Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) utilizes a mass notification system to communicate information to families. The system allows for the following communication methods:

• Voice call
• Text message
• Email
• App Notification

All mass notification messages are sent from (540) 777-0876, and families with students in RCPS are encouraged to save this number to their phone’s contact information. 

Contact information for students is imported into the mass notification system from the student information system, which is managed at the school level. Staff contact information is imported from the human resources information system, which is managed by the Human Resources Department. It is important for families and staff to update their contact information immediately if it changes, so they will continue to receive important messages from the schools and the division. Schools should also actively work to update contact information utilizing the weekly automated bad address reports.

RCPS will utilize various methods of communication to inform families. Not all messages will be sent by voice call; therefore, it is important for families and staff to provide a number for texting as well as a current email address.

All voice calls from both the schools and the division will identify at the start of the message what type of message it is. Message types are:

• Informational: This could include information about upcoming events, fundraisers, etc.
• Important: Examples include unexpected school closures, changes to school schedules, bus delays, information about testing, changes to protocols, and reminders about previously scheduled days off. Messages could also include notifications regarding school safety that do not require the immediate attention of families and staff. Examples could include a hold and secure due to a nearby incident that is unrelated to the school, the confiscation of a weapon or a look-a-like weapon on campus, or other security concern that does not require the immediate attention of families or staff.
• Emergency: Calls will be limited to notifications regarding school safety that require the immediate attention of families and staff.

We understand families receive a lot of information from various sources on a daily basis. In an effort to streamline communications coming from schools, individual schools will limit the number of informational calls to no more than one call per week. Schools are encouraged to work with their PTAs to determine the best day of the week to send the information calls to families.

Not Receiving Mass Notifications?

Families who are not receiving mass notifications should contact their child’s school to update their contact information. If all information is correct, schools should contact the Communications and Marketing department for assistance.

Staff members who are not receiving mass notifications should contact the Human Resources Department at (540) 853-2502 to update their information. If all information is correct, staff should contact the Communications and Marketing department for assistance.

Roanoke City Public Schools' mobile app helps families and staff to stay informed. The app is available as "RCPS Notify" on the Apple Store and "Roanoke City Schools Notify" on the Google Play Store. It is also available by clicking on one of the following links:

Apple Download
Android Download

What is RCPS Notify?

RCPS Notify includes many important links and resources, such as calendars and menus. Its biggest asset is the ability to receive mass notifications. If you are logged in, you will receive notifications of robocalls, texts, emails and app alerts. This will help ensure you don’t miss any important alerts. The app also keeps track of all alerts, so users can look back at them again.

Download instructions to learn more and log in.