Telecommunications Tutorials

The following are brief tutorials on how to use various features of the East Side Union High School District phone system.

Call Back Top of Page Save a Number to Call Back Later: Have you ever called someone and the line is busy or no one answers (no voice mail or answering machine) and you know you are going to call back later? If so, there is a way to save that number and to be able to call back later, by pressing only one button. Here's how: After you make the call and there is no answer or a busy signal (and you are still on the line), press the "S&R" button. It is the second triangle-shaped button from the left on the top row of your black phone. S&R will start to blink, indicating that the number is saved. You can then hang up. S&R stands for "save and repeat." After you hang up the phone, you'll notice that "S&R" stays lit on your display. This acts a reminder to you that you have a phone number in memory. When you want to call back that number, simply press the "S&R" button. Once called, the "S&R" will go off unless you press "S&R" again There is another way to recall a number that was previously dialed. This is the use of the "REDIAL" button. The black phones will save your five previously dialed numbers in memory. To use REDIAL: Press the "REDIAL" button. This will automatically turn on your "MIC" and display a phone number on the second line of your display. Press "REDIAL" again and another number will appear. Remember that the phone will save your last five (5) calls. When you get to the number you want to call, press the * key. Remember that the "MIC" is on, so you can either pick up the receiver and talk through the receiver or just talk using the speakerphone without picking up the receiver. You may then order your pizza!!

Conference Call Top of Page Two or More People on the Same Line at Once: Conference calling allows users on the new phone system using the black phones to have two people on the line at the same time. You might find this useful when trying to set up a meeting and trying to coordinate two different calendars; or, yelling at two people at the same time (I find this a real time saver)!!! Here are the directions for setting up a conference call: Dial the number of the first person and establish contact. While the person is on the line, press "Transfer" and then dial second number. After the second person answers, press "Conference." Conference is established. Experiment with people in your vicinity to see if the procedure works.

Ringing Top of Page Four Ring Tones Available: Each of the black phones has four (4) different ringing sounds available. This feature is especially useful in an office, where phones in close proximity can each have a different ring tone, so that each is distinctly recognizable. Here's how to change the "ring" on the black phones: Press "feature." Press "3." Your present ring will sound. Press "3" again and a different ring will sound. Press "3" again, etc., etc. When you hear a ring you like, press "feature" -- that will be your new ring. Now don't ever say I never gave you a new ring!!!

Speed Dial Top of Page There are two types of speed dialing on the new system: Preset and Personal. Preset Speed Dialing: The Preset number list is built into the system and can neither be expanded nor deleted from the base phones. Currently those numbers are the phone numbers of all the sites in the district. To use "speed dialing" to call sites in the district: Lift the receiver, or press the "speaker" button (if your "mic" is on). Press the "SPD" button on the top line of the black phone. Enter the speed number indicating the site you want. 00 Andrew Hill 01 Foothill 02 Independence 03 James Lick 04 Mount Pleasant 05 Oak Grove 06 Piedmont Hills 07 Overfelt 08 Santa Teresa 09 Silver Creek 10 Yerba Buena 11 Apollo 12 Phoenix 13 Pegasus 14 Genesis 15 Independence Adult Ed 16 Overfelt Adult Ed 17 Cluster 1 18 Cluster 2 19 Cluster 3 20 Ed Center 91 Round Table Pizza (just kidding!!! but not a bad idea!!) Please note that these numbers get you to the operator at each site -- and then you're on your own!! Personal Speed Dialing: Most phones have eight blank lines that can be programmed for personal speed dialing. To program these buttons for speed dialing: Press "feature" button -- red light appears. Press the button you wish to program. Enter the number you want to speed dial (remember to put in 1+ area code). Press "feature" button -- red light goes out and readout says "Speed Set." Identify the button you programmed by lifting off the plastic cover and putting in a name or number (may want to use pencil in case you want to change programming in the future). Repeat the process for each button you want to program. To use your new speed dialing: Pick up receiver and press desired button or Press "speaker" (if "MIC" is on) and then press desired button. Hint: You can program one of the buttons with "1 408" and use that key when making local calls. It's one way to get around having to dial eleven numbers!!

Voice Mail Top of Page Recording Greetings: During the two week district shutdown (or any period of absence from your work station), it would be appropriate to change your primary voice mail greeting explaining to your callers that you will not be available for a certain period of time. The greeting might be something like:"You have reached (your name). (The district office/your site) will be closed from December 19 through January 2, so I will be away from my desk/office during that period. Please leave a message and I will get back to you on January 3. Have a Happy Holiday." To the more dedicated, you may refer your callers to a pager number or cell phone, if you want your callers to have that information.To change your primary voice mail message: Pick up receiver or press speaker (if MIC is on) Press "Voicemail" Enter Personal Code Number Press "T" Press "G" Press "P" Press "R" and record greeting Press "X" (or follow directions given) You would want to make this the last thing you do before leaving on Friday. Checking Voice Mail from Home: You can check your voice mail from home (or from anywhere in the world) if you wish. Here's how: Dial your number. Press * (after the voice mail message begins). Enter your pass code number. Follow menu directions given. Checking Your Voice Mail from Out of the Area: Your voice mail system is retrievable from all over the world. Here is some information to assist you in recovering your voicemail: The East Side Union High School District Message Center can be accessed from anywhere in the world at any time day or night . . . . or as they say in L.A. - "24,7"!! To reach the Message Center from area codes 408, 510, 916, 209, 831, or 925, you may use an tollfree 800 number: (800) 500-6570. For all other area codes, you must dial (1- 408) 347-5005 (not toll free). Instructions: Call the 800 number Enter your district telephone number at the direction for a "mail box number" (or your virtual mail box number) During the next announcement press * Follow instructions to enter voice mail This is a nice convenience when you are outside the district and need to check in for information. Within certain restrictions, it doesn't cost you a thing.