Parents/caregiver's Page
Enhancing Student Data Safety: Our Comprehensive Approach at Longmeadow Public Schools
At Longmeadow Public Schools (LPS), we prioritize the safety of our students in the digital world through a comprehensive, three-pronged strategy. Our goal is to shield students from inappropriate content and potential online threats while fostering an environment of safe and responsible internet use.
Here's how we do it:
Education for Digital Citizenship
Our aim is not just to inform, but to nurture mindful digital citizens who navigate the online world with caution and respect.
Starting as early as grades three through five, our students are exposed to basic security concepts through our Digital Citizenship curriculum. Led by dedicated Technology teachers, these sessions are interactive lessons that cover crucial topics such as safe browsing, understanding data privacy, recognizing plagiarism, and more.
Advanced Filtering Technology
Behind the scenes, our Technology Department is the guardian of our students' online experience.
We employ a sophisticated blend of hardware and software solutions designed to monitor web traffic vigilantly.
These tools are not just shields against inappropriate content; they are smart systems capable of detecting potentially unsafe online activities and alerting our team in real-time.
It's our way of ensuring that the digital doors our students open and lead to safe and enriching environments.
Commitment to Data Privacy
Apps and digital tools used within LPS have been vetted to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of student data protection and align with FERPA, CIPA, and COPPA. In today’s digital age, the privacy of our students' data is non-negotiable. We believe in empowering our educators and students with technology that’s safe, secure, and aligned with our educational mission.
One of the strategies we use to ensure data privacy is our membership in the Student Data Privacy Consortium, (https://sdpc.a4l.org/)
The Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) is a unique collaboration of schools, districts, divisions, regional territories, state agencies, policymakers, trade organizations, and marketplace providers. Only companies (sites and apps) agreeing with the established terms can provide services to LPS students, except for some cases where educators will receive consent from caregivers.
Here are some resources for the COPPA, CIPA, and FERPA policies:
COPPA: A Guide for Business and Parents and Small Entity Compliance Guide
COPPA and CIPA - Protecting our Students Online
What is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
A Parents' Guide to Student Data Privacy
Google Security Capacity
In Google Workspace for Education, students under the age of 18 are in a managed setting.
They have restrictions in some Google apps when they're signed in to their Google Workspace for Education account.
Google Safe Browsing throws up a bright red warning before letting you visit a nefarious page.
Google Safe Browsing works in Chrome so that it’s less disruptive and more efficient “without a degradation in security posture”.
GOOGLE WORKSPACE FOR EDUCATION PRIVACY NOTICE
This privacy notice is meant to help you understand what data we collect, why we collect it, and how you can manage your information while using a Google Workspace for Education account.
https://workspace.google.com/terms/education_privacy/#privacy-police-revamp-contact
Firewall and Web Filtering
Firewall services protect students and faculty from ransomware and other cyberattacks and ensure compliance with safe learning regulations.
Bad actors (hackers) work non-stop to get access to their target’s network.
They start exploring the environment and attack through email.
Attacks often start with a malicious phishing email intended to trick the recipient into disclosing login credentials.
Hackers attack target’s websites and apps.
Once they have access to our sensitive data, they often exfiltrate the data to ask for additional funds to prevent it from being released publicly.
With access to our data, the attackers encrypt it so that you can’t access it. They then demand a ransom payment to decrypt it.
Monitoring and Filtering Internet Content
LPS has a partnership with Securly, a cybersecurity company whose primary focus is on creating a secure online environment for students by offering tools that filter and monitor internet content, detect potential threats like cyberbullying or self-harm, and ensure compliance with online safety regulations. By implementing Securly's services, an educational district can safeguard students from inappropriate content, promote responsible online behavior, and proactively address digital threats, fostering a secure and conducive learning environment. This is crucial in the digital age, where students' online engagement is integral to their education, making Securly an important addition to any educational district aiming to prioritize online safety and well-rounded student development.
Longmeadow Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy
Acceptable Use Agreement 7-2023.pdf
Google Classroom Tutorials for Parents
Mr. Campbell from Mr. Campbell Rocks has a series of videos he created for parents so they would understand Google Classroom better.
Using a Chromebook.
For students and parents/guradians of students using Chromebooks
Google for Education has created a Tech Toolkit for Families and Guardians. I think it’s also pretty good for teachers as well. It provides training, resources, and more. The toolkit breaks down the digital technology and resources students are using in the classroom. In the format of quick training videos, explaining Google tools, and best practices
I really like the short clips on how to use Chromebooks. There are approximately 70 short videos broken down into topics.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWF58BGycsclAI4ehJPlTPKUDk_3i7_jN
How to Update your Chromebook
youtube.comwatchv=qdJiC2GvKA8&feature=youtu.be.mp4
Guides for Guardians of Children with Disabilities During Distance Learning
How to Clear the Cache on a Chromebook
YouTube-1.mp4
12 Tips for Distance Learning
Break Time
Ideas for Winter Activities during COVID 19!
