Skip to main content

Sunnybrook School District 171

It's What's Best for Kids

Schools

Popular Links

  1. Departments
  2. Technology Department
  3. ParentSquare Help & FAQ

ParentSquare Help & FAQ

How We Communicate

A hand holds a smartphone displaying the ParentSquare app, featuring a school logo and a bus schedule update.

Sunnybrook School Distirct uses ParentSquare for school communication, with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically syncs with PowerSchool to generate an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. Accounts are created for individules marked in PowerSchool as lives with or a a custodial parent.  We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified and in what langauge communications are being recived.

ParentSquare is a safe, secure, and modern approach to communication and collaboration between school and home.

The ParentSquare logo features a colorful icon and the text 'ParentSquare' in a green font.

What is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a whole host of tools which allows district, school administrators and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.

Some features include:

  • Mass notifications and urgent alerts with two-way communication
  • Mobile application for administrators and parents (iOS and Android)
  • Attendance notifications
  • Teacher and classroom communication
  • Direct Messaging with two-way translation
  • Appointment Sign Ups (parent-teacher conferences, technology pick-ups)
  • Calendar and RSVP
  • Cashless payment
  • And so much more!

As a registered parent, you can:

  • Receive messages from the school and district via phone, email, text, or app notification
  • Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6pm
  • Communicate in your preferred language
  • Comment on school postings to engage with your school community
  • Direct message teachers and staff
  • Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
  • Complete permission slips and make paymnets, and more all from your desktop or mobile device

Video Tutorials

English

 

Spanish

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • On the app, enter your email or cell phone number. The email and/or cell phone number should match what is being used in PowerSchool.

    On the web, click ‘Sign In’, then under ‘Register’ section, put your email or phone number used in PowerSchool and click '“Go”.

    If the email or phone number is not recognized by ParentSquare, please contact support at support@sd171.org

  • On the app, enter your email or cell phone number. The email and/or cell phone number should match what is provided in PowerSchool.

    On the web, click ‘Sign In’, then under ‘Register’ section, put your email or phone number used in PowerSchool and click '“Go”.

    If the email or phone number is not recognized by ParentSquare, please email support at support@sd171.org for assistance.

  • On the app, enter your email or cell phone number. The email and/or cell phone number should match what is in PowerSchool.

    On the web, click ‘Sign In’, then under ‘Register’ section, put your email or phone number used in PowerSchool and click '“Go”.

    If the email or phone number is not recognized by ParentSquare, please email support@sd171.org

  • ParentSquare allows users to customize their notifications based on notification type and select their preferred delivery method for each school. The Instant setting will send all post notifications in real-time. The Digest setting sends direct messages, alerts, and time-sensitive posts instantly, but sends all non-time sensitive posts at the end of the day, reducing the number of notifications you receive daily. (We recommend the Digest setting.) Learn more about managing notifications.

  • Parents can update their language preference for their account. Once they have done this, ParentSquare will automatically translate any communication to them in their selected language. This translation will also occur when the parent sends a message to a staff member. Learn more about ParentSquare translations and how to set the language preference.

  • Yes. All parents have a ParentSquare account. ParentSquare is the primary tool for district and school communication. Individuals who do not activate their account in ParentSquare will still receive an email digest at the end of each day that communication is sent out to them. In the event of emergencies, phone calls will be sent as well.

    1. Activate Your Account
      Click the link in your activation email/text, or sign up on the ParentSquare website or via the ParentSquare app.
       
    2. Download App
      It’s easy to stay in the loop with the ParentSquare app. Download it now. iOS | Android
       
    3. Set Preferences
      Click your name in the top right to set your notification and language preferences.
       
    4. Get Photos & Files
      Click ‘Photos & Files’ in sidebar to access pictures, forms, and documents that have been shared with you.
       
    5. Appreciate Posts
      Click ‘Appreciate’ in your email/app or website to thank a teacher or staff member for a post.
       
    6. Comment or Reply
      Click ‘Comment’ in app or website to privately ask a question about the post that your teacher or school sent.
       
    7. Make Payments
      Make payments quick, easy and cashless.  Look at the bottom of any post where paymnets are requested.
       
    8. Is this post for me?
      Posts are directed to specific groups so if you are receving a message or post it is directly related to you or your child.
       
    9. Get in Touch
      Click ‘Messages’ in the sidebar to privately get in touch with staff and teachers.

More Resources for Parents