ISTE LIVE 2026 - ParentSquare

Most schools are drowning in disconnected communication channels — email, texts, WhatsApp, and more. Joel Hames, SVP of product at ParentSquare, shares how AI-powered communication is helping schools and families stay connected in a more seamless, private, and actionable way. From school updates and attendance to meaningful next steps, the conversation explores how smarter communication can reduce confusion and make it easier for parents to stay involved.This episode also looks at the shift from static reports to AI-driven insights that help people actually act on information. You’ll hear how tools like conversation starters can turn everyday school updates into better conversations at home, and how privacy protections like FERPA and COPPA are built into the platform. The discussion also highlights how ParentSquare is helping districts improve contactability, reduce messaging fatigue, and communicate more clearly at scale.If you’re an educator, administrator, or parent interested in how AI is changing school communication, this episode offers a practical look at what’s possible when technology is used to strengthen trust, simplify communication, and support family engagement. Learn more at ParentSquare.com