Technology

• Common Sense Media
  From commonsensemedia.org: To help kids maximize the Internet's benefits -- while minimizing the risks -- we offer the latest research, tips, and tools on what really keeps kids safe. Which privacy settings should you use? What are the ins and outs of parental controls? Get tips on everything from the basics, such as smart usernames, to the big stuff, such as appropriate sharing.
  
  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/privacy-and-internet-safety
   
• SafeKids

  From SafeKids.com: SafeKids.com is one of the oldest and most enduring sites for Internet safety.
  Subscribe to SafeKids News Feed
   

• NetFamilyNews
  From www.netfamilynews.org: As a public service for parents, educators, and everyone interested in young people's use of technology, NetFamilyNews is the "community newspaper" of a vital interest community. Founded in 1999, it has become the journal-of-record on all aspects of youth and technology and is the only high-frequency news service of its kind in the English-speaking world, serving readers in more than 50 countries.
  
  NetFamilyNews
  Subscribe to NetFamilyNews News Feed
   

• NetSmartz
  From www.netsmartz.org: Communication is an effective tool for parents and guardians when helping their children avoid the dangers that exist on the Internet. NetSmartz provides on- and offline learning activities for parents to facilitate discussions with their children and teens about Internet safety. Visit "Parent FAQ" to learn more about how and why parents should use NetSmartz.
  
  NetSmartz for Parents and Guardians NetSmartz Home
   

Parent Tips

1. Stay Educated.
2. Talk with your children often things change everyday on the Internet.
3. Develop Safety guidelines for the family.
4. Create a Parent Contract and Child Contract.
5. Post contract and guidelines on each computer in the house.
6. Develop "Stop" Rules.
   • Uncomfortable feeling about words or pictures.
   • Keep screen on and tell a parent or adult.
   • Parent or adult can then see and report abusers.
7. Setup Research Bookmark Folders.
8. Check History of browser, by day, week, month.
9. Set up parental controls.

Other resources

• Kids Click - a web search tool that librarians made for kids to use.
• Safety Tips - online safety tips for kids and parents
• What Is Bullying - Overview

Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, District 36 began a STEAM initiative at Hubbard Woods School (K-4), The Skokie School (5-6), and Carleton Washburne (7-8).   At the start of the 2016-2017 school year, Greeley School and Crow Island School launched their STEAM spaces.

What is STEAM?

STEAM education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and the design thinking process.*  The Winnetka Public Schools believes that including the Arts offers a more holistic approach to engage all students and aligns with our Progressive Education Philosophy. STEAM initiatives sometimes referred to as MakerSpaces, have begun to surface in schools worldwide. The Winnetka Public Schools is committed to being a leader in STEAM education by developing innovative environments for STEAM programs to flourish in each District school.  

Why STEAM?

Students are encouraged to dream big, wonder, explore, and problem-solve together.  The skills taught and lessons learned in our STEAM spaces will prepare our students emotionally and socially to participate in a global, collaborative economy.  When you enter our STEAM spaces you will witness experiential learning in action, with students working independently and in small groups with robotics, game design, simulations, construction, circuitry, 3D printing, and design challenges.   Our STEAM teachers serve as facilitators of learning, coaching students through each step of the design thinking process. Students focus on developing critical workplace skills such as collaborating as team members, creatively solving complex problems, communicating effectively and appropriately, and thinking critically.

The Winnetka Public Schools has been honored to have over 100 educators from around the country visit our STEAM spaces.  

Carleton Washburne

STEAM Space - CW CoLab: A collaborative MakerSpace
Social Media - CWCoLab • fb.me/CWCoLab
Facilitators - Timothy Selgrat • Eric Chan • Katie Nelson

Hubbard Woods School

STEAM Space - The IDEA Lab
Social Media - @Liz_Delzell • @MrBillySpicer
Facilitators - Liz Delzell • Billy Spicer • Amy Trogdon

The Skokie School

STEAM Space - Skokie MakerPlaces
Social Media - @todd_burleson • @SKmakers36 • @MsGWTech • @edtechboyer
Facilitators - Todd Burleson • Gina Wild • Matt Boyer

Crow Island School

STEAM Space - TBD
Social Media - @CrowislandRC • @abanasTIS
Facilitators - Mindy Maneck • Amy Banas • Karen Gullen

Greeley School

STEAM Space - TBD
Social Media - @christiechandlr • @GreeleyTech
Facilitators - Christie Chandler • Jeff Weir • Collin Souter