SchoolPost Recipient Options After iSAMS Migration
Following the recent migration of iSAMS to the cloud this summer 2025, there have been some changes to how SchoolPost manages recipient lists. This is a temporary situation unique to this migration, so we've created this article to help you understand the new process.
Why Did This Change Happen?
Previously, SchoolPost used custom SQL queries to pull data from local iSAMS database, which allowed for a "priorities" feature unique to the school's setup. When iSAMS moved to the cloud, they no longer allowed third parties to use direct SQL queries for security reasons. Instead, they require SchoolPost to use iSAMS batch API, which limits SchoolPost control over how data is manipulated.
As a result, we're now using the standard iSAMS method of managing users, which relies on "contact links/mail merges". This means we have to target recipients using this new method rather than the old "priorities" system.
Contact types old interface : Using 'Priorities' option
Contact types new interface : Using iSAMS's 'Mail merges' option
How parents details being managed in both old and new schoolpost system: user case: Della Ragione.
Your Options for Sending Communications
All user accounts still exist within SchoolPost, but how you select them for a recipient list has changed. You have two options for building your recipient lists:
Option 1: Revert to "Priorities"
We can switch your recipient building option in SchoolPost back to "priorities." When you select "linked parents" for a student list, you will be able to choose which priorities you want to target.
Benefit: This will allow you to contact leavers who still have the old priority data saved.
Limitation: This option won't work for current students, as their parent links are now based on the new mail merge data.
Option 2: Use "Merge Types"
This is the new standard method. When you build a recipient list, you'll need to use the mail merge types (e.g., "correspondence," "all merges") to target parents.
Benefit: This is the new, long-term method and will work for all current students.
Limitation: This will not work for leavers who were set up under the old "priorities" system.
Alternative: Manual Recipient Entry
If you know the names or codes of the specific users you need to contact, you can manually paste them into the recipient list. This method works regardless of which of the two options above is selected.
Option 3: Non-SchoolPost system - using ISAMS Email Wizard
The iSAMS mailing option is the Email Wizard, a tool within the iSAMS Student Manager module that allows users to send emails to students and their contacts. The Email Wizard can be used to select recipients, draft messages, use email templates, add attachments, and send emails, either individually or in bulk to specific groups of students.
Alternatively, MySchoolPortal offer the Communications tool to send messages to a group of users in a mailing list or individual users.
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SchoolPost: Recipient Selection