Weather & Dismissal Procedures

Emergency Notification System

GCSSD offers an emergency notification system to deliver recorded phone, email messages, and/or text messages whenever schools close due to inclement weather, if schools are to dismiss students early, or for some other emergency.

With this emergency notification system, two phone numbers (the top two {2} contacts in PowerSchool) and one email address for a guardian have been imported into the ThrillShare all-call system. The information was taken from the PowerSchool student records database. Student records also contain Emergency Contact Information with the names of individuals the school may call if the parents are unavailable. The emergency contact information is NOT imported into ThrillShare, only the top 2 contacts from PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Unless you need to update phone numbers or email addresses, there is nothing more you need to do. It is that easy! Below are some Frequently Asked Questions which address additional questions you might have regarding ThrillShare. GCSSD will continue to communicate in a timely manner if urgent circumstances arise this school year.

How can I check my currently listed phone numbers and emails in the Student Information System?
You can verify/modify this information by visiting the PowerSchool Parent Portal, located under the 'For Parent' tab at www.gcssd.org. Reminder: The top 2 contacts are called via the all-call system.

How many times will I be called if I have children in more than one school? 
When a District-wide call is deployed, all phone numbers/email addresses that are associated with your household will be called two times unless the first call is answered or voicemail picks up. There is a brief pause before the message begins so if you miss a call, please check your voicemail before calling the school back.

How many phone numbers and email addresses will be imported to ThrillShare for the Emergency Notification? 
Per student record, the top 2 contacts from the Parent Portal Contacts page within PowerSchool will be called and/or emailed. Contact order can be adjusted at any time via the online registration process or by logging in to PowerSchool Parent Portal.

How do I change my email through PowerSchool Parent Portal? 
Go to the district Website and choose the For Parents tab. Click Parent Portal and sign in using your logon and password. Click on 'Demographics Change' or 'PowerSchool Registration' > Yearly Update to modify your home phone, cell, work or other phone numbers as well as email addresses. You can also adjust the contacts page preference order from this area as well.

What should I do if I don't have a logon and password to Parent Portal?
If you do not have a logon and password, please contact your school to request a duplicate parent portal activation letter.

What if I don't have access/use the Internet and want to update my phone or email addresses?
Please call your school to update these records – this is only available for parents who do not have computer access.

Can I opt-in or opt-out to receive a text with ThrillShare?
Yes. You chose yes or no on receiving text messages as a part of the yearly student registration process. You may contact your school to check which option you chose if you are unsure. You may also opt out at anytime after receiving an all-call but in order to opt back in, you must call the district office at 731-692-3803.

What other ways can I find out about school closures or emergencies besides ThrillShare?
Besides telephone and email, all information regarding schools closing will be posted on the GCSSD Website, on Facebook and Twitter (if your school utilizes social media), and released to local media.