NORFOLK - The local school system has joined many other area school departments in improving its communication with parents.

Superintendent Don LeClerc reported to the school committee this week that the new Connect-ED communication system is up and running.

The elementary school administration will now have the capability to reach out to anyone via e-mail and phone.

LeClerc ran a test with the school staff Wednesday and found only a few glitches, which can be quickly addressed.

"A solid communication system was missing when I took over," LeClerc said. "Connect-ED is in very good shape right now. It will be taking the place of our eBlast, which, in my opinion, is outdated."

The system is currently broken down into Freeman-Centennial and Olive Day distributions for community outreach messages, but it can be broken down further to target specific groups, such as grade levels and extracurricular groups.

LeClerc said the district would use Connect-ED to deliver weather delay and school cancellation announcements.

Any emergency communication will be sent out by e-mail and phone to all contact numbers provided by parents.