NPS Technology Update - September

The Norton Public Schools is now in its second year using Powerschool as our student information system (SIS). Powerschool provides easy access to class schedules, assignments, attendance, and grades so families and students can stay connected to academic progress.

Students in grades 6–12 can log in using their NPS Google credentials. Parents/guardians of middle and high school students should have received an email with their Powerschool username and temporary password at the email address we have on file.

Both students and parents/guardians can access Powerschool through the web portal on any computer, or by downloading the Powerschool mobile app (available for Apple and Android devices). If you did not receive your login details or need assistance, please contact the NPS Technology Department using the guest tech support ticketing system.

All students in grades 6–12 have access to a district-issued Chromebook for daily learning, both in school and at home. Students are expected to bring their device to school fully charged each day and to handle it with care. The Chromebook is an important learning tool and should be treated responsibly.

ParentSquare serves as a comprehensive communication hub, providing a seamless and efficient way for parents to stay connected with their child's school. Here are the key features and benefits of using ParentSquare:

1. Announcements and Reminders:  Stay informed and up-to-date with important announcements and reminders from the school district, teachers and principals. ParentSquare ensures that you never miss out on crucial information, such as school events, schedule changes and upcoming deadlines.

2. Multi-Language Support:  ParentSquare is designed to cater to the diverse needs of our school community. It offers multi-language support, enabling effective communication for non-English speaking parents. We strive to ensure that all parents can fully engage in their child's education.

3. Privacy and Security:  We understand the importance of keeping your personal information secure. ParentSquare prioritizes privacy and provides a safe environment for communication. Rest assured that your data is protected, and only authorized individuals have access to relevant information.

Getting started with ParentSquare is easy:

• Download the ParentSquare app from your app store or access it through our school district's website.

• Create your account using the email address registered with the school district. You should have received an email invitation to join. 

• Customize your settings to receive notifications and alerts based on your preferences. 

Be sure to keep your contact information updated in Powerschool which syncs with ParentSquare, our communications platform for sharing the happenings of the Norton Public Schools. You'll want to stay informed and receive messages, alerts, and notifications especially when the winter weather arrives. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to your child's school.

We’re launching a new AI Task Force to explore how artificial intelligence might shape the future of teaching, learning, and school operations in the Norton Public Schools. Our goal is to better understand both the opportunities and challenges AI presents, so we can make informed, thoughtful decisions as a district. We welcome staff, students, families, and community members with all levels of experience and curiosity. Interested in being part of this important conversation? Please c omplete the AI Task Force Interest Form to get involved. Our first meeting will be held virtually on Monday, September 29th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent out a week before. If you signed up in the spring, you do not need to sign up again as you are already on the list to participate. Thank you! Below you'll find a collection of resources on topics ranging from online safety and digital citizenship to media literacy and affordable internet access. These resources can help you start conversations with your child, set healthy boundaries, and stay informed about the latest apps and trends. We encourage you to explore the links below and use them as a toolkit to keep your family safe, connected, and empowered online. Online Safety & Parental Controls Dangerous Apps for Kids: What Parents Need to Know -Stay aware of popular apps and potential risks. How to use Parental Controls to Keep Your Kids Safer Online -Step-by-step guidance for setting controls across devices. Chatting With Your Kids About Being Online   Downloadable guide to start important conversations. Protecting Kids Online  Federal Trade Commission hub on internet safety for families. How Websites and Apps Collect and Use Your Information  Understand how online data is gathered and used. Digital Citizenship & Wellness PBS Kids Online For Parents– Tips and activities for guiding young children’s online use. Boston Children’s Hospital Digital Wellness Lab Family Guide to Digital Citizenship- Practical tools to build healthy digital habits. The Joan Ganz Cooney Center-Research and resources on children’s learning in a media-rich world. Stay Safe Online– Practical tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Kids and Video Games– Information on ratings, parental controls, and setting boundaries around play. Bullying, Cyberbullying & Online Behavior LGBTQ cyberbullying: A guide for parents and educators MARC Resources for Parents/Guardians – Bullying and cyberbullying guides from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. Affordable Internet Access FCC's Lifeline Program – Discounted phone and internet service for eligible families. Internet Essentials  (Xfinity) – $14.95/month internet access and $149.99 computer purchase for qualifying families. Certain restrictions apply. If you have any questions about these resources or need additional support with technology at home, please reach out to Karen Winsper by email kwinsper@norton.k12.ma.us or phone 508-285-0100 x2113. We’re here to partner with you in helping students stay safe, responsible, and successful in their digital learning. Protecting Student Data Privacy Norton Public Schools takes student data privacy very seriously. To support this commitment, we are active members of the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance (MSPA) through The Education Cooperative (TEC), which connects us to the national Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC). What is the MSPA? The MSPA is a collaboration of Massachusetts school districts that share common concerns about student privacy. Its goal is to set clear standards and expectations for how student information must be handled. How does it work? The first major outcome of the MSPA has been the adoption of a common Student Data Privacy Agreement. This standardized contract is used by all member schools when adopting any online application. It ensures that every vendor and every district enters the relationship with the same set of protections, without renegotiating terms each time. Why is this important? By participating in TEC, MSPA, and SDPC, Norton Public Schools: Benefits from vendor agreements negotiated on behalf of thousands of school districts nationwide. Gains stronger negotiating power by standing with other districts. Holds vendors accountable for best practices in data security and privacy. Protects student rights under CIPA, COPPA, FERPA, and PPRA. The MSPA’s website also lists the districts and vendors who have signed on, making it easier for schools to work with trusted partners and for families to know which resources meet these privacy standards. Families can explore the Digital Resources Database to view vetted educational tools and learn more about the protections in place. Thank you to SRO Sergeant Jacob Dennett for sharing this upcoming online event:

PRE Registration is required