New Platform For Stronger School-Home Connection

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Regional Schools has launched ParentSquare - a simple and unified school-to-home communication platform - to reach and engage every member of the district family, helping ensure all parents and guardians have the opportunity to actively participate in their children’s education. ParentSquare is now available for staff and parents to use on their computers or mobile devices, although everyone will be receiving direct welcome and initial sign-on invitations in the coming days and weeks. By unifying multiple tools into one communications app and service, ParentSquare provides a seamless experience for parents and staff. Parents will be able to keep track of news, activities and events from all their children’s schools in one place. The district is confident that ParentSquare’s intuitive, two-way platform will foster greater communication and family involvement.

School staff and parents can engage in both one-to-one and group messaging with real-time language translation.

“Effective internal and school-to-home communication has never been more important, which is why we’ve made the transition to ParentSquare,” said Superintendent Michael Citta. “We’re looking forward to reaching 100 percent of our families no matter where they are, unifying all of our communications tools, and adopting a more consolidated, seamless, and fun platform on which to connect.”

The district has already developed a webpage dedicated to ParentSquare tips, FAQs, training and tutorial videos for staff and parents, and more for anyone looking to get a head start on familiarizing themselves with the platform.

For more information on ParentSquare, visit parentsquare.com.

Sailfest

ISLAND HEIGHTS – Sailfest casts off at 10 a.m. on September 9 with a special Reflection Ceremony to honor veterans, fi rst responders, and others lost during 9/11.

Then the fun, food and festivities continue all day with two different Sail Race

Regattas as well as the great music, art, crafts, vendors, raffles, food, beer, wine, kids activities, and other nautical things which thousands of Sailfest fans throughout the region have grown to love for over 30 years!

Island Heights Fire Company 50/50

ISLAND HEIGHTS – Island Heights Fire Company’s Annual 50/50 Raffle tickets are on sale now, get yours before they are gone! Only 250 tickets are sold and the grand prize is $11,000! You can purchase one from any Island

Heights Fire Fighter. All ticket holders are invited to the Firehouse for drawing on September 22 at 7 p.m., Lake and Maples Avenues. Raffle is in memory of Tim Cagney and benefits Island Heights Fire Department fire equipment.