CORRECTED RELEASE: Mayor Coleman, Superintendent Silva launch new parent-focused summer-program text service

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Tonya Tennessen
tonya.tennessen@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-266-8518 (o)
651-271-9760 (c)
June 9, 2014

Mayor Coleman, Superintendent Silva launch new parent-focused summer-program text service

New opt-in service will send reminders and tips to parents during the summer months

SAINT PAUL—Just in time for the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Saint Paul Public Schools Superintendent Valeria Silva today announced a new summer-program texting service for parents looking to find activities for their children while school is out.

“Summertime is a crucial period in our kids’ lives, and keeping their minds active to prevent summer learning loss is essential,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “These text alerts offer an easy new tool for parents to keep up with the many great activities that are available to engage kids during the summer months.”

The opt-in text service includes tips on how to keep kids active and learning throughout the summer, while providing parents with ideas for how to ‘do the Summer Countdown,’ a key part of the citywide summer learning campaign. The new text service is another tool, in addition to Sprockets’ Program Finder, for parents to keep up with out-of-school programs.

“Parents, caregivers, and families are important influences in a child's life and play a vital role at all stages of education,” said Supt. Valeria Silva. “This tool can help support parents in the summer as they look for things to do with their children.”

There are two ways parents can sign up using their mobile phone:

  1. To subscribe for text alerts, text STPAUL SUMMER to 468311
  2. To subscribe for email updates through text, text STPAUL SUMMER YourEmailHere to 468311

The City and school district will be promoting the texting service through a variety of channels this summer, including providing information and sign-up support at libraries and recreation centers, as well as through a series of recorded phone messages to families within the school district.

The summer program text reminders will run from early June to late August. Standard messaging and data rates may apply. Parents should refer to their wireless plan for details.

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