Bloomz Communication App

     I have been searching for a new messaging app that is free for everyone, since Remind began to charge Verizon users. I have done a lot of research and I think I found a good replacement app. I am going to try out Bloomz, which has many more features than Remind. Bloomz allows for private messaging, whole group updates, picture and video sharing, calendar reminders, conference reminders, and volunteer sign ups. Parent/guardian involvement is a bit of a struggle for myself and my colleagues, but Bloomz seems to have many features that make involvement easy and efficient. Also, it helps that parents/guardians can receive messages and reminders straight to their devices through email or text.

     Bloomz makes two way messaging simple and quick. Also, it allows for parents to communicate amongst each other, if you enable that feature. In addition to private messages, you can send whole group updates or reminders. This is helpful when reminding parents/guardians of an event the day before. Also, it would allow you to do away with a paper class newsletter if you wish.

     Bloomz allows you to take or upload pictures or videos for specific parents/guardians to see or as a whole group message. When a picture is uploaded you can place it in individual student folders, so that their parent/guardian essentially has a photo album of their child's school year. Also, it is a great way to share outstanding classwork with parents/guardians.

     Another feature, which is very helpful, is the calendar. You can input class or school events or conferences into the calendar. Reminders will automatically be sent to parents/guardians before the event. It, also, allows parents/guardians to RSVP to any events, so that you know how many people to expect. I would definitely use that feature for Open House! Within the calendar, you can also schedule conference times, and it will send a reminder before the conference day and time. 

     In addition to all of the feature mentioned, Bloomz helps to organize volunteer events and item request. You can create a volunteer event, state the number of people needed, and the day and time. It will send out the request and alert you when parent/guardians sign up. It is the same with item requests. You set the item and quantity and it will alert you when a parent/guardian has claimed that item. I love this feature!

     What I have described so far is just the tip of the iceberg with Bloomz, but they were the most useful features in my opinion. I will let you know how Bloomz works out for me and whether it helps to organize things or not. I hope so!