Ensuring Our Students' Digital Safety and Security

Dear Guardians and Stakeholders,

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, the safety and security of our students while using technology remain a paramount concern for the Walla Walla Public Schools. Our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and equitable learning environment through the use of technology is unwavering. Here’s how we are achieving this:

Managed Chromebook Program

Walla Walla Public Schools is committed to fulfilling its vision of developing "Washington's Most Sought-After Graduates." Our students must have comprehensive access to technology, digital learning resources, and engaging curricula to achieve this. Student Chromebooks are the key gateway for accessing these educational platforms, both in classroom environments and from home.

• Grades K-5: Students use Chromebooks stored in classroom carts. Devices are utilized under direct supervision to enhance learning.
• Grades 4-5: With teacher approval, students may take home devices for homework, extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
• Grades 6-12: Each student is provided with a personal one-to-one (1:1) Chromebook for a seamless and consistent learning experience, both at school and at home.

Our district technology department centrally manages all Chromebooks. This management allows us to maintain an equitable learning environment for all students, ensuring each child has the tools they need to succeed in a safe environment.

Fostering Responsibility and Accountability

An integral part of our digital learning environment is fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability among our students regarding their use of technology. The privilege of accessing 1:1 devices comes with the responsibility to care for these valuable educational tools.

• Responsibility for Devices: We encourage students to treat their Chromebooks carefully, like any other important school property. We aim to cultivate an environment where students take pride in maintaining their devices and understand that these tools are vital for their learning journey.
• Accountability for Actions: Intentional damage to Chromebooks is treated with the utmost seriousness, akin to damaging any school property. Should a student cause intentional damage to their device or damage be caused through negligent misuse, the appropriate fines to repair the device may be assessed. This policy is about safeguarding our assets and teaching our students the importance of respecting property. It's a valuable life lesson in understanding the impact of our decisions and actions.

Content Filtering and Monitoring

To protect our students from inappropriate content and ensure their online activities are educationally focused, we have implemented several key measures:

• Content Filtering: All student internet access is filtered through a sophisticated and comprehensive solution. This system blocks access to inappropriate content, ensuring students can safely explore, learn, and grow in the digital space.
• Classroom Monitoring: Teachers have tools to view students' screens in real time from their desktops. This capability allows teachers to guide student navigation, keep them on task, and immediately address concerns.
• Wellness Monitoring: Our administrators and counselors receive real-time notifications of at-risk student activity through advanced wellness monitoring and preventative tools. This proactive approach helps us support our students' emotional and mental health by identifying and addressing concerns early.

Our Commitment to Privacy and Security

We are deeply committed to preserving our students' privacy and security by implementing these technologies and monitoring systems. We use these tools solely for educational purposes and the well-being of our students. Our policies and practices are designed to comply with all federal and state laws regarding internet safety and student privacy.

Looking Forward

As technology evolves, so will our strategies to keep our students safe online. We are committed to continually assessing and enhancing our digital safety measures to meet the changing needs of our students and the broader digital landscape.

We welcome your questions, concerns, and feedback. Together, we can ensure that our students thrive in a digital world and do so safely and securely.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Sincerely,

Keith Ross
Director of Technology and Information Services
Walla Walla Public Schools