Apps to communicate with families and keep number private There are a variety of apps out there that are useful when communicating with families. These platforms have changed over the years, but the four current standouts that are all free, offer a hidden number or app interface ​ ​ that hides your number, and offer different combinations of interfaces (web-based; mobile). I have listed them below with details on important features and links to ways to access and use the app. An emphasis was also placed on finding apps that make calls over WiFi and do not use minutes from your cellular plan. ​ ​ Talkatone ● Free Phone Number ● Free Texting ● WiFi / Cell Data calling (uses WiFi when connected) ● No fees (may charge for international calls) ● Mobile App only ​ iOS:http://itunes.apple.com/app/id397648381 ​ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talkatone.android ​ TextNow ● Free Phone Number ● Free Texting ● WiFi / Cell Data calling (uses WiFi when connected) ● Charges for international calls ● Mobile App and Web Interface Website: https://www.textnow.com/ ​ iOS: https://app.adjust.com/11esyz?campaign=FC_LANDING_PAGE ​ Android: https://app.adjust.com/2xmk36?campaign=FC_LANDING_PAGE ​ Google Voice ● Free Phone Number (must use a personal google account - businesses need to buy licenses to provide Voice to employees) ● Free Texting ● WiFi / Cell Data calling (uses WiFi when connected) ● No info on international calls ● Mobile App and Web Interface Website: http://voice.google.com ​ iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524 ​ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice ​ Talking Points (talkingpts.org) ● No phone number sharing (uses app to text families) ● Autotranslates SMS texts using contextual algorithm summaries ● Free for Teachers ● Mobile App and Web interface ● App for parents and teachers so no one needs to use SMS / Texts on their cell plan Website: http://talkingpts.org ​ Apps for iOS: TEACHER: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/teachers-talkingpoints/id1205379492 ​ PARENT: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parents-talkingpoints/id1320244591 ​ Apps for Android: TEACHER: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.talkingpts.talkingpoints&hl=en_US ​ PARENT: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.talkingpoints.parents&hl=en_US ​.