Digital Safety Course
Digital Citizenship, also known as Digital Safety, promotes responsible use of digital devices. Parents/guardians are encouraged to model positive behavior, routinely monitor students' use, and hold students accountable for behaviors at home.
To receive a Chromebook, parents/guardians must complete this Digital Safety course, confirm completion by submitting the form at the end, and complete the required VILS paperwork for their campus.
Device Information
Acceptable Use Policy
The Houston ISD Acceptable Use Policy provides guidelines for how students, parents, and teachers should interact with the internet and their devices.
Internet Safety
Houston Independent School District has adopted an Acceptable Use Policy that maintains compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that the privacy of student records is protected. Access to these records is restricted through the use of usernames and passwords.
Acceptable Actions
Students are expected to follow network etiquette at all times. This includes being courteous to others, not using profanity, keeping login information private, and letting an adult know if something inappropriate happens.
Unacceptable Actions
Students are not allowed to use district-owned devices in a manner that causes harm to others, damages the device, violates copyright laws, or sends potentially harmful data/information to others.
Penalties for Improper Use
The HISD Code of Conduct outlines the possible consequences for violating these rules. Consequences may range from campus disciplinary actions to legal action as determined by the level of misconduct.
Tanglewood 2021-2022 Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Tanglewood Middle School is a Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) campus that provides access to Chromebooks for on and off campus use in addition to desktop computers and other technology equipment. In order for students to use HISD devices and accounts (both on and off campus), we require all students to comply with our technology policies. Click here to read Houston ISD's Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
Online Safety
Social Media and Digital Footprints: Our Responsibilities
How does using social media affect our digital footprints?
The digital world allows students to socialize, communicate, and stream music or movies 24/7. it allows for exposure to risks
Help Your Student Post, Comment, and Upload Responsibly
When you post something online, you no longer have control over what happens to that information, comment or photo. Talk with your child about what would and would not be appropriate to share online. Click here for family tips.
Only post things they would feel comfortable sharing with anyone, including parents and potential employers.
Remember that you no longer have control of things you post online.
Social Media 101: What parents need to know
Cyber Safety / Social Media 101
Why it's popular: Teens like using it to share quick tidbits about their lives with friends. It's also great for keeping up with what's going on in the world -- breaking news, celebrity gossip, etc. What parents need to know: Public tweets are the norm for teens. Read more Houston ISD here.
For information on popular apps, review the HISD Social Media 101 Page
Is It Cyberbullying?
What is cyberbullying and what can you do to stop it?
One third of teens report either being directly exposed to cyber bullying or know someone who has.
What's Cyberbullying?
Cyber bullying includes sharing, sending, or posting negative or hurtful content about another person. This includes spreading rumors, threatening others, or sharing private information about someone else that could embarrass someone. Look out for cyber bullying and notify the school immediately if you find evidence of it.
Cyber bullying can happen anywhere electronic communication is involved, such as text messages, online games, social media sites, email, or instant messaging. Click here for family tips.
Chromebbook Basics
Getting to Know Your Chromebook
The students' parent/guardian accepts financial responsibility for any intentional damage to the Chromebook or damage due to gross negligence.
The Chromebook is a web-based device that uses the Google Chrome operating system and Google Drive for cloud based storage. Students can only access web-based applications. The Chromebook can also be used in tablet mode.
Your student will receive:
Chromebook
Chromebook charger (to be kept at home)
Chromebook carrying case
Chromebook Left Side View
Chrombebook Right Side View
Device Care
Case It
When you have finished working on the Chromebook for the day, remember to place it back inside the case for protection.
No Eating or Drinking
Keep all food and drink away from the Chromebook.
Swipe and Sweep
Clear the keyboard BEFORE closing the Chromebook. Items left on the keyboard may cause damage to the screen when it is closed.
Charge it Up
Shut down & charge up the Chromebook nightly.
Chromebook Financial Responsibility
A Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Chromebook will be loaned to your student to be successful in school.
We understand that sometimes bad things happen. However, we all need to work together to ensure the Chromebooks will be available for future students.
Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, Houston ISD will now be charging an annual usage fee of $25 per student (much like the PowerUp fee collected at high schools). This can be paid online at SchoolPay.net - you will need to create an account if you do not already have one.
Additionally, we will now be charging fees for lost or damaged chargers and damage to the Chromebook as shown below:
Replacement Charger Fee - $32
Replacement Carry Case Fee - $38
Replacement Chromebook Fee (if lost or stolen and not recovered) - will be determined by the Principal and the Campus Technologist. Maximum amount $709.98.
1st incident of Chromebook damage - covered under the annual $25 fee.
2nd incident of Chromebook damage - an additional fee of $25 will be collected
3rd incident of Chromebook damage - parent/guardian will be responsible for the cost of the repairs
1st incident of lost/stolen Chromebook - If the student has paid the initial $25 yearly fee, the student will be issued a replacement laptop. If the student has not paid the $25 yearly fee, the student will be directed to the campus Business Manager or Financial Clerk to collect the $25 fee. The student is then issued a replacement device.
2nd incident of lost/stolen Chromebook - The parent/guardian is responsible for paying for the cost of device replacement. Campus Business Manager or Financial Clerk will collect the fees or place the student/parent on a payment plan. The student will be provided access to a device for in-school use only and will not be allowed to take a device home for the remainder of the school year.
Please click here to read the Chromebook loaner agreement.
Instructional Tools
itslearning (The HUB)
The HUB
Canvas, is a learning management system (LMS) that allows students 24-7 access to instructional resources for all of their courses.
Canvas is where students courses are located.
Office365.Houstonisd.org
All students have access to a school email account in addition to many features of the Office Suite.
Students should get into the habit of checking their school email daily.
HISD Connect
HISD Connect by PowerSchool, includes student contact, enrollment, and demographic information, as well as grades and online resources.
Parents set up an account to access their students' profiles through the parent portal.To learn more click here.
Final Steps
Confirm Completion (1 of 2)
Thank you for participating!
Please submit the form below to verify completion of this course and ensure your student will receive their Chromebook during the first week of school. If you have more than one student attending Tanglewood, please submit a new form for each student.
VILS Required Documents (2 0f 2)
The documents linked below MUST be filled out, saved, and emailed to arailsba@houstonisd.org each school year. You may also print the completed form and send it to school with your student if desired.
The documents linked below are informational for you and your student. You may print these for your records, or just refer back to them here any time.
2022 VILS Parent-Student Information (English)
2022 VILS Parent-Student Information (Spanish)
Getting Started with Your Chromebook
Thank You!
You have now completed the Parent Digital Safety Course for Tanglewood Middle School. You can refer back to this course throughout the year on the VILS section of our school web site.