ALERTNOW is a communication system that allows the School to easily and instantaneously send a phone message to Blake parents and complements the current system of posting school closing announcements on our web site, on WCCO 830 AM, WCCO-TV (4), KSTP-TV (5), KARE-TV (11) and on Blake’s Emergency School Closing Hotline at (952) 988-3444. There is no sign up required to receive ALERTNOW communications.
The following is a list of a few things you’ll need to know about receiving ALERTNOW phone messages from Blake:
- Caller ID will display 411 or “Blake” when the ALERTNOW system calls
- The system will play the message as soon as the phone is picked up. However, errors can occur if the person repeatedly says “hello” or answers in a noisy environment (e.g. traffic, loud music, etc.).
- You may press any number key on the phone to replay or restart the message. This will force the message to replay from the beginning.
- The system will make up to five attempts to reach each number, with three minutes in between each call. If the message is not delivered by the fifth attempt, it is considered a failed number and School personnel will try to contact you.
- When receiving messages on cell phones, reception issues frequently cause errors. This is the reason we encourage you to provide us with at least one land line telephone number.
- The ALERTNOW system can only accept direct dial numbers. As such, you will want to be sure the School has your direct dial phone number in the database. If the School has a number that goes through to a reception desk, please ask the person answering to let you know when the call has come through.
- If you have a telemarketer blocker or privacy director on your telephone lines, you may not receive the call.
- The system is set to leave a message on voicemail or on an answering machine after no more than six rings.
Sign Up For AlertNow Text Messages
Blake parents, students and staff can sign up to receive text message versions of Blake's urgent communications (such as for an early school closing due to weather). You must sign up directly with AlertNow as text service providers have varying rates that will apply to the messages. To sign up, click here and enter the pin:
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Note: you do not have to sign up for texting; you will always receive Blake phone calls as long as the School has your correct contact information.
If you have questions about the ALERTNOW system, contact Denise Covington at (952) 988-3492 or dcovington@blakeschool.org or Cathy McLane at (952) 988-3434 or cmclane@blakeschool.org.