Leave them wanting Smore

I recently found Smore, a website that helps you create beautiful online newsletters or flyers. And guess what? It's FREE! Yep, free.

All you need to do is head over to Smore or simply click the Smore link on the top of any Smore newsletter (like the one I embedded below), sign up for an account, and get cracking! I could write out all the how-to's, but this site is so easy that you probably want to get right to it. As always, I'm here to help if you need it!

I would love to see examples of how Smores are being used, so be sure and let me know if you create one for your class or your campus!

Free Parent-Teacher Conference Scheduler

Parent-Teacher Conferences are right around the corner in our district, so this is the perfect opportunity to share VolunteerSpot!

Top 3 Ways VolunteerSpot Makes Parent-Teacher Conference Scheduling Easier

1. Schedule and sign up parents - fast, easy and FREE!
2. Save time planning and coordinating (up to 85% faster than clipboards, online groups, phone tag and email!)
3. Automated reminders increase parent turnout

VolunteerSpot was originally launched in 2009 as a way to easily organize volunteers for schools, clubs, churches, neighborhoods, and more. Now it can be used to easily schedule parent-teacher conferences! Check it out ...

Parent Teacher Conference Scheduling Online Free Easy from VolunteerSpot

You will need to register for a "Register Organizer Account" at VolunteerSpot, then set up your conferences (HINT: If you are setting up times on multiple days, get one of them set up and copy/paste it to other days!)

WOW! I think this could be a GREAT tool! Let me know what you think.

Remind101

If you're looking for a quick and effective way to communicate with your parents (or other groups), you may want to check out Remind101. Many of our teachers are already using  Remind101  as a safe way to send text messages to parents for FREE!

As soon as you set up a free account, you will create a class. You can create up to 10 classes with your teacher account. A code will be generated from your class name. You send home the code and a phone number. The parents can text that code to the number to join the group.

Cool reasons I like  Remind101 :

• The teacher is the only one that needs an account!
• No texting plan? No problem! Parents can sign up with their email address to receive messages via email.
• A simple instruction sheet can be generated right out of Remind101 for our parents that may need a little "tech help" signing up. (It's a PDF, so it can be printed or emailed home.)
• Teachers send out the text once and all of the members of the group will receive it.
• Phone numbers are kept confidential (Teachers don't see them and Group Members don't see them either!)
• Group Members cannot text each other or text you back. 
• Yep ... there's an app for that! 

This short video tutorial shows you exactly how Remind101 works:

What can you send via  Remind101 ?

• Reminders (permission slips due, planners signed, picture day, etc.)
• Alert the parents that grades have been updated online
• Invitation to PTA meetings, Open House, Curriculum Night, etc.
• Share special class announcements

How else would you use  Remind101 ?