1) Blackboard Connect is a mass notification system that allows school districts to communicate with students, parents, and staff during emergencies or other important situations through voice calls, emails, texts and other methods. 2) The Muscogee County School District and Killeen Independent School District use Blackboard Connect to notify parents of attendance issues, emergency situations, weather delays, and more. 3) Blackboard Connect allows these districts to engage stakeholders and improve safety and communication effectively.

1. Using Blackboard Connect to Promote School Safety & Security Valerie Fuller , Director of Communications, Muscogee County School District John Dye , Safety and Security Director , Killeen Independent School District Mike Petersen , Manager, K-12 Solutions Engineers, Blackboard

2. Keeping them informed and aware Engaging and assessing learners at all levels Enrich the experience through devices they love Making their daily lives more convenient and secure

15. MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Department of Communications Director of Communications, Valerie Fuller MCSD School Safety & Security: How Mass Communications Can Help

17. Our Mission The Muscogee County School District is committed to providing educational excellence that will enable each student to become a lifelong learner, enter the work force with necessary skills, and achieve academic and personal potential . Investing in the Future… Guiding Lifelong Learners to Endless Success

25. Days Absent 2005-2009 Percentage of students who have 15 or more days absent.

26. Graduation Rate 2005-2009 Numerator = Number of students who graduate with regular diplomas. Denominator = Number of dropouts in 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th from appropriate years +graduates + other completers.

27. Drop-Out Rate 2005-2009 Students are reported as drop outs if they leave school for one of the following reasons: Marriage, Expelled, Financial Hardship/Job, Incarcerated/Under Jurisdiction of Juvenile or Criminal Justice Authority, Low Grades/School Failure, Military, Adult Education/Postsecondary, Pregnant/Parent, Removed for Lack of Attendance, Serious Illness/Accident, and Unknown. Students Who Drop-Out Grades 9-12

33. DISCUSSION & QUESTIONS?