Wilton Public Schools

The Wilton Public Schools District is committed to providing high-quality, instructional online resources for our students and technology that facilitates teaching and productivity for our faculty and staff. In this effort, we have made data privacy an important criteria for our selection and procurement of online resources.

The District complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which has a goal of protecting a student's educational records. For more details on FERPA, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA webpage. Although FERPA regulations apply only to students, Wilton Public Schools is equally committed to protecting the privacy of all data.

Connecticut Law on Student Data Privacy

Connecticut’s law (PA16-189) protects student data privacy. Wilton Public Schools takes steps to fully comply with this law.

• We work with vendors to ensure compliance. We make sure companies we work with pledge to protect student privacy.
• We have a list of approved resources. You can find a list of resources we use in schools on this site.

How We Evaluate New Resources

Wilton Public Schools has a process for reviewing new online resources. This process helps ensure they are effective for learning while protecting data security.

• Teachers can request new apps. Teachers can ask their school's Tech IL (Technology Instructional Leader) about adding a new app.
• Tech ILs review requests. Tech ILs review requests based on set criteria.
• The Director of Digital Learning makes final decisions. The Director of Digital Learning reviews vendor agreements and makes the final decision on adding a new app.
• Teachers are informed of the decision. Teachers are notified by their Tech IL about the decision.

Resources We Use

Wilton Public Schools uses various resources to manage technology tools and resources securely. Here are a few examples:

• Education Framework: This company provides data privacy solutions for K-12 schools.
• LearnPlatform: This free service helps districts choose effective and affordable digital tools.
• Common Sense Media: This website provides reviews of educational technology tools and resources for students.

Our digital learning plan equips students for success in a digital world by integrating technology into teaching and learning. Students will use online tools for research, collaboration, and innovative assignments, while developing digital citizenship skills (online safety, ethical use, respectful communication, and media evaluation). This blended learning approach, tailored by grade level, aims to:

• Support personalized, innovative teaching.
• Provide consistent technology access.
• Empower teachers with digital tools.
• Build a robust technology system.

The plan enhances learning by developing essential technology skills, preparing students for future careers, and accommodating diverse learning styles. Key components include:

• Digital Citizenship Bootcamp: Mandatory lessons on responsible technology use before device access.
• Enhanced Research Skills: Updated library curriculum focusing on effective searching, resource location, online navigation, source evaluation, and information synthesis.
• Schoology Access: Online platform for accessing student work and grades.
• Keyboarding Instruction: Direct instruction and practice to develop typing proficiency, starting in second grade.
• Digital Resources: Access to approved digital tools for research, writing, reading, assessment, problem-solving, creative projects, communication, collaboration, and coding.

All devices connected to the Wilton Public Schools network will be monitored by our district staff. Any websites not related to schoolwork will be blocked. Wilton Public Schools meets all filtering rules set by Connecticut through the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) and uses the Gaggle filtering system. Wilton also follows the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and uses the state’s filtering system.

Here’s how we ensure digital safety:

• District staff monitors all devices connected to the school network.
• Non-educational websites are blocked.
• We use state-approved filtering systems (via Gaggle).
• We follow the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
• The district controls all apps on iPads and Chromebooks, and students can’t change these settings.
• Teachers will regularly check student work on devices to make sure they’re focused.

While Chromebooks will be a key part of classroom learning, teachers will have students put them away when they’re not needed. Teachers will also plan lessons to spread out screen time throughout the day. Some schools will also limit device use in certain areas, like cafeterias and gyms.

Digital Care

• Chromebooks should be kept away from heat, direct sunlight, and water.

Digital Safety

• Refer to Technology Responsible Use for guidelines and digital citizenship bootcamp.

What do I do if my student’s chromebook needs to be repaired?

• During the school year, your student should visit the Library Learning Commons at established hours.  The LLC staff will help your student resolve the issue or lend them a loaner until the unit is repaired.  
• Chromebooks will be repaired as quickly as possible, loaners may be provided while the Chromebook is out for repair.
• DO NOT attempt to do repairs on your own.

Replacement Costs

• If the Chromebook is damaged beyond repair or lost, we follow the same procedure as we do for lost textbooks or library books.  Our replacement costs are designed to ensure that students are responsible and accountable for the district-issued equipment.  For all repair costs, the Technology Responsible Use Policy applies.