SafeArrival for Families FAQ

What is SafeArrival?

SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for you to let the school know about your child’s absence.

You are asked to report your child’s absence in advance whenever possible using one of these convenient methods

SM Home Mobile app

To download and use the free SchoolMessenger Home mobile app:

1. Provide your email address to the school.

2. Get the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the SchoolMessenger US or SchoolMessenger Canada website).

3. Tap Sign Up to create your account.

4. Select Attendance from the menu, and then select Report an Absence.

Website

To use the web or mobile web version:

1. Provide your email address to the school.

2. Go to SchoolMessenger website. Users in the US can access the SchoolMessenger US, and users in Canada can access the SchoolMessenger Canada website.

3. Click Sign Up to create your account.

4. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence.

Toll-free phone

Absences can be reported in advance:

• 24 hours/day

• Seven days a week

• For any school day in the school term

• Any time up till the cut-off time on the day of the absence

To report an absence, use the toll-free, interactive telephone system:

Whenever an absence is reported or updated, you will receive a confirmation notice by email, text message, or both if you have provided your contact information to the school.

Suppose you do not report your child’s absence in advance; the automated notification system will attempt to contact you using your preferred communication methods set up in the SchoolMessenger Home app. This may include push notifications to the app, email, SMS text messages, or phone calls. You will be asked to immediately provide the reason for your child’s absence. You can explain it using a phone line, website, or mobile app.

If an absence is not explained within approximately 20 minutes of the time the school starts the notification process, school staff will follow up to ensure your child is safe. Contact the school directly if you try to explain an absence using SafeArrival but are told it is past the cut-off time.

If you prefer not to receive notifications when your child is absent, remember to report your child's absence in advance.

If you receive notifications of your child's absence, provide the reason as quickly as possible using one of the listed methods or during the phone call notification itself.

Why do I need a SchoolMessenger Home account?

You do not need a SchoolMessenger Home app account to use the toll-free phone line to report absences. However, it is recommended that you provide your email address to the school and set up your SchoolMessenger Home app account. This allows you to review and update absences, review your Contact information and Communication preferences.

Refer to related SchoolMessenger Home app documentation for setting up your account, resetting your password, reviewing contact information, and specifying communication preferences. Once you have set up your account, choose Attendance from the menu.

If you cannot set up your account, you do not see the Attendance option, or you do not see your child listed in your account, contact the school directly to check that your correct email address is associated with your child.

How do I use the toll-free phone line?

When you call the toll-free phone line, follow the instructions for reporting an absence.

If the phone number you are calling from matches a phone number on file with the school for your students, you will hear your student’s name. If the system doesn’t recognize your caller ID, you will be asked to enter the student’s home phone number.

If you experience difficulties with the toll-free phone line, consider using the SchoolMessenger mobile app or website. Alternatively, you can reach out to the school directly.