I want to take a moment to give the community an update and some clarification on our new StopFinder communication app. The StopFinder app is designed to enhance communication between the Transportation Department and all parents/guardians. StopFinder is directly linked to our bus routing software, TransFinder, which manages all of the district’s bus routes, bus stops, and bus travel.
StopFinder will allow the Transportation Department to send out specific communication to the whole district in real time regarding bus changes, delays, and any important information. We can also target the communication to specific buildings, buses, and students instead of using mass emails to everyone.
Below are answers to a few Frequently Asked Questions since the launch:
Why do I need a specific invitation to join and access StopFinder?
The StopFinder app is designed to be safe and secure. The district only wants Amherst parents/guardians to have access to Amherst bus routes, bus stops, and communication. When parents/guardians register, the information in the app is directly tied to their child and their child’s bus information.
I did not receive the StopFinder invitation? I’m having difficulty downloading the app? I have the app but there is no student information? HELP!
Many parents are having difficulty with the app and the functions. We are currently working with StopFinder to identify the various problems. StopFinder pulls information directly from PowerSchool. Some problems may be related to StopFinder, some problems may be related to our information in PowerSchool, and some problems may be related to your personal email settings (spam blocker, mass email blocker, virus link protection, etc.). If you need assistance downloading and using the app, please complete this short google survey and we will assist each family in order: StopFinder Parent Help Survey
Am I required to download and register the StopFinder app?
No. StopFinder is a new communication tool that a parent/guardian can choose whether to access or not. If a parent/guardian does not use our transportation services, the parent/guardian may not want to access the app. If your child uses our transportation services, then we highly recommend you register and access StopFinder.
Is StopFinder replacing the PikMyKid app?
No. PikMyKid is the app in grades K-5 that parents/guardians use to change their child’s dismissal procedures and assist the schools with mass dismissal. There are no changes to PikMyKid at Powers and Nord. While the Transportation Department does use PikMyKid to communicate some transportation changes, the communication is only sent to grades K-5. StopFinder is the solution to help the Transportation Department communicate to all parents/guardians in grades K-12.
It looks like StopFinder has a GeoTracking and Geo Alert feature to follow my child’s location. Is that feature working and will it be turned on?
Currently, we do not have the GeoTracking and GeoAlert feature, but the district is exploring that option with StopFinder.
If you have any more questions or need more information, please email Transportation Director Shonteea Ford at shonteea_ford@amherstk12.org. Thank you!
