SchoolMessenger's Talk About It Service Wins 'Cool Tools' Award from EdTech Digest

LOS GATOS, Calif., April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolMessenger, the leading provider of communication solutions for education, today announced that its Talk About It® anonymous communications service has been named best Communication Solution in the 2013 EdTech Digest Awards, earning it a coveted Cool Tool Award. The company's emergency notification solution was also recognized in that same category. Each year, the EdTech Digest Awards honor tools, trendsetters and leaders in the education and technology sector.

In addition to receiving top honors for its communications services, the company's chief executive officer, Sanford Kenyon, was singled out as one of eight leading CEOs in the education market, and its notification service was named as one of three top green solutions.

"We are very honored to have our services and our leadership recognized in this year's EdTech Digest Awards," said Nate Brogan, vice president of marketing at SchoolMessenger. "Talk About It is a preventative tool that empowers students to break the 'code of silence' and report problems, such as bullying, violence or personal issues, via text or online messaging before it's too late. Schools and districts use it as a tool to allow students to safely confide in a trusted adult, often preventing or resolving issues that may not otherwise surface."

Originally launched in 2005, and currently in use by more than 500,000 students nationwide, Talk About It was designed around the concept that students are the best resource for knowing what is going on inside their schools. If a problem or threat should arise, Talk About It enables a student to anonymously and confidentially 'speak up' using text or online messaging. With electronic communications, students can avoid the stigma of being seen reaching out to a counselor or faculty member or 'snitching' on a fellow student. Individual schools have reported that the service successfully reduced bullying by up to 70% and improved school climate.

"As the industry has advanced, this year's entries are among the best ever," said Victor Rivero, Editor in Chief of EdTech Digest. "The market certainly has its challenges, but letting its bright spots shine is not only a real pleasure—it's what will continue to drive it forward and help students everywhere."

For more information about SchoolMessenger's Talk About It service, visit: http://talk.schoolmessenger.com. A video and free white paper (Creating a Culture of Dialogue: Four Practical Steps for Better Communication and Safer Schools) are also available.

About the EdTech Digest Awards Program
Recognizing cool tools, trendsetters and leaders in the education and technology sector, the mission of the annual awards program is to get workable technology solutions for education widely known about and well thought of with the purpose of reshaping the education culture and creating a new and better future for students. Over the years, the best products and brightest minds have been featured helping millions of students, teachers, parents, administrators and others in and around education. The EdTech Digest Awards Recognition Program is a division of EdTech Digest, LLC.

About EdTech Digest, LLC
EdTech Digest is a leading source of cool tools, in-depth interviews and notable trends in the education and technology space. Celebrating all the latest gadgets, gizmos and new technologies moving education forward, the online magazine delves deeper into the stories of the people behind the technology to discover what drives them to conceptualize, create, develop and deploy their products and services to the masses. Featuring movers and shakers in and around education dedicated to making a difference for our future generations, read it online at www.edtechdigest.com

About SchoolMessenger
SchoolMessenger is a leading provider of communication solutions for education. Thousands of school districts, public schools, colleges, universities, private schools and other educational facilities in all 50 states depend on the company's innovative solutions, including the SchoolMessenger notification service and Talk About It anonymous communication service. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. For information, visit www.schoolmessenger.com or call 888.527.5225.

Media Contact:
Carleen LeVasseur
SchoolMessenger Public Relations
408-264-6767
[email protected]

SOURCE SchoolMessenger