The district uses the SchoolMessenger notification system to send automated messages parents/guardians and employees using the contact information that they have on file with the district (SchoolTool for parents/guardians; WinCap for employees).
As winter approaches, it is especially important for parents, guardians and employees to have their correct information on file AND update their notification preferences in InfoCenter in case of delayed openings, early dismissals and/or cancellations.
How do I verify that my contact information is correct with the district?
The district uses WinCap for employee contact information. If you have questions about your contact information, please reach out to andrea.ricciardi@gcsny.org.
My contact information is correct, but I didn’t receive the alerts. Why?
It can be for a number of reasons:
1. You didn’t set up an InfoCenter account
Or you need to log in and update your account.
Parents and guardians should create an InfoCenter account in order to choose the type of messages they’d like to receive. At this time, the district offers weather alerts, emergency alerts and general alerts via phone, text and email.
If there is a school closing, delay, etc., it will be sent via the weather alert. If you did not subscribe to the weather alert via your InfoCenter account, you may not receive a notification.
How to create an infoCenter Account
Using the email address you have on file with the district:
- Either download the InfoCenter by SchoolMessenger App on your smartphone or visit www.infocenter.schoolmessenger.com.
- Click the New User button, enter your email address and create a password. You will be emailed a secure token.
- After authenticating via the token sent to your email, return to InfoCenter and sign in using your email and password.
Once set up, you’ll be able to select what alerts you’d like to receive and how you’d like to receive them.
2. You didn’t subscribe to receive text messages
SchoolMessenger needs permission in order to send texts to users. If your contact information is correct in SchoolTool and the appropriate text alerts are selected in InfoCenter, then this may be the issue.
To receive text messages, text Y to 67587 to subscribe. This may solve the issue since user consent is needed for SMS messaging. You should receive a message back confirming you are subscribed.
3. Your email or phone number is blocked
Sometimes users accidentally unsubscribe of block SchoolMessenger and will then stop receiving emails and texts. If your contact information is correct in SchoolTool and the appropriate alerts are selected in InfoCenter, this may be the case. Please email christina.gore@gcsny.org to verify.
I’m an employee but I’m also a parent to a child who attends Goshen Schools. Do I need to have two accounts?
Yes. All weather-related alerts are sent to both employees and parents/guardians. However, you should note that not all other messages are sent that way; some are specific to employees only, and you should not miss out on important notifications.
Am I able to get just a phone call or just a text?
Yes! A common complaint is that several alerts are received during a weather event. The district will send a notification via a home phone call, a cell phone call, a text message and an email. We do this in order to accommodate all of our parents, guardians and employees.
If you would like to eliminate some of the winter weather alerts (for example, only receiving a text message), then log into your InfoCenter and choose the type of alerts you’d like to receive.
Please keep in mind that each parent/guardian will need to manage his/her own separate InfoCenter account.
How else are we notified about school closings and delays?
Notices from inclement weather will be shared on the district website, the weather phone number 845-294-2400, and local radio stations. It’s important to rely on multiple channels in case of power outages, system failures or other incidents beyond the district’s control.
How can I find more details about SchoolMessenger?
Visit www.gcsny.org/schoolmessenger for information or email christina.gore@gcsny.org.
