In the age of technological communications, schools are joining in with the trends. The Del Norte County Unified School District (DNUSD) is introducing a few new communication methods, including its own app. “We’re just trying to increase different ways that we get valuable information [to] our community,” said Michael Hawkins, DNUSD director of communications and outreach. The app, which is live now, will allow parents to subscribe to the schools their children attend, which will give them access to the school’s news stories, Facebook feeds, announcements and emergency alerts. Parents can opt to receive push notifications for their children’s grades or absences. Even if parents have children at different schools, the app will compile information for all of their children across the district. #placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');In addition to the app, DNUSD launched an anonymous tip line, 707-209-7050, for abuse, bullying, self-harm and planned violence, among other things. They are also producing an emergency hotline where people can call and hear a recording regarding the most recent incident. “Our students' safety is our highest priority, please do not hesitate to call and provide information if it might make a difference in the outcome of a child's life,” DNUSD posted on Facebook regarding the anonymous tip line. The district has been working on the app for months, but is just now getting it working and integrated into their communications. To participate, parents will need to make an Aeries Parent Portal account, an online student information system. While the app is active now, the district will communicate with parents shortly on how to connect to it, according to Hawkins. “We have to really get all of this going at one time to get it to function properly,” Hawkins said. People can access the app now at this link www.dnusd.org/app. They can also search “DNUSD” on the App Store to find it. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });