This article provides ready-to-use communication templates for sharing SMS opt-in and opt-out guidance with families, including separate versions for districts on 10DLC and districts on short code.
💡 Quick answers
- Which template should be used? That depends on the district's SMS setup. Not sure which setup applies? See SMS setup in Messages XR Enterprise to learn more.
- Where do I find the district's 10DLC numbers to fill into the template? Go to Create message, type a personal mobile number into the TO: field (no contact needed), and send. The number the message arrives from is the district's outreach 10DLC number. Districts with high message volume may have more than one 10DLC number. Contact Finalsite support to confirm all assigned numbers.
- Can these templates be used in an email, on a website, or in a newsletter? Yes. The text is designed to work in any format. Copy the version that matches the district's setup and fill in the bracketed fields.
Before using these templates
- Confirm whether the district is on 10DLC or short code. Not sure? Check out the article, "Send SMS/Text messages in Messages XR Enterprise."
- If on 10DLC: locate both the outreach and emergency 10DLC numbers before filling in the template.
- Replace all text in [BRACKETS] with district-specific information before sharing.
- Add the district's contact information and any local support details where indicated.
Ongoing opt-in and opt-out templates
Use these templates on school websites, in help centers, and in family communications for ongoing reference.
Use this template if the district has been migrated to 10-digit long code (10DLC) messaging. Replace all [BRACKETED] fields before publishing.
Not receiving messages from [DISTRICT NAME]? Here's what to do.
[DISTRICT NAME] uses Finalsite Messages XR Enterprise to send emails, text messages, and phone calls to families. If messages aren't coming through, one of the steps below will usually resolve it.
Our SMS text message numbers
Save these numbers so messages are recognized and not blocked:
- Outreach messages (general updates, reminders, announcements): [OUTREACH 10DLC NUMBER, e.g., (901) 704-0285]
- Emergency messages (urgent alerts and closings): [EMERGENCY 10DLC NUMBER]
How to opt out of text messages
- To stop outreach messages: reply STOP to [OUTREACH 10DLC NUMBER].
- To stop emergency messages: reply STOP to [EMERGENCY 10DLC NUMBER].
- A confirmation message will arrive once unsubscribed.
How to opt back in to text messages
- To restart outreach messages: text START to [OUTREACH 10DLC NUMBER] from the opted-out phone.
- To restart emergency messages: text START to [EMERGENCY 10DLC NUMBER] from the opted-out phone.
- A confirmation message will arrive once resubscribed.
How to opt out of or back into phone calls
- To opt out: call (855) 502-STOP / (855) 502-7867 from the phone number to be opted out.
- To opt back in: call the same number from the opted-out phone.
Not receiving messages at all?
- Confirm the mobile number on file with the district is correct and labeled as a mobile/cell number.
- Check that SMS/text alerts are enabled for that number in [STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM, e.g., PowerSchool, Skyward].
- Note: changes to contact information may take up to 24 hours to sync.
Need help?
Contact [DISTRICT/SCHOOL CONTACT NAME OR DEPARTMENT] at [EMAIL OR PHONE]. Message and data rates may apply.
Use this template if the district is still on short code messaging (outreach number 97178, emergency number 53291). Replace all [BRACKETED] fields before publishing.
Not receiving messages from [DISTRICT NAME]? Here's what to do.
[DISTRICT NAME] uses Finalsite Messages XR Enterprise to send emails, text messages, and phone calls to families. If messages aren't coming through, one of the steps below will usually resolve it.
Our SMS text message numbers
Save these numbers so messages are recognized and not blocked:
- Outreach messages (general updates, reminders, announcements): 97178
- Emergency messages (urgent alerts and closings): 53291
How to opt out of text messages
- To stop outreach messages: reply STOP to 97178.
- To stop emergency messages: reply STOP to 53291.
- A confirmation message will arrive once unsubscribed.
How to opt back in to text messages
- To restart outreach messages: text START to 97178 from the opted-out phone.
- To restart emergency messages: text START to 53291 from the opted-out phone.
- A confirmation message will arrive once resubscribed.
How to opt out of or back into phone calls
- To opt out: call (855) 502-STOP / (855) 502-7867 from the phone number to be opted out.
- To opt back in: call the same number from the opted-out phone.
Not receiving messages at all?
- Confirm the mobile number on file with the district is correct and labeled as a mobile/cell number.
- Check that SMS/text alerts are enabled for that number in [STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM, e.g., PowerSchool, Skyward].
- Note: changes to contact information may take up to 24 hours to sync.
- Text HELP to 97178 for outreach message support, or to 53291 for emergency message support.
Need help?
Contact [DISTRICT/SCHOOL CONTACT NAME OR DEPARTMENT] at [EMAIL OR PHONE]. Message and data rates may apply.
Transition templates: announcing the switch to 10DLC
Use these templates when notifying families that the district is switching from short code to 10DLC. Send before and after the transition date. Fill in all bracketed fields before sending.
Replace all [BRACKETED] fields. Remove this instruction line before sending.
Subject: Important update: change in SMS/text message numbers
Dear [Community Name],
Starting [INSERT DATE], all SMS/text messages sent from [DISTRICT NAME] will be delivered from new 10-digit phone numbers instead of the short code previously used. This change improves the reliability and security of district communications.
New 10-digit numbers:
- General outreach messages (updates, reminders, announcements): [OUTREACH 10DLC NUMBER]
- Emergency messages (urgent alerts and closings): [EMERGENCY 10DLC NUMBER]
What this means:
- Messages will arrive from the 10-digit numbers listed above. Save them to ensure they are recognized.
- All messages will continue to provide the same timely and important information.
- No action is needed to continue receiving messages.
Questions? Contact [CONTACT NAME OR DEPARTMENT] at [EMAIL OR PHONE].
[YOUR NAME]
[TITLE]
[DISTRICT NAME]
Fill in the bracketed fields. Keep it concise as SMS messages have character limits.
[DISTRICT NAME]: Starting [DATE], messages will come from new 10-digit numbers: [OUTREACH NUMBER] (general) and [EMERGENCY NUMBER] (emergencies). Save them so messages are recognized. Questions? [CONTACT INFO]
Send this as a follow-up reminder after the transition has taken place.
[DISTRICT NAME]: Reminder: messages now come from [OUTREACH NUMBER] (general) and [EMERGENCY NUMBER] (emergencies). Save these numbers to keep receiving important updates.