Device Information

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, return the required paperwork to their campus, and pay the $25.00.

Paying Device Fee with School Pay


  • All students are required to pay the nonrefundable Device User Fee annually. This may be submitted via School Pay. This fee is $25.00 (+service fee). Payment plans may be set up directly with the campus.

Required Documents

Acceptable Use Policy

The Patrick Henry MS 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.

HISD Device Loan Agreement

VILS Required Documents

Online Safety

Social Media and Digital Footprints: Our Responsibilities

How does using social media affect our digital footprints?

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.

  • 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.

grades_6-12_family_tips-digital_footprint_identity-english.pdf

Social Media 101: What Parents Need to Know

Cyber Safety / Social Media 101

Cyberbullying

Is It Cyberbullying?

What is cyberbullying and what can you do to stop it?

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.

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.


Your student will receive:

  • Chromebook

  • Chromebook charger (to be kept at home)

  • Chromebook carrying case

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.

Instructional Tools

Canvas

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.

How to Find It on the Chromebook?

Option 1: Students can find Canvas from the Houston ISD Homepage.

  1. Open the Google Chrome Browser.

  2. Type in www.houstonisd.org.

  3. On the top, gray navigation bar, click Canvas.

  4. Sign in by typing in student email: s#######@online.houstonisd.org and then click Next. On the following screen, type in password and click Sign In.

Option 2: Students can type canvas.houstonisd.org into the address bar.

  1. Open the Google Chrome internet browser.

  2. Type in canvas.houstonisd.org into the address bar at the top.

  3. Sign in by typing in student email: s#######@online.houstonisd.org and then click Next. On the following screen, type in password and click Sign In.

Thank you for participating! Please submit the form below to verify completion of this course.