Alton R-IV
District Communications Plan

Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all district stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and the wider Alton community. Our goal is to communicate early and often, providing accurate information in accessible formats while building trust, transparency, and community engagement.

Communication Platforms

District Website

·         The district website serves as the central hub for information, including calendars, handbooks, policies, news, and forms.

·         Each department and building maintains updated information, overseen by the district communications team.

·         Emergency notices and urgent updates will be posted prominently on the homepage.

Mass Notifications

·         The district utilizes a rapid notification system (calls, texts, and emails) to communicate critical updates such as school closures, safety alerts, or schedule changes.

·         Families and staff are responsible for keeping their contact information updated in Infinite Campus (student records). Our mass notifications come from this system. Notify a building secretary or teacher of your updates.

Remind App

·         Teachers, coaches, sponsors, and club leaders use Remind for class, team, and activity communication.

·         Parents/guardians/students will receive Remind codes at the start of each school year or activity season.

·         Staff are expected to follow district guidelines for respectful and professional use of this platform.

Email

·         District staff use email as a primary tool for professional communication.

·         Staff email accounts are monitored during the school day and work hours only. Parents and community members should not expect responses during evenings, weekends, or holidays.

·         Teachers do not monitor email or personal devices during class time. Messages for students should always be directed to the main office so that instruction is not interrupted.

Social Media

·         The district maintains official Facebook pages to highlight student and staff accomplishments, promote upcoming events, and share important news.

·         Social media is used to celebrate the successes of our schools while keeping families and the community connected.

·         Staff, students, and parents are encouraged to share information with administrators for possible posting.

Crisis Communication

·         In any crisis, the district’s top priority is student and staff safety.

·         Communication will be coordinated with local law enforcement and emergency officials.

·         Parents/guardians of directly impacted students will be contacted first, followed by a general message to the broader community.

·         The superintendent or designee serves as the primary spokesperson for the district.

 Media Inquiries

·         All media inquiries should be directed to the superintendent or designee.

·         Staff should not provide statements to media without prior authorization.

Inclement Weather Notifications

·         In the event of school closure or schedule changes due to weather, the district will notify families via:

·         Mass notification system (calls, texts, emails)

·         District website

·         District social media pages

·         KKountry95 and KY3

·         If no message is sent, families should double check with other outlets. Sometimes poor Internet service could prevent a mass notification from getting to you.

·         Please do not message on FB asking us about school. We will use the methods above to convey it.

Direct Access

·         Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the district with questions or suggestions:

·         Phone: 417-778-7216

·         Email: hollyreese@alton.k12.mo.us

·         District staff will make every effort to respond promptly during school and business hours.

Guiding Commitments

·         Transparency: Share accurate and timely information, even when details are developing.

·         Consistency: Align messaging across all platforms.

·         Accessibility: Ensure information is available in user-friendly formats.

·         Two-Way Communication: Provide opportunities for questions, feedback, and concerns.

·         Celebration: Highlight and share student and staff successes to build pride and community support.

Annual Review

This communications plan will be reviewed annually by district leadership and updated as needed based on feedback, new tools, or emerging needs.