Technology Times
Volume 2, Issue 2
Getting Started with Parent Portal
Click this link to visit the Parent Portal Resource Page on our website. Here you will find everything you need. I have also included some resources for you here:
1. Links to the apps:
PowerSchool App (Google Play Store)
PowerSchool App (Apple Store)
2. Video on how to get set up with PowerSchool (see below).
3. Written instructions are also available here.
*Parents will need a working email address, and a PowerSchool Access Code. This is provided by the school at the start of the year. If you need that information, please contact the main office of your child's school. For the app, you will also need the district code CSXQ.
Digital Equity
NYSED is requiring that districts collect information from families regarding their technology access at home. This data will assist school districts in making sure that all families have equitable access to educational resources.
Earlier this year many families completed a survey that helped to jumpstart this process. As a result we were able to assist families that were in need of internet access.
Now we have the ability to store this information securely and confidentially in PowerSchool so that we have a thorough understanding of our student population.
Students in grades 6-12 will be given time to log into their student portal and complete the short survey. As parents, you will have the opportunity to review and edit those responses if needed.
We ask that parents of students in grades K-5 log into their parent portal and respond to questions on behalf of their children.
This presentation will walk you through this very simple process.
Thank you in advance for your help with this. If you are unable to to complete the survey electronically, please call your child's school and we can record the information for you.
Updating Contact Information in Parent Portal
When a district-wide communication is sent out (usually on Friday afternoons) it is shared in several ways:
A. Email is sent to each parent/guardian listed.
B. A link posted on our district webpage.
C. A link texted to each parent/guardian listed.
D. A link is posted on Twitter @LewPortCSD. Please follow us!
E. A link is posted on our Facebook page
F. A copy is shared on our Family App which can be downloaded here for Android and here for Apple.
At-Home Device Monitoring & Management for Parents
While Lewiston-Porter does not recommend or endorse any particular service, we do recognize that the following providers are quite common in the area. If you don't see your provider here, it is recommended that you contact them to inquire about parental control capabilities.
Wireless Providers: Please contact your service providers for exact details and cost information. Most of these apps and services provide similar features including, but not limited to: content filtering, activity logs, time limits, data limits, schedules for bedtime or down time, and even location services.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon Smart Family
- T-Mobile: Family Mode
- AT&T: Secure Family App
Home Internet Providers: Please contact your service providers for exact details and cost information. Most providers will offer methods to limit devices that are connected to your network. You can turn off internet for specific devices at specific times, and even setup schedules that coincide with bedtime etc.
- Spectrum: Learn more about parental controls with Spectrum. You can enable settings for your home network as well as your TV. Watch this video to learn how to setup pause schedules for devices on you network.
Summary:
- School devices all come with content filtering. Now you can also limit the amount of time they are used at home using "pause schedules." This is helpful for parents that worry about children staying up too late on computers.
- With a combination of "pause schedules" from your home WIFI and the use of the family apps offered by wireless providers, you can take complete control of your child's cell phone as well.
- Companies have really caught on and listened to feedback from parents. Even popular gaming platforms such as Nintendo offer parental controls. Check it out!
YouTube Restrictions
- Many teachers share important YouTube content through Google Slides, Ed Puzzle, or other safe sharing links such as Video.Link. These tools block adds and comments.
- The YouTube app is not installed on PEC iPads to reduce access for young students.
- Safe Search has been enabled on our iBoss content filter to reduce sensitive content during searches.
- Last month we implemented the use of Go Guardian Teacher. This tool has been a game changer for classroom management with regard to technology use. It gives teachers instant access to monitor and block content as they see fit in real time.
- This week we've also enabled new YouTube restriction settings through our Google Admin Console. These restrictions are designed to block comments, and restrict videos based on content and age ratings. We are optimistic that this will be an effective tool to making YouTube safer and more secure. These settings are new so they will take some time to evaluate and adjust.
With all of these strategies, we will maintain access the useful resources in YouTube while limiting much of the undesirable content.
Go Guardian
Go Guardian Teacher provides the following capabilities:
- Monitor students' screens in real time.
- Block sites to reduce distraction.
- Send and receive messages.
- Close tabs.
- Lock screens.
- Direct students to specific URLs.
- View activity logs.
- ..and more
Privacy Note: Students using school-issued devices and accounts have no expectation of privacy. The district is obligated to monitor student use and filter their content. That being said, this responsibility does not fall on individual teachers. That being said, while students are off campus, teachers will NOT be able to monitor their screens. While students are off campus they will continue to be monitored through our content filter. In the event we have a remote day, we may turn Go Guardian on for off campus devices for that day. This could help with remote instruction in those instances. Any other time it will remain off.
Nicholas Hill
Lewiston-Porter Central Schools
Email: nhill@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com/technology_services
Phone: (716) 286-7295
Facebook: Facebook.com/LewistonPorterCentralSchools/
Twitter: @lewportcsd