Parent and Student Tech Support - Wichita Public Schools

Digital Citizenship Goals

In Wichita Public Schools we realize that digital citizenship skills are necessary to prepare students to become future ready. We know that this is a big task! Partnering with parents and the community is key to success. Understanding these core ideas and exploring these resources from Common Sense Media is a great place to get started.

As detailed in our Strategic Plan, the district aims to develop future-ready students, with a key success indicator being the implementation of digital citizenship at all school levels. In addition to observing teachers model effective digital citizenship, each student receives targeted lessons on appropriate online behavior during library time.

Collage of Schools Receiving Common Sense Media Certification

Digital Citizenship Areas of Focus (From Common Sense Media)

Media Balance and Well-Being
- We find balance in our digital lives.
Relationships and Communication
- We know the power of words and actions.
Digital Footprint and Identity
- We define who we are.
Privacy and Secruity
- We care about everyone's privacy.
News and Media Literacy
- We are critical thinkers and creators.
Cyberbullying, Digital Drama and Hate Speech
- We are kind and courageous.

Device Care

In elementary school, students often share devices. Starting in 6th grade, students are assigned a device for several years. Learning how to responsibly care for these devices is an important skill. Here are some quick tips:

Online Behavior

Usage of the technology device shall be subject to Wichita Public Schools policies and rules. User IDs and passwords/passcodes must remain confidential to prevent unauthorized usage.

Battery Care

Charge fully each night, avoid letting the battery become to low, and steer clear of extreme temps that will damage a battery.

Screen Care

It is important that the screen is cleaned only with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth. Never set heavy items on the screen or lift by the screen.

Staying up to Date

Watch for notifications and install updates from the district and operating systems on your device. If needed, search for updates in your device's search bar/settings app.

Storing the Device

Always properly put the device to sleep/shut down after use. Carry the device carefully. Store the device in safe place. Never leave your device in a car to avoid theft and extreme temperatures.

School Work & Data

Always save your data to the cloud using OneDrive/iCloud. Storing items appropriately will allow access and collaboration to your files on any device to keep learning on track.

Internet Safety

Wichita Public School Safety Measures

There are a number of categories we block with our Securly filter. We review and adjust the granular settings on the filter on a regular basis.
Access to YouTube is restricted to the students in Wichita. This is turned on for students in order to protect students from seeing inappropriate content. To learn about Restricted Mode visit: Content and Restricted Mode Help Information from Google
Google Safe Search is deployed to filter out unwanted content. To learn more visit: How SafeSearch Works
Certain words are flagged in Microsoft Teams and in internet searches. Individuals are notified of this information and appropriate actions are taken.
Images are restricted to Creative Commons. This enables creative commons on Google, Bing, and Yahoo to effectively take advantage of copyright to provide an additional layer of protection with respect to images.

Tips for Parents

Keeping the students safe online is something that is taken very seriously at Wichita Public Schools. Experts suggest that we all take an active role in protecting our kids from internet dangers online. Recommendations include:

Spend time online together to teach your kids to appropriate online behavior.
Keep the computer in a common area, not in individual bedrooms, where you can watch and monitor its use.
Monitor any time spent on smartphones, game consoles, or tablets.
Set rules and warn about dangers such as creating accounts.
Bookmark safe sites or kids' favorite sites for easy access.
Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange. If you see something, say something.

Technology Support

Parent Tech Access

Parent Vue Gradebook PreK-12

Seesaw PreK-5th Grade Assignments

Seesaw is an interactive learning for platform for K-5th grade students that allows students to create, share, and reflect on their work through photos, videos, drawings, and more. It helps families stay connected with their child’s learning by providing a window into the classroom. Parents can see their child’s progress and communicate with teachers.

Seesaw requires an invite from your child's teacher to sign up. Your child's teacher will provide you with a paper, email, or text invite (the invite will include a QR code or link). If you do not have this, please contact your child's teacher.
Step 1: Download the App
- Download Seesaw in Google Play
- Download Seesaw in the App Store
Step 2: Connect to your Child's Seesaw Class
- Ask your teacher for a QR code or join link.
Step 3: Use the Seesaw App to Stay Connected
- How Seesaw Works for Families

Canvas 6-12 Grade Assignments

Canvas is the Learning Management System for 6-12th grade. It lets teachers post assignments and content, and students can view and submit assignments. Parents can create observer accounts to see their child’s assignments and course materials. Infinite Campus is still used for grades and attendance. Parents need a pairing code from their child, which can be generated in Canvas under “Account” > “Settings” > “Pair with Observer.”

Step 1: Download the App or visit the website.
Step 2: Become an Observer of your Child's Canvas Courses
- Watch this video to:
  - Create a Canvas Parent Account on Mobile Phone Video
- Review these steps to translatable steps to:
  - Create a Canvas Parent Account Directions
- Review or print this one pager to:
  - Create a Canvas Parent Account One Pager

Xello 6-12th Grade Career/Skills Program

Xello is an engaging online program that helps students build the skills, knowledge and plans to be future ready. The program uses an investigative, discovery-based learning process. Students better understand themselves, their future career options, and the 21st century skills they’ll need to succeed. Xello Family lets you explore and discover your child’s future goals and plans so you can better support their learning and development.