Parent's Plug-In
~September 2016~
MISD Department of Instructional Technology
A monthly newsletter for parents, grandparents, families and the community dedicated to updates and information on how McKinney ISD uses technology in the classroom.
*Apps...What is it? What does it do?
Secret Calculator- A private vault for pictures, files, music or text messages. The app icon is disguised as a calculator, but includes a password protected space to "hide" applications that users would like to keep private.
Periscope- is a streaming-video app that allows users to live-broadcast anytime from anywhere via their Twitter feeds. It's impressive technology but one that could expose the user to a wide variety of privacy implications (as well as potential inappropriate content). Because the app streams events live, there's no way for anyone to know what's going to happen next. Users must be at least 17 to accept the application's terms of service, however there is no way to enforce the age limit beyond the set up process.
*The descriptions here are informational only. This is not an evaluation or endorsement of app choices for students, but a tool for parent involvement.
Details...
McKinney ISD's freshman laptop program will begin to deploy laptops on the following dates.
- McKinney North High School - September 7
- McKinney High School - September 12
- McKinney Boyd High School - September 15
Credit/Debit card payments are currently being taken now and can be made through the Home Access Center using either the parent or student login information. Parents can pay with cash or check in person with the campus book keeper. Payment will be taken through the deployment date for the campus and on the day of the deployment. No laptops will be issued to students who have not paid their student assurance fee ($50.00 or $25.00 for students on free/reduced lunch).
Please click here for more information about how to make payments through HAC.
Technology News...
- President Obama is unveiling ConnectALL, an initiative to help Americans from across the country, at every income level, get online and have the tools to take full advantage of the Internet.
- The Maker Movement Manifesto- Rules for innovation, creativity and learning.
- Learning With Technology- Common Sense Media topics for parents.
- NetCetera- Chatting with kids about being online
Online Courses for High School Credit
Instructional Technology Parent Series- Digital Resources for Home
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2016, 06:00 PM
Faubion Middle School, Doe Rollins, McKinney, TX, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.