Technology

Securly Web Filtering @Home

The School District of Elmbrook deploys Securly safety solutions to all district devices both at school and at home.  Securly provides the opportunity for parents to view their students online activity in near real time.   While at home parents can  access the parent portal to view and control access to the Chromebooks.

Your parent Securly account is the same email address that you use as your Infinite Campus email account.  

1. To start your Securly journey visit the Securly Parent Portal.
2. Access the portal
   • If you are unsure of your password click the "Forgot Password? link on the portal page.
   • If you have never logged into Securly before use the "or Get Instant Access."
3. Once you are able to access the Securly Parent Portal download the smartphone app
    
4. Now that you are logged in lets take a look at a few training resources specifically for parents.
   • You can find a complete list of training topics related to the Securly Home App.  Start with "How to use the Securly Home App"
   • For more information on the Securly Portal start here.
5. If you have any additional support needs with the Securly product you can reach out to Securly directly by emailing them at homesupport@securly.com

Any questions related to your students browsing activity should start with the classroom teacher. Teachers are equipped to guide families on how technology is used in the classroom and expectations related to Technology use.

iPad History @Home

For our littlest leaners (4k - 1st) iPads provides access to learning software and applications through Apple App Store.  Even though the device is  protected with Securly since students do not login to the iPad there is no Securly activity associated with your student.  While @Home we encourage parents to view the Browser History on your students iPad.  If you have specific questions regarding iPad use in the classroom please contact your classroom teacher.

Testing the Web Filter @Home

To test that the Securly Web Filter is inspecting traffic you can browse to http://www.unsafewebsite.com.  Visiting this page on a district device should result in a blocked web page message.  If you have concerns regarding your students device configuration please have your student visit their library so that we may troubleshoot the issue.

Chromebook Troubleshooting @Home

The District has created a guide to help resolve common Chromebook issues.  If you our your student are unable to resolve the issue with this guide please have your student visit their library to further troubleshoot the issue.

There are two ways to receive assistance in securing internet @Home.

1.  If you are currently without the Internet at your residence due to financial hardship please contact the classroom teacher or school case worker.  The Elmbrook Education Foundation's Elmbrook Connects program will provide cellular hot spots to families who are without Internet

2.  Families who qualify and participate in the National School Lunch Program may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. To start your application and learn about other ways to qualify visit the ACP website. 

The two largest Internet providers in the area; Spectrum and AT&T participate in ACP and offer plans that will allow eligible families access to free Internet access at home.  

Appropriate Use

Expectations for responsible use are briefly described in the bullet points below, and in more detail in the linked Board policies. These expectations are to be reviewed regularly with students in order to insure the safety of our students and to make the best use of the District's investment in technology.

Digital citizenship will be taught to students in grades KG - 12, and will be based on the following six conditions. Families are also encouraged to support these behaviors and expectations at home.

• I will recognize the ways in which digital devices can be distracting. I will identify how I feel when others are distracted by their devices.  I will identify ideal device-free moments for myself and others.
• I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate, I will consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my life, experiences, and/or relationships I post. I will not be obscene.
• I will ensure that the information, images and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.
• I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass or stalk other people. I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist or inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people's private spaces or areas.
• I will protect others by reporting abuse, not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications; I will moderate unacceptable materials and conversations, and not visit sites that are degrading, pornographic, racist or inappropriate.
• I will request permission to use resources. I will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media etc. I will acknowledge all primary sources and respect copyright guidelines. I will validate information. I will use and abide by the fair use rules. I will act with integrity.

Student use of technology is guided by three District Policies:

• Student Appropriate Use of Technology - detailing expectations of safe, responsible and learning-focused use of devices (such as chromebooks, PCs and iPads) and software (such as Google Apps).
• Copyright - Respecting the work of others and not claiming it as your own. This includes images/pictures found on the internet, music, papers submitted by others, and copying others' thoughts and ideas without citing the source as a reference.
• Children's Internet Protection Act - the District takes seriously its responsibility to keep children safe when using technology. This is evident through our instruction of students about protecting your personal information and avoiding communication with people you do not know, as well as filtering out inappropriate internet traffic at home and school.

Digital Citizenship

The School District of Elmbrook uses technology resources (tablets, laptops, desktops, Google Apps, e-mail, etc.) to support and enhance student learning. Digital Citizenship and information literacy skills are taught to all students. The District's Digital Citizenship curriculum can be found here.

Content Filtering

Insuring the safety of our students while using District technology at school and at home is critical to the District's 1:1 program. The following safeguards are in place to support our mission of safe and responsible use:

1. All student devices, iPads and Chromebooks, issued by the District pass through our Internet filter both at school and at home, before accessing the Internet.
2. All internet traffic is recorded and monitored for suspicious/harmful activity.
3. Only students with @elmbrookstudents.org accounts, or staff with @elmbrookschools.org accounts can login to the Chromebooks. Personal google accounts cannot be used on District-issued chromebooks.
4. Students are instructed to report suspicious activity to a teacher or administrator that may be harmful to themselves or others.
5. Families have access their child's internet activity through the Securly Parent Portal. Logins are emailed to families during the first week of school.

If you have questions regarding your students technology use in the classroom or concerns regarding your students use of technology at home please reach out to the classroom teacher or building principal to start the conversation.