number you gave Shackelford as your home phone. We will not activate this feature for most messages but may for any very important phone calls that need to go out to small groups of students or households.