5-Digit Dialing

Due to the growth of the District and the need for additional phone numbers, Northside ISD will be converting Intra-District calling from a 4-Digit dialing model to a 5-Digit dialing model later this school year.

Please read the information below to better understand how this change will impact you.

What is 5-Digit Dialing?
5-Digit dialing capability allows a caller to place a call within the District (Intra-District) using only the last 5 digits of a Northside phone number (e.g. 7-7700).  Currently, only the last 4 digits are needed to place an Intra-District phone call (e.g.  7700). 

Why are we moving to 5-Digit Dialing now?
Northside numbers all begin with a prefix of 397-XXXX.  Due to growth, very few numbers are now available with a 397 prefix.  As a result, Northside will begin assigning numbers to new schools with a 398 prefix beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.  The addition of the 398 prefix has caused the need to move to 5-Digit dialing.

As a classroom teacher, how does this affect my classroom extension?
Classroom extensions (i.e. extensions beginning with 31, 32, or 33) will not be affected by 5-Digit dialing.  These extensions are only accessible within a campus.

How will this change impact Voice Mail?
If you access your voice mail remotely, you will need you use the 5-Digit extension number (e.g. 7-7700).  Teachers with classroom extensions (i.e. extensions beginning with 31, 32, or 33) will still use the campus TEA number and the 4 digit classroom extension to access voicemail.

When will this change occur?
In order to ensure a smooth transition, Northside will use a phased approached.  Beginning March 22, 2010, both 4-Digit and 5-Digit dialing will be possible. May 30, 2010 will be the last day 4-Digit dialing will be available from District phones.