As we prepare to welcome students back to our buildings tomorrow, I want to share a couple of technology updates, including information on iPad filtering at home.
First, in an effort to showcase how our faculty and staff use digital resources, including their district-issued iPad, we have
created a graphic with some terminology to help explain the type of technology use that takes place in D39 when paired with impactful instructional strategies.
- Active Learning/Use emphasizes higher-level engagement and participation in student centered activities. We are mindful about active use/learning when using technology with instruction.
- Passive Learning/Use involves receiving information with limited interaction and engagement. Although you may see this at times when reading an e-text or viewing video content, it is used in a targeted way.
This graphic can also assist with personal technology choices for your child. If you choose to provide a device to your child, always consider the quality of interaction with screen time media in addition to the amount of time. Look for how media (apps, games, video content) engages and grows your child.
One change that District 39 is making for the 2025-26 academic year for our elementary school students is that the District-issued iPad will, primarily, remain at school and not be brought home on a daily basis. We have storage/charging solutions in place for our elementary classrooms to charge these devices overnight.
Will the iPad be sent home?
- Kindergarten: No. The device will remain at school with limited use, prioritizing in-person social interactions
- Grades 1-4: Sometimes. It will only be sent home if assigned homework is an example of Active Learning/Use
- Grades 5-8: Yes. It will sent home daily to charge and complete assignments with the goal of Active Learning/Use
In order to continue D39’s efforts to provide support for parents to help manage the use of District-issued iPad at home, we have renewed our subscription to Securly Home. Securly Home is a filter that works on the iPad outside of our network and can be managed by you. With Securly Home, families will be able to do the following:
- Pause internet access with a single tap
- Check online activity by viewing your child’s recent searches, sites visited, and videos watched
- Customize rules, such as blocking specific sites
- Opt-in for notifications to receive flagged activity, including self-harm or violence
- Create an offline schedule to decide when you want the internet to be accessible
Please keep in mind that no web filter is perfect and there is no substitution for adult supervision. However, Securly does catch and filter the majority of inappropriate content.
You will begin receiving weekly emails from Securly Monday, August 25 with instructions on how to login. If you would like instant access, please enter the email we have on file for you (the parent) in PowerSchool into
the Securly website. There is a
downloadable pdf with details on what you will experience when using the app along with
a short video. For support, you can utilize
Securly’s FAQs or go through
their Support Form and select “Home Ticket Form.”
We suggest that you have an open and direct conversation with your child so they understand your expectations and are aware of Securly Home.
Thank you for your continued partnership,
Tony DeMonte
Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Safety
[email protected]
Lauren Wysocke,
Technology Teacher, Central Elementary School
[email protected]
Beth Cummo,
Technology Teacher, Harper Elementary School
[email protected]
Julie Garry,
Technology Teacher, McKenzie Elementary School
[email protected]
Christina Rosario,
Technology Teacher, Romona Elementary School
[email protected]
Maayan Sloan,
5th Grade Technology Specialist, Highcrest Middle School
[email protected]
Sami Smith,
6th Grade Technology Specialist, Highcrest Middle School
[email protected]
Lindsay McNaught,
7th Grade Technology Specialist, Wilmette Junior High School
[email protected]
Maggie Miskowicz,
8th Grade Technology Specialist, Wilmette Junior High School
[email protected]