WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS TUTORIAL?

This tutorial will show students how to use Direct Messages for private, two-way communication between ParentSquare users. Students can directly message their teachers and staff associated with their classes. You cannot message your families or other students through Student Square. 

Direct Messages can be accessed in two different ways:

1. Browser
   • How to View Messages
   • How to Reply to Messages
   • How to Send Messages
2. Mobile App
   • How to View Messages
   • How to Reply to Messages
   • How to Send Messages

View Messages in the Browser

• Select Messages on the left navigation bar. 
• Messages will be listed in the center column, with the most recent conversation at the top. 

Note: Deleting a Direct Message thread only removes it from your account view. It does not remove the thread from the recipients. They can still view, search, and print the message thread. 

Reply to Messages in the Browser

• Select Messages on the left navigation bar. 
• Click on a message thread to view the contents.  
• Enter the reply message text and/or use the paperclip icon to attach photos or files to the message. 
• Click Reply. 

Send a New Message from the Browser

Students can directly message their teachers and staff associated with their classes.

NOTE: Students cannot message their families or other students through StudentSquare. 

• Select Messages on the left navigation bar. 
• Click on New Message.
• Select the teachers or staff from the Quick List recipients to add as recipients. You can also type their names in the Recipients field to find them. 
• Select if sending a Private or Group message. Private will send each person an individual thread they can reply to. Group will send 1 thread to everyone to see and reply to each other. 
• Enter your message content and use the paperclip icon to attach files or photos. 
• Click Send.

View Messages in the Mobile App

• Tap Messages on the bottom of the app screen. 
• Select a Message to view contents. 

Note: Deleting a Direct Message thread only removes it from your account view. It does not remove the thread from the recipients. They can still view, search, and print the message thread. 

Reply to Messages in the Mobile App

Send a New Message from the Mobile App

• Tap Messages on the bottom of the app screen. 
• Tap the New Message icon on the top-right of the screen.
• Use the + icon to open your Quick Recipients list and select from the list. 
• You can also type at least 3 characters in the name field and then tap the Search button on your keyboard to search for them. 
• Adding more than two recipients allows you to select if the conversation thread is private or a group message. Private will send each person an individual thread they can reply to. Group will send 1 thread to everyone to see and reply to each other. 
• After composing your message and/or attaching files and videos, tap Send. 

This document was created for Irvine Unified School District by the Information Technology Department.

If you have any questions, submit a new ticket or email us at helpdesk@iusd.org.