The BandApp was a mistake
I love the BandApp because it’s so easy for me to make announcements to my students and their parents, but they have no boundaries when it comes to messaging me. Parents message me at all hours with topics that I do not feel like should be discussed over the messaging system (they ask about their kids’ behavior in class but I think this should be discussed via email with our AP cc’d). I also got about 10 messages the day of our spring concert asking when it is, even though I posted several announcements throughout the week.
My main concern is that sometimes my students will message me with things completely unrelated to band. They tell me how their weekend is going or just say hi. I care for my students but don’t like responding to these messages because it feels inappropriate for students and teachers to “text” outside of school. I hate to ignore them because it feels mean.
I’m in my first year of teaching so this is my first time for everything. Next year, is there a good way to establish boundaries with my students and parents? Does anyone just turn off the message feature all together? I feel way too accessible and I hate it.