Additional settings for Safari Browser.
ParentSquare: Overview & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ParentSquare: Overview & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ParentSquare?
ParentSquare is Albany Unified School District’s communication platform that helps keep families, teachers, and staff connected. It is a single platform that allows you to choose email, text, and/or app notifications so families can easily stay informed about their student and school activities. In line with AUSD’s mission to ensure every student belongs, learns, and thrives, ParentSquare supports open communication, stronger relationships, and shared understanding across our schools and community.
Why is ParentSquare Important?
Equitable & Inclusive Communication for All Families: Every family has access, regardless of language or communication preference ensuring no one is left out of important updates or opportunities to engage.
Multiple Languages: Messages are automatically translated into the preferred language families select in their ParentSquare profile.
Data Protection: ParentSquare is FERPA- and COPPA-compliant, meaning it meets strict data privacy and security standards to protect student and family information.
Two-Way Communication: Families can respond to messages, sign forms, and volunteer—all in one secure platform. You must register with ParentSquare for a free account to sign forms and use some advanced features.
How Can I Access ParentSquare?
Website: Visit www.parentsquare.com and log in using the email or phone number you use to log into Aeries, the one you provided during enrollment or annual data confirmation, or simply accept an invitation sent by your child’s school or district.
Mobile App: Download the ParentSquare App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Download the StudentSquare App if you are a student.
Email/Text: You can receive and reply to messages directly through your email or text—no login required for basic communication.
How Do I Get Started?
Look for the invitation email or text from ParentSquare and click “Activate Your Account.”
Confirm your contact information and set your language preference.
Choose how you want to receive messages (app, text, email, or all three).
Explore features like direct messaging teachers, signing permission slips, and viewing school calendars.
Where Can I Learn More?
🎥 Intro Video: How to Use ParentSquare (YouTube)
Quick Answers
Q: Do I have to be registered to receive school communications through ParentSquare?
A: No, the automatic default is that you will receive all messages at the email address you provided, if you have provided a working email. (If you specified that you only want to receive Emergency Communications Only, you will not receive regular messages.)
Q: I never check email. How can I stay engaged with my child’s education?
A: We recommend downloading the ParentSquare App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You can receive all messages there, without ever opening an email.
Q: Too many texts! What can I do?
A: Receiving text notifications about a new post (message) is optional. If you register with ParentSquare, you gain control of this feature. Log in and go to My Account, Notification Settings. You can choose how and when to get notifications. Email users may want to stop receiving text notifications—you will still receive all messages by email. App users may choose not to receive text notifications—you will still receive all messages through app notifications and the app.
On November 19, notifications will be reduced. The new default will be that only users who do not receive the app notification will receive a text notification (unless text notifications have been turned off).
Q: How can I ensure that I will receive Emergency Text Alerts?
A: You can turn off text notifications about messages without affecting delivery of Emergency Text Alerts. As long as you have a phone number listed with the District that accepts texts (not a landline), you will receive Emergency Text Alerts, unless at some point you texted STOP in response to a District text. Please add these short numbers into your Contacts: 60710, 66458, 87366, and 36794. Those are the numbers that Alerts will come from.
Q: Can I control the language of communications?
A: Yes, if you are a registered ParentSquare user, log in and go to My Account, Language settings. You can choose your preferred language.
Q: What if I want everything in an evening digest, and my partner wants to know as soon as a message is sent?
A: It is entirely up to each individual. Log in and go to My Account, Notification Settings. Selecting Digest Delivery (the default) will combine all the school and district communications into one email sent around dinnertime each day. Selecting Instant Delivery will send each message individually, whenever the author sends it out.
Troubleshooting
If you’re not getting communications that you should be, we want to help.
Check that the email address on your account page is accurate and updated
Add donotreply@parentsquare.com, emails.parentsquare.com, and email.parentsquare.com to your safe sender or contacts list
Marking ParentSquare emails as Not Spam
Ensure there are no filters diverting ParentSquare emails to other folders
To ensure that you are receiving all ParentSquare text messages, including Alerts and Emergency Alerts, please add the following short numbers to your contacts to prevent them from being marked as spam or junk:
60710,
66458,
87366, and
36794
These are the numbers that ParentSquare texts will come from. If you accidentally texted STOP to an Alert sometime in the past, this should re-establish communications.
Still having trouble? Email parentsquare@ausdk12.org, and we will get back to you!