A new rapid communication system in Natrona County School District will increase the district's ability to quickly inform parents and community partners about what's happening at their child's school.

Marty Wood, the director of student support services, said the AlertNow system will allow the district to reach parents almost instantly when something is happening at their child's school.

"As a parent, I just want parents to know their child is safe," he said. "We're really excited about its potential and its ability to allow us to communicate with the community and parents."

The system, which should be operating as early as Thanksgiving, informs parents about a variety of events, from a lockdown to a school closure due to weather. The system sends out a mass message to everyone listed in its contact database, or a user can select specific people to contact.

Messages can be received on up to 11 different devices, including cell phones, land lines and at e-mail addresses. Wood estimated he'll now be able to reach all parents and district staff members in about five minutes using the system.

"The Virginia Tech administration was criticized because this was available and they didn't have it," Wood said. "It's becoming a much more common piece of software."

The AlertNow system will cost the district $34,000 a year for the first three years of use. Wood said a federal grant is providing the funds, and the system will be evaluated yearly.

Increasing student safety is just one goal the Natrona County school board and Superintendent Joel Dvorak set for this school year.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.

Update your info

The Natrona County School District is requesting that all parents provide updated contact information for the new AlertNow system, especially if a cell phone or home number has changed. Parents can contact their school's office manager to update their information, or call the Safe Schools Office at (307) 253-5325.