Update on TE All-Call Test

We conducted a test of TE All-Call, our new phone notification system, on Thursday, November 13th at 10:30 a.m. We learned that there is a “pause” before the automated message begins, which is typical for a computer-generated call such as a telemarketing call. We received some feedback indicating that parents may have hung up during the “pause” either thinking that there was no one on the other end or that it was a telemarketing call and, as a result, may report that they did not receiving any message. We also received feedback that some calls contained static, which is most likely the result of cell phone reception on the receiving end of the call.

TE All-Call will be used to send automated messages to parents in the event of weather-related closings, late openings, early dismissals and any other unscheduled closings, cancellations or emergency situations. When receiving a call from TE All-Call, it is important that parents wait on the line for the automated message to begin. If for any reason parents do not hear the automated message in its entirety, they may also call the TE Information Hotline at 610-240-1970 to hear the same recorded announcement. We will continue to broadcast school closing information on TETV, local TV stations and designated radio stations. During the winter weather season, the TESD web site has a ‘School Closings’ section that links to the NBC-10 school closing alert center, which lists school closings.

We will continue to analyze the results of the test and communicate any new information.