• Frequently Asked Questions

     
     
    1. How do I opt in?
    • Confirm the text device number(s) are in SchoolMessenger. It may take 24 hours for numbers to be changed or added from the district database.
    • Text the word “yes” to 68453 from the wireless number(s) you wish to receive texts on.

    2. I don’t want to pay for/receive text messages… how does that work?
    If you should not wish to receive text messages, simply do one of these things:
    • Don’t reply to the opt in message on day 30
    • Text “stop” to 68453, today or at any time in the future
    • Opt out online

    3. I have a text message that says it is from you? What does it mean?
    Yes that message was sent by us, if it is from 68453 and says: Houston ISD text messages. Reply Y for aprx 3 msgs/mo. Txt HELP 4info. Msg&data rates may apply. More information

    Should you like to receive texts, reply with “yes”; if you do not, simply ignore it or reply with “no.” If you don’t reply with an affirmative, you will not receive any future texts from SchoolMessenger.


    4. I opted in to text messaging – sent yes to 68453 – I’m not receiving texts?
    Ensure that the device number is correct in the database field(s) used for text numbers (HR or SIS). It may take 24 hours for this number to be active after being changed or added.

    Ask that they have sent “yes” from that specific device to 68453; if a recipient wants texts sent to three devices, each device number must have an opt-in receipt. Confirm that the recipient has been sent SchoolMessenger broadcast that includes a text message.

     
    5. Someone sent yes to 68453 but changed their mind – How do I turn off text messages?
    Recipients may opt out with any one of these methods.
    • Text “stop” to 68453 from the device
    • Add the device number to the SchoolMessenger Blocked Lists
    • Opt out online

    6. How do I turn on text messages? – New recipients or those that haven’t yet opted in
    Send “yes” to 68453 – It may take 24 hours for numbers for a number to be changed or added from the district database.

     
    7. How do I know if it worked?
    The system will ALWAYS send one of three messages back:
    • Affirmative responses receive: You’re now registered with the SchoolMessenger notification service. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Msg&data rates may apply.3msgs/mo.
    • Negative responses receive: You’re unsubscribed from SchoolMessenger. No more messages will be sent. Reply Y to resubscribe or Help for help. Msg & data rates may apply
    • Senders of any word not flagged as an opt-in or opt-out receive: Unknown response. Reply Y to subscribe for aprox 3 msgs/mo. Text STOP to quit. For more information reply HELP.
    • Any other response – or no response – indicates the recipient should contact their device provider about to have SMS messaging/premium content enabled.

    8. I don’t think this works with my phone, I sent yes to 68453 and this message came back:
    • Service access denied.
    • Message failed.
    • Shortcode may have expired or shortcode texting may be blocked on your account.
    • Does not participate.
    These replies DO NOT indicate that mobile provider can’t receive messages from SchoolMessenger. Rather it is an indication that the recipient does not have SMS enabled for that number and they need to solve it with the mobile provider. Additional details:
    • All of the providers have a different response when short code messaging is blocked. The above are the most common.
    • Providers also go by various names for the texting service: short code / SMS / premium. If you simply ask about text messages, they may assume this is person to person. Therefore when referencing the need to their provider, (often manageable online) they should be specific about “short code / SMS / premium” text messages.
    • Most TV programs with a voting component use SMS messaging – American Idol, Dancing with the Stars – others have provided feedback that this is useful if there is a need to describe the type of text service.
    • This can often be changed with the provider on-line.
    • Sometimes this is because the plan doesn’t allow for “short code/SMS/premium” messaging, but most frequently it is disabled as a preference the account holder can change rather than needing a new phone/package.