Safety
-
Will students use the same Chromebook if they attend or transfer to another Katy ISD campus during its lifetime?
Yes. Once a Chromebook is issued to a student, it will stay with them as long as they are in the district for the life of the device (until it is 5 years old). Once it reaches 5 years old, it will be replaced.
-
Does Katy ISD have a web filtering system that prevents student access to inappropriate websites on the Chromebook?
Yes. All Chromebooks are filtered utilizing a web filtering system.
-
Can my student turn the web filtering system off?
No. Katy ISD’s web filtering is linked to the operating system on all district-issued Chromebooks.
-
How does the web filtering system work?
The Katy ISD web filtering system is linked to the operating system of all district-owned Chromebooks. Thus, any time a student uses his/her district-issued Chromebook, the content is filtered.
-
Does Katy ISD filter inappropriate content?
The district’s web filtering system works across every web browser, device (both Chromebooks and mobile), and platform. The district’s web filtering system is designed to provide a safe and secure hybrid learning environment while supporting effective instruction.
-
Will the web filtering software screen for inappropriate and/or potentially dangerous content?
Yes, the web filtering software screens for inappropriate and potentially dangerous content. Should inappropriate use occur, the campus and/or district Safe and Supportive School Program team will investigate accordingly and notify parents/guardians.
Parents and students are encouraged to review the district’s Student Responsible Use Guidelines for Technology and Discipline Management Plan for additional information regarding inappropriate use of technology including dangerous content.
-
Certain websites blocked even on home Wi-Fi?
Websites that are blocked at school would be blocked on outside Wi-Fi connections.
-
Can students download games or play games with a browser?
Most non-educational games are blocked by our filters.
-
Can student access YouTube on the Chromebooks?
Yes. But we have students in restricted mode. They will see only videos categorized as "for kids."
-
Can parents/guardians install additional security settings and applications on the district-issued Chromebooks?
No. Additional software cannot be installed on the district-issued Chromebook.
-
Does my child’s Chromebook have malware protection?
Yes. District-issued Chromebooks have web filtering that protects against malware.
-
Are passcodes required to lock and unlock the Chromebook from unwanted access?
Yes. Two-factor authentication will be required in MyKaty for secondary students in the 2024-2025 school year.
-
Does the server block Facebook, X, and other social media platforms on district-issued Chromebooks?
Yes. Social media platforms are blocked on district-issued Chromebooks.
-
Can my student install software and/or games on the Chromebook?
No. Students will not have user rights to install software or games on their Chromebooks.
-
Can my student print from the district-issued Chromebook?
Yes. A student can connect a Wi-Fi printer to their Chromebook when at home. It is recommended students upload assignments to their Canvas account, and if required, print assignments at school through the library.
-
How will the district handle students who use the Chromebook or applications to bully and/or threaten other students?
The district takes all threats and allegations of bullying seriously. Reports are investigated by campus administrators or law enforcement personnel. Any student found to be in violation of the Katy ISD Student Code of Conduct will be disciplined in accordance with the Discipline Management Plan.
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for the student or parent to report the alleged act to school personnel or a police officer. A student who would prefer to remain anonymous should submit a detailed report through the Katy ISD SpeakUP application.
-
Do I need to be monitoring what my student does on the district-issued Chromebook?
Yes. It is recommended that parents always monitor their students’ district-issued Chromebook.
-
Will all students have access to SpeakUP on their Chromebook?
Yes. The application is permanently installed on every district-issued Chromebook for immediate access.
-
Can the district inspect my child’s device?
Yes. The district-issued Chromebook is the property of Katy ISD, even while it is checked out to the student.
-
Can my student unlock their Chromebook and access inappropriate content?
No. The Chromebook is linked to the district’s web filtering system, and it is registered with Google. Any attempt to access unauthorized content will be reported to Katy ISD.
-
What if my student accidentally accesses an inappropriate site?
Students should report any incidents like this to a teacher, administrator, or parent. The teacher and parent can also submit a help desk ticket to have the site reviewed/blocked.
-
Do students still need to carry textbooks and other offline heavy stuff in their backpacks? Or just the Chromebook since it’s all digital now?
That's correct. Most textbooks are now online, so their backpacks should just contain their device and perhaps a few notebooks and other supplies.
-
What if I find inappropriate and/or explicit content on my child’s Chromebook?
Students and parents should notify a campus administrator and/or teacher immediately.
-
Will students in Special Education get Chromebooks?
Check with your child's teacher and/or campus administration.
