Consolidated text messages, simplified language support, and full details via link—reducing message volume and improving consistency across languages.
Overview
To streamline communication and reduce delivery complexity, Catapult Connect has updated how Attendance Alerts and other SMS messages are sent to use GSM-7 Encoding and consolidate multiple messages to one parent in one text message with a link to the relevant info. These changes help prevent message overload for families, improve support for multiple languages, and ensure reliable message delivery across carriers—without impacting how important information is shared.
What’s New
✅ Fewer Messages Per Family
Previously, families with multiple students or language preferences might receive several texts for the same alert. Now, they’ll get just one message that includes all relevant details.
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Multiple students: Combined into one alert
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Multiple languages: Stacked into one message or linked from a single text
✂️ Shorter Messages with a Link
Attendance Alerts are often long—and even longer when translated. To keep texts short and readable, we now send a one-segment summary with a link to view full details online in the recipient's preferred language.
English Example:
“Catapult
From: BLS
Re: Attendance Alert!...
https://catapult-connect.com/[unique-code]
To Unsubscribe reply: STOP.”
Non Latin Language Example:
Catapult
From: BLS
Re: Attendance Alert (Chinese)
https://catapult-connect.com/[unique-code]
To Unsubscribe reply: STOP.”
🌐 Smarter Language Handling
Languages like Spanish often use accented characters (like “ó” or “í”) that require a different type of encoding (UCS-2), which reduces how much text fits in one message and increases delivery costs.
To avoid this, Catapult Connect now automatically uses a standard called GSM-7, which:
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Allows 160 characters per text
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Replaces accented characters with standard equivalents (e.g., “ó” → “o”)
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Prevents messages from splitting into multiple parts
This change ensures each message is compact, consistent, and clear—regardless of language.
What This Means for You
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Families receive fewer, cleaner messages
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Full details are still accessible via link in their preferred language
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You don’t need to change anything—but you can update templates if desired
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We’re able to control rising SMS delivery costs, so we can keep costs low
What You Can Do
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Review any custom SMS templates, especially in other languages. Keep them short or rely on the “View Message” link for full content.
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Send yourself a test alert to see the new format.
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Let your community know that some messages may now include a link to full details.
If you need help editing templates or explaining this change to your staff or families, our support team is happy to assist!
FAQ
Why was this change necessary?
To keep messages short and consistent, avoid excessive messages for multi-part messages, and ensure content looks clean across languages.
Can families still unsubscribe from messages?
Yes! Every message still includes the line “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” and supports opt-out like before.
Will this affect email or app notifications?
No. This update only impacts SMS (text message) alerts.
Summary
These changes ensure that text messages are shorter, more efficient, and easier for families to understand—especially across multiple students and languages. Most importantly, they allow Catapult Connect to deliver the same critical alerts without increasing message volume or delivery costs.
For questions or support, reach out to your Catapult Connect Customer Success Manager or contact our support team.