HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) -- Dr. Stephen Coker has a message. It only takes seconds to get the word out to the masses.
"We'd like for our community to be involved with our schools. They don't always know everything that's going on. Kids don't always tell them. It's not always on the marquee," Dr. Coker said.
The district is two weeks into a new system that uses a text message to send information to parents.
School officials say the text alert system is scoring high marks with parents and teachers.
The school district is not charging a fee for the service.
Barbara Kirby Buggs just signed up and she is relieved to have a direct line of communication with the district.
"It lets us know when we need to pick up our children [or] if we need to pick them up earlier. It just keeps us abreast of what's going on," Buggs said.
"Our area is prone to tornadoes. It's prone to wind shears and sometimes we have to make decisions prior to weather events. Recently, we had snow," Dr. Coker added.
"Most of us have our cell phones on us at all times. So, if there is an early dismissal, parents will be able to make those arrangements as needed. Or, in case of an emergency, parents will feel like they're informed and know what's the best course of action for them and their children," said employee Debbie Harmon.
"The parents love it. They're able to keep in touch. We're able to tell them things that are going on at school. It's easy for the teachers because there is an easy way for all of us to get information all at once about important events or important cancellations," said teacher Christine Davis.
School officials say the text alert system is catching on, but they need more parents to sign up.
