Safe Technology and Digital Citizenship

District Technology Report
Updated for 2022-2023

In 2015, Utah State Legislature passes H.B. 0213 Safe Technology Utilization and Digital Citizenship in Public Schools. The intent of this legislation is to involve school community councils in an on-going discussion about creating a safe technology environment for students. This report will provide some background for councils to begin a school specific discussion.

• North Sanpete School District uses Content Keeper web filtering under the state contract from Utah Education Network (UEN) as well as Fortinet web filtering. These filtering systems provide categorized filtering chosen by district administrators that filter and log all web-based traffic at all district locations.
  
  
• The ContentKeeper web filtering system allows the district to distinguish settings by group – student, staff and administration. Different filter settings are applied to each of the groups.
  
  
• North Sanpete School District uses BARK, a safety management platform (SMP). The system provides notifications of communications on district digital services or domains that indicate a student or employee may be at risk of harm to self or others. When a district employee receives and reviews such notifications, the district reserves the right to take immediate action regarding the activities.
  
  
• Controls are limited to what the software can do. District administration has set the filtering policy by group. If someone wants a blocked site opened, it is reviewed by the NSSD Technology Department and district administration , who then make a recommendation to open the site or continue to block it. Requests can be sent to: helpdesk@nsanpete.org
  
  
• Information regarding digital citizenship is distributed through the PowerSchool Alert system, social media and the district website. Parent seminars and other forums that discuss Internet safety are held periodically during the school year. The district and region retain the services of a technology instructional coach to support digital safety. Additional resources and information on Internet safety and digital citizenship are available through the North Sanpete School District Technology and Digital Citizenship page on the District website here.
  
  
• The District reserves the right:
• To take immediate action regarding activities that use District-issued devices or Internet that create security and/or safety concerns for the District, District students, District employees, District schools or property or District network or technology resources.
• To prohibit or terminate online activities that expend District resources that the District determines lack legitimate educational content or purpose.
• Enforcement and determination of consequences are the responsibility of school and possibly district administration. Depending on the nature of the incident, (accidental access would generally involve looking at filtering to be sure everyone is safe, intentional access could result in loss of privileges, and possibly criminal charges, loss of employment, etc..)
  
  
• If inappropriate content is accessed or if devices are used for prohibited acts, disciplinary action will be taken in harmony with corrective discipline procedures for students and employees. Inadvertent access to inappropriate content must immediately be reported to school officials or supervisorsSchool Report  (the following information will be provided by the principal of each school and shared with community council members)
  
  
• What devices are being used and how are classes using them?
  
• What are the main applications, programs, and sites that are used?
• What supervision practices are in place when students are online?
• Physical presence of a teacher or teacher assistant whenever students are using computers or tablets.
• What are the school rules when inappropriate information appears for students and staff? Are there safe reporting procedures for students and staff so that reporting is safe and encouraged?
• What are the policies in place for devices brought from home?
• What is the training currently provided teachers, parents, and students? Students receive Internet safety training two times each year – provided by the CUES region and Utah State (NetSmartz). Teachers receive training on a regular basis during staff meetings. They also receive training from Safe Schools online.
• How does the school balance access and safety? Since the filter is controlled by the district office we count on them to provide this balance. The school can and does request that appropriate educational sites be accessible to students when they otherwise would not be. Our computer teacher reviews educational websites prior to allowing students access.
• What does the administration see as their greatest threats for students?
  
  

Discussion Guide for School Community Councils

• Is the council comfortable with the activities begin implemented at the school relating to Internet safety?
• Is the council comfortable with the filters, management tools and supervision being provided at the school? If not, what recommendations does the council have for school administration and staff?
• Is the council comfortable with the student education regarding Internet safety and digital citizenship being provided?
• Is the council comfortable with the parent education being provided?
• Suggestions for improvement and/or reasonable solutions to minimize concerns.