MINGO JUNCTION — The Indian Creek Local School District is making strides with communication as officials start the ParentSquare platform in January.

During the regular school board meeting on Dec. 18 at Indian Creek Middle School, Assistant Superintendent John Belt discussed the ParentSquare online platform that Indian Creek is utilizing to share information with the school community. The all-in-one platform will be rolled out on Jan. 5 in an effort to unify communication through the phone, computer or free app. Users may download the app to stay involved with their student’s learning and activities at school, plus it will provide updates, access to school news and events, allow for communication with teachers, staff, and coaches and more.

“ParentSquare is a new communication platform and it will replace what we have,” Belt said. “It has a safety component because it’s on a state-approved list,” Belt explained. “This will protect against cyberattacks and 99 percent of families in the district are already connected to the system.”

He said parents must log into the system to connect and they can receive texts, emails and phone messages as well as information on weather cancellations.

“We’ll do a campaign to get it out,” Belt added. “We’ll make fliers and it has been in the media. A nice factor is that it can include a calendar, and we can post on ParentSquare, on the school website and on social media at the same time, plus when you use the platform you have a record and the IP will be safe.”

Meanwhile, Amy Colantoni, the district public relations specialist, updated the board on activities through December, saying it has been an exciting month filled with growth, connection, and continued momentum throughout the district.

“Over the past several weeks, public relations has concentrated on strengthening internal communication systems, growing community partnerships and raising the profile of our students, staff and programs across the digital, print and media channels,” Colantoni said. “Tonight, you’ll notice themes of connection, consistency and innovation across every project. Each initiative is helping Indian Creek continue to grow its identity and strengthen our story.”

She cited internal communications efforts to strengthen district connections, communication transparency, and consistency in messaging; engagement in outreach and community connections through the Meals of Hope collaboration with the United Way of Jefferson County and Franciscan University of Steubenville, the Ohio Valley Health Center door decorating contest with help from Indian Creek High School art teacher Amanda Speece and her students, Cross Creek Elementary’s social media community challenge with local businesses, Hills Elementary’s collection for the Jefferson County Humane Society, and interaction with the Ohio State Highway Patrol; the Indian Creek Foundation’s annual Christmas concert and sponsorship support, business follow-up communications, promotional commercials and social media presence; and media relations with local television stations to newspapers; general district communications from district insights and growth reporting to strategic communication planning; and onoine and social media strategy ranging from “2-Minute Tuesday Talk with Dr. Chappelear” to digital storytelling and content.

“Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains on strategic communication, clear storytelling and building a unified brand voice across the district–bringing even more attention to the incredible work happening at Indian Creek,” she concluded.

Among other matters, the board:

• Heard from Nicole Marshall, teh district food service director, who highlighted the Thanksgiving holiday feasts in November and recent media about cafeteria and food program activities such as Wellness Wednesday and the ongoing Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program to introduce youth to a wider range of healthy foods;

• Approved Madison Fields as a volunteer for ICHS softball and Devin Mazik as a wrestling volunteer for the 2025-26 school year;

• Approved Cindee Frazier as a bus attendant on a one-year limited contract;

• Heard student achievement and winter sports reports from board member Andrew Speece, who lauded girls’ basketball, football coach Andrew Connor and his team, wrestling and others;

• Set the organizational meeting for 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at ICMS with board member Stephen Cowser to serve as president pro tempore. The regular board meeting will immediately follow.