HAYS, Kan. (AP) _ The Hays School District has launched a new
communication tool that will let parents know about emergencies
within minutes.

TextCaster includes three modes of communication: text messaging
on cell phones, voice calling and e-mail.

The Hays Daily News reports that the district is paying less
than $2,000 a year for the program.

It's free to subscribers. The only fee would be if the
subscriber's cell phone plan charges for text messaging.

The Hays district will use the program for emergencies such as
lock-downs, school building fires and school closings.

Most announcements will come from the central administration
office.

District administrators, including school principals, attended a
training session last week.
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Information from: The Hays Daily News, http://www.hdnews.net

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)