At the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District, our mission is "Learning for ALL, Learning for LIFE." A big part of that life-long learning involves navigating the digital world with confidence and safety.
Following up on last month’s introduction to our Digital Citizenship Plan, Rob Kamrowski, our Technology Integration Specialist, has shared a new video detailing the specific steps we take to manage student devices.
The "Training Wheels" Approach
We like to think of school-provided internet access as "training wheels" on a bicycle. Just as a child needs support while learning to ride, students need a controlled environment as they learn to navigate the vast digital landscape. Our goal is to ensure their device remains a powerful learning tool, free from unnecessary distractions or risks.
Our Pillars of Digital Safety
In the video, Rob outlines the robust systems we have in place to protect our students:
Safe Internet Access: We use advanced filtering that exceeds standard requirements. This protection is active 24/7, whether the device is at school or on your home Wi-Fi.
Data Protection: We maintain strict agreements with all software providers to ensure your child’s personal information and data are never compromised.
App Control: Students do not have access to a standard App Store. Instead, the district curates and controls exactly which educational apps are installed on student devices.
Platform Moderation: We actively moderate platforms and manage email permissions to ensure communication remains safe and school-appropriate.
Partnering with Parents
While we provide the technical safeguards, your partnership at home is vital. Please remember:
It’s a Tool, Not a Toy: The device is for educational purposes. As a parent, you have the right to set boundaries or take the device away if it is being used inappropriately.
Flexible Storage: If having the device at home becomes a distraction, you can request that it stays at school overnight.
Ready to Learn: If the device does come home, please help your child ensure it returns to school fully charged and ready for the day's lessons.
Watch the full video to learn more about our commitment to your child's digital safety.
*Note: Artificial intelligence was used in the creation of this post.