Battle Ground Public Schools uses several effective web-based educational services that are operated by third parties. When used appropriately and thoughtfully, these tools help create a rich, flexible and engaging learning environment for BGPS students. Additionally, an important part of students becoming good digital citizens is having opportunities to access materials on the Internet in a responsible and effective manner. BGPS supports the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and insists that websites the district uses adhere to this law.
In order for our students to use these services, certain personally identifiable information must be provided to the website operator. Under COPPA, a federal law, these websites must obtain parental consent before collecting information. The law permits school districts to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of all of its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent given directly to the website operator.
By signing the handbook statement, you authorize the district to provide consent to those third parties under COPPA, including Google Apps for Education. Information provided to third parties will be limited to a student’s name, network username, and district-provided email address unless otherwise stated on the district’s Third Party Educational Service Providers page.
Families who wish to opt out of the use of technology are strongly encouraged to consider the impacts this will have on a student’s educational experience. For instance, many of BGPS adopted curriculum and tools, such as the library catalog, are delivered via Internet enabled devices. If a family wants to talk more about opting out, they should consult with their school principal to further understand the consequences of choosing not to use technology resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about COPPA (Federal Trade Commission Website)
Online Resources Opt Out Form (PDF)
Web Filtering Change Request
Per district procedure 2022P, the district will provide a procedure for students and staff members to anonymously request access to internet websites blocked by the district’s filtering software. The requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) will be considered in evaluation of the request. The district will provide an appeal process for requests that are denied. Requests will be considered as they are received and decisions made within 30 days of receipt.
You may submit your request here. All submissions are anonymous.
Safety and Digital Citizenship in Battle Ground Public Schools
Internet tools are a part of a 21st Century education, and Battle Ground Public Schools has taken steps to provide safeguards while students access applications on the World Wide Web. All Internet access is filtered and in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act to prevent access to inappropriate material on the web.
Two acts, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (2000) and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (2008), both provide for online protection of kids. Schools and libraries must take protective measures to block access to material that is obscene, pornographic or otherwise deemed harmful to minors. In addition, schools must adopt and implement an Internet safety policy that addresses access by minors to the following: inappropriate matter on the Internet; the safety and security of minors when communicating online; illegal activities; and the disclosure of personal information about minors.
Digital Citizenship and Responsible Use
Digital citizenship refers to the concept of using technology resources appropriately, ranging from etiquette and communication skills to copyright and legal understanding of their actions online.
Student and Family Resources
Common Sense Media is the main curriculum used in Battle Ground and they have extensive resources for families to help support the safe and responsible use of the Internet.
The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization comprising industry, government, and non-profit sectors that works to make the online world safer for kids and their families.
Creating a Family Media Plan is a useful tool from the American Academy of Pediatrics that helps guide families in developing family goals around media usage.
Be Internet Awesome Family Guide gives families the tools and resources to learn about online safety and citizenship at home.
Teaching Kids about Internet Safety is a tutorial from GCFLearnFree.org and designed for any parent or guardian who wants to learn how to keep their kids safe online.
Wired Kids operates several programs and Web sites designed to help everyone learn how to protect their privacy and security online, and to teach responsible Internet use.
OnGuard Online is a great resource with a lot of ideas for parents, students, and educators about a wide range of topics from online safety all the way to tips to protect your personal information, and securing your computer against viruses
NetSmartz is a resource for all groups to learn more about the Internet and the possible dangers to children online.
Carnegie Cyber Academy specifically recruits its cadets for their aptitude, attitude, and commitment to teamwork. At the Academy, cadets complete several training missions in Cyberspace that equip them with the skills they need to be good cyber-citizens and Cyber Defenders of the Internet.
iSafe The Community Outreach initiative extends Internet safety awareness beyond the classroom by bringing students, parents, school, and community leaders and others together to spread this knowledge throughout the entire community.
WebWise Kids WebWise Kids has been providing Internet Safety Resources to teachers and families for over 10 years. The WebWise Kids site has a wealth of information to educations children and parents in all aspects of the Internet.
Youth Internet Safety Task Force The Youth Internet Task Force is a part of the Washington State Attorney General’s office and also provides a wealth of tools for children and parents.
Battle Ground School District uses GoGuardian to keep students safe on their school-issued devices. To help you monitor your child’s online activity, the Battle Ground School District has made available the free GoGuardian Parent app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on school-issued devices at home. You may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, scheduled or on demand Internet pausing during out of school hours.
Parent Access accounts in GoGuardian are rostered based on the guardian email address associated with Skyward Family Access. All guardians in Skyward are provided with their own GoGuardian Parent app accounts. If you forgot your registered email address, please reach out to your school office staff.
View the GoGuardian Parent App instructions
Aplicación para los padres GoGuardian Parent App
Приложение для родителей GoGuardian
To access the app, please follow the below instructions or watch this how-to video:
Download the app
iPhone: Visit App Store, search for GoGuardian Parent, and tap the download button.
Android: Visit Google Play Store, search for GoGuardian Parent, and tap the download button.
After the app is successfully downloaded and installed, open it up and enter the email address registered with the school.
