Sending Messages

In this guide, you will learn

• How to send SMS messages
• How to manage recipients and groups
• About messages and message templates

Sending Text Messages with the SMS Center

To send messages through the SMS Center, go to SMS under the Admin menu in the microschool version. Before you begin, make sure:

• ✅ SMS Packs are purchased
• ✅ SMS Consents have been received

Once those are set up, you’re ready to send messages.

Sending a Message

1. On the SMS Center page, click Select New Recipients or choose a Recipient Group from the dropdown.
2. Type your message, or pick a pre-made Message Template.
3. (Optional) Give the log batch a name to easily find it later.
4. Click Send SMS.

Managing SMS Recipients & Groups

You can send a message to recipients you choose each time, or create/save groups for quicker messaging.

Selecting Recipients as Needed

1. Click Select New Recipients.
2. Choose from recipients who have given SMS Consent. Use the filters at the top to sort by Guardians, Staff, Students, or Contacts.
3. (Optional) Save your selection as a group by entering a name.
4. Click Select.

Creating a Recipient Group

• Name the group when first selecting recipients for a message, or
• Click the + next to the group dropdown, give the group a name, select recipients, and click Create.

Editing a Recipient Group

1. Select the group from the Recipient Group dropdown.
2. Click the Edit icon next to the dropdown.
3. Update the group as needed.
4. Click Update Group.

Messages

• The first SMS sent to any recipient will include:
  “Message from [Your School Name] via Spark.”
• All subsequent messages will include your school’s name.
• If your school name is long, consider entering a shorter version under School → Settings so it displays neatly.

SMS Segments

Text messages are measured in segments, and each segment counts as one SMS with your carrier. This means a single message may be billed as more than one SMS.

To make the most of your SMS budget:

• Keep messages short and concise
• Avoid emojis and special characters (they shorten segment length)
• Use email for longer announcements

Segment length:

• Regular text characters → ~140 characters per segment
• Emojis or special characters → ~70 characters per segment

Message Templates

Message templates save time and ensure consistency.

• Create or edit templates using the Message Templates dropdown above the message field.
• To use a template, simply select it from the dropdown.
• After selecting, you can edit the message before sending.