For Parents: Optional Securly Hub provides internet filtering for home devices

NOTE:  It is very rare that we announce or share information related to for-sale technology devices , as is it not the school district’s role to endorse specific products.  However, in this case, we are aware of parents who have been asking for a product that integrates into their existing Securly web filtering.  We are not requiring, nor are we encouraging the purchase of this product, but instead we are wanting to make sure parents are aware of this option.

Q. My child has a chromebook from the West Des Moines Schools and I like getting the weekly Securly report so I can monitor their usage. Is there a device that I can add to my home to add that filtering to our other home devices?

Answer:  Yes.  Securly has released a device called Securly Hub, which connects to your home network and allows you to provide web filtering for other home devices.

Video overview: https://vimeo.com/302213471

Web site with more information: https://plugnplayhub.com/

When is the next round of Chromebook replacements?

When is the next round of Chromebook replacements?

 

Q1. When is the next round of Chromeboook replacements?

A1.  The next replacement of chromebooks will be the 3rd thru 6th grade devices –  scheduled for this summer.

 

Q2.  What does this mean for the elementary schools –  do we have to collect the existing chromebooks?

A2.  Yes. Every elementary school will collect their chromebooks prior to last day of classes.   Over the summer, we’ll be in to remove the existing chromebooks and replace them with a newer model.

 

Q3.  Will the new model be touch screen?
A3.  We don’t know yet –  we’ll certainly price out that option.   However, there are only a few apps that are actually touch enabled, so having touch screens may not be the biggest benefit yet.  We’ve also heard from parents – they want to keep the replacement cost of the device as low as possible. Moving to a touch screen device may drive the replacement price from $200 to over $350 each

 

Q4.  What happens to the old chromebooks?  Will schools be allowed to keep them?  Can students/families purchase them?
A4.  The company that provides the new chromebooks will take the old ones –   it’s a one for one trade.  For every old chromebook you have ready to go, the company will take it away and provide a new one in its place.   Schools will not be allowed to keep the old devices.  We are not allowed to sell the devices directly to families.