The district requesting the records (outbound request) and the district receiving the request (incoming request) can exchange messages related to the records transfer process. From any of the filter views on either the Outbound Requests or Incoming Requests page (under Records Transfer (BETA); California districts only), click the message icon to the left.

The Messages window will display. Type a new message, then click Send or press Enter.

The message thread will stay with the request as it moves through various status updates so the districts can have fast, easy communication with each other. The Messages window will show all messages that have been sent and received, as well as your district's status updates for the request. Each district sees its own status updates; they are not sent to the other district.

System messages, such as status updates, display in a gray background and aligned to the right. Sent messages display in a blue background and aligned to the right. Received messages display in a teal background and aligned to the left. Each message includes the sender's name (from their Aeries account) and the date and time the message was sent; status updates show System as the sender.

When a records request has an unread message or a new status update, the message icon next to that request will be red. Click the icon to open the Messages window and view it; opening the window marks everything in it as read.

While the Messages window is open, click the message icon again to hide the Messages window.