Messaging, channels, and polls

Messages

The Messages area holds two kinds of conversation: direct messages between individual people, and channels for groups. Staff and families can message each other directly, and you can create channels for any group you want to talk to as a whole.

Direct messages

A direct message is a private thread between you and one other person, such as a parent or another staff member. Open Messages, start a new conversation, and pick the person. Only the two of you see the thread.

Channels

A channel is a shared thread for a group. You create the channel, give it a name, and add the people who should be in it (for example all parents in one classroom, or all staff).

Everyone in the channel sees every message. Use channels when the same information is relevant to a whole group rather than one person.

What threads support

Both direct messages and channels are threads, and threads support more than plain text:

• Attachments -- add files and images to a message.
• Polls -- ask a question with options and let people vote. Useful for picking a field trip date or gauging interest.
• Reactions -- react to a message with an emoji instead of a full reply.
• Link previews -- paste a link and the thread shows a preview of the page.

Threads update live, so new messages, votes, and reactions appear without refreshing the page.

Messages versus posts

Use messages and channels for conversation, where people reply back and forth. Use posts and announcements for one-way notices on the dashboard. For repeated messages, save a message template and insert it.

Tips

• Name channels clearly so people know what each one is for.
• Use a poll instead of asking everyone to reply, so the answers stay in one place.
• Keep sensitive, one-to-one conversations in a direct message, not a channel.