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Fort Sam Houston ISD

Serve. Support. Succeed.

Parent Safety & Digital Citizenship

Parent Safety & Digital Citizenship

At Fort Sam Houston ISD, we believe that creating a safe, empowering digital environment requires a strong partnership between the classroom and the home. The Parent Safety & Digital Citizenship hub provides families with the essential tools, safety insights, and cybersecurity resources needed to actively guide students online. 

A group of students and a teacher put their hands together over a robotics project, showing teamwork and collaboration.

Better Together

We know that true digital safety doesn't stop when the school bell rings—and it doesn't start only when a student logs into a classroom device. Our team works daily to secure our infrastructure and guide responsible habits at school, but the real magic happens when those same values are reinforced at home. Think of this hub as our shared playbook. By teaming up, staying informed, and maintaining an open dialogue, we can surround our students with a consistent, supportive circle of safety. We provide the framework, but your partnership provides the foundation.

Parent Safety Toolkit

Student safety is our top priority, both inside and outside the classroom. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all district Chromebooks are equipped with strict, cloud-based content filters that block inappropriate material, malware, and harmful websites. These security guardrails remain fully active 24/7, whether the device is connected to the school network or your home Wi-Fi, ensuring a safe digital environment wherever they learn.

The district provides access to the GoGuardian Parent app to help you stay actively involved in your child's online safety. This portal gives you direct insight into how your child uses their device outside of school hours. From your smartphone, you can view a summary of their browsing history, check their top-visited websites, and even use parental controls to temporarily pause internet access or block specific sites when they are working at home.

GoGuardian Parent Informaiton

To Sign Up for GoGuardian Parent Please send me an emial request at relizalde@fshisd.net

Include the following information:

  • Full Name
  • Email Adress (Same as provided for registration)
  • Phone Number
  • Studne Name

You will recieve a confirmation email when you r account has been created.

 

Before a device is issued each school year, parents and students must review and complete the annual Chromebook Agreement Form. This document outlines the digital code of conduct, responsible use guidelines, and care expectations for the 1:1 program. Reviewing this together ensures that both families and the school are aligned on expectations, and forms can be signed and submitted quickly through the district's secure online parent portal.

Chromebook Agreement Form

To protect families from unexpected expenses, the district offers an optional, low-cost device protection plan at the start of each school year. This optional tech insurance covers accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid spills, and hardware theft (with a police report). Enrolling in the plan provides peace of mind, as it significantly reduces or completely waives out-of-pocket repair costs, saving families from standard fine assessments if an accident happens.

Open communication is the best tool for creating a safe online environment. To help you start these essential discussions at home, we recommend utilizing trusted family resources. You can find expert tips on managing social media and cyberbullying through the Family Online Safety Institute, learn to recognize phishing and identity theft via the FTC’s "Protect Kids Online" initiative, and discover practical safety guides at Fraud.org.

The Family Online Safety Institute

Protecting Kids Online

Fraud Project

  • Student safety is our top priority, both inside and outside the classroom. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), all district Chromebooks are equipped with strict, cloud-based content filters that block inappropriate material, malware, and harmful websites. These security guardrails remain fully active 24/7, whether the device is connected to the school network or your home Wi-Fi, ensuring a safe digital environment wherever they learn.

  • The district provides access to the GoGuardian Parent app to help you stay actively involved in your child's online safety. This portal gives you direct insight into how your child uses their device outside of school hours. From your smartphone, you can view a summary of their browsing history, check their top-visited websites, and even use parental controls to temporarily pause internet access or block specific sites when they are working at home.

    GoGuardian Parent Informaiton

    To Sign Up for GoGuardian Parent Please send me an emial request at relizalde@fshisd.net

    Include the following information:

    • Full Name
    • Email Adress (Same as provided for registration)
    • Phone Number
    • Studne Name

    You will recieve a confirmation email when you r account has been created.

     

  • Before a device is issued each school year, parents and students must review and complete the annual Chromebook Agreement Form. This document outlines the digital code of conduct, responsible use guidelines, and care expectations for the 1:1 program. Reviewing this together ensures that both families and the school are aligned on expectations, and forms can be signed and submitted quickly through the district's secure online parent portal.

    Chromebook Agreement Form

  • To protect families from unexpected expenses, the district offers an optional, low-cost device protection plan at the start of each school year. This optional tech insurance covers accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid spills, and hardware theft (with a police report). Enrolling in the plan provides peace of mind, as it significantly reduces or completely waives out-of-pocket repair costs, saving families from standard fine assessments if an accident happens.

  • Open communication is the best tool for creating a safe online environment. To help you start these essential discussions at home, we recommend utilizing trusted family resources. You can find expert tips on managing social media and cyberbullying through the Family Online Safety Institute, learn to recognize phishing and identity theft via the FTC’s "Protect Kids Online" initiative, and discover practical safety guides at Fraud.org.

    The Family Online Safety Institute

    Protecting Kids Online

    Fraud Project

Being a Good Digital Citizen

Every action taken online leaves a permanent, public trail known as a digital footprint. We encourage students to think critically about how their posts, comments, and shared media might be perceived in the future by colleges, employers, or their own peers. By treating internet usage as an extension of their real-world reputation, students learn to curate a positive online presence that reflects integrity, opens future opportunities, and highlights the best of who they are.

Securing personal data is a foundational habit of a smart digital citizen. Students are taught to safeguard identifying details—such as passwords, home addresses, phone numbers, and location data—and to respect the privacy of others by never sharing photos or information without explicit permission. Understanding how to manage privacy settings and recognize phishing attempts or suspicious links empowers students to navigate the web securely and confidently.

Maintain Strong Password Practices:

  • Protecting your online accounts starts with strong passwords.  
  • Create passwords that are long (at least 12 characters is recommended), complex (a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols), and unique – use different passwords for each of your online accounts.  
  • Never share your passwords with anyone, even friends or family.  
  • A password manager can help you generate and securely store complex passwords, so you don't have to remember them all.  

Avoid Phishing & Scams:

  • Phishing is a deceptive attempt to obtain your sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, often by disguising as a trustworthy entity.  
  • Phishing attempts often come in the form of suspicious emails, text messages, or links that may look legitimate but are designed to trick you.  
  • Be wary of emails with urgent or threatening language, requests for personal information, or unexpected attachments.  
  • Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages; instead, type the website address directly into your browser.  

Stay Up-To-Date with Software Updates

  • Updates often include important security patches that protect against vulnerabilities and malware.  Outdated software can leave your devices and data at risk.  
  • On computers (Windows or macOS), updates are usually found in the system settings or preferences.  
  • For smartphones and tablets (Android or iOS), you can typically update apps through the app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and the device's operating system through the settings menu, often under "Software Update" or "System Update."  
  • Regularly checking for and installing updates is a simple but effective way to enhance your digital security.

Practice Device Security

  • Install reputable antivirus software on your computers and devices to defend against malware and other threats.
  • Always lock your devices with a strong password, PIN, or biometric lock when not in use, even for short periods, to prevent unauthorized access.  
  • For families with children, setting up parental controls on devices and online accounts is highly recommended. Parental controls can help manage screen time, filter content, and restrict access to inappropriate apps or websites, creating a safer digital environment for children.

To maintain a safe, productive, and equitable learning environment, all students must adhere to the district's annual Student Responsible Use Agreement (RUA). This policy serves as our digital code of conduct, defining the boundaries of academic honesty, copyright laws, and appropriate communications on school-issued devices. Staying aligned with these expectations ensures that technology remains a powerful catalyst for collaborative learning rather than a distract

Student Responsible Use Agreement (RUA)

We actively empower our students to build a supportive digital community by communicating with kindness, rejecting online harassment, and standing up against cyberbullying. For families looking to reinforce these habits, resources like ConnectSafely offer excellent frameworks for discussing smartphone safety and social media etiquette. If a student ever encounters challenges online, they are equipped to report it immediately to campus administrators.

Connect Safely

  • Every action taken online leaves a permanent, public trail known as a digital footprint. We encourage students to think critically about how their posts, comments, and shared media might be perceived in the future by colleges, employers, or their own peers. By treating internet usage as an extension of their real-world reputation, students learn to curate a positive online presence that reflects integrity, opens future opportunities, and highlights the best of who they are.

  • Securing personal data is a foundational habit of a smart digital citizen. Students are taught to safeguard identifying details—such as passwords, home addresses, phone numbers, and location data—and to respect the privacy of others by never sharing photos or information without explicit permission. Understanding how to manage privacy settings and recognize phishing attempts or suspicious links empowers students to navigate the web securely and confidently.

  • Maintain Strong Password Practices:

    • Protecting your online accounts starts with strong passwords.  
    • Create passwords that are long (at least 12 characters is recommended), complex (a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols), and unique – use different passwords for each of your online accounts.  
    • Never share your passwords with anyone, even friends or family.  
    • A password manager can help you generate and securely store complex passwords, so you don't have to remember them all.  

    Avoid Phishing & Scams:

    • Phishing is a deceptive attempt to obtain your sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, often by disguising as a trustworthy entity.  
    • Phishing attempts often come in the form of suspicious emails, text messages, or links that may look legitimate but are designed to trick you.  
    • Be wary of emails with urgent or threatening language, requests for personal information, or unexpected attachments.  
    • Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages; instead, type the website address directly into your browser.  

    Stay Up-To-Date with Software Updates

    • Updates often include important security patches that protect against vulnerabilities and malware.  Outdated software can leave your devices and data at risk.  
    • On computers (Windows or macOS), updates are usually found in the system settings or preferences.  
    • For smartphones and tablets (Android or iOS), you can typically update apps through the app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and the device's operating system through the settings menu, often under "Software Update" or "System Update."  
    • Regularly checking for and installing updates is a simple but effective way to enhance your digital security.

    Practice Device Security

    • Install reputable antivirus software on your computers and devices to defend against malware and other threats.
    • Always lock your devices with a strong password, PIN, or biometric lock when not in use, even for short periods, to prevent unauthorized access.  
    • For families with children, setting up parental controls on devices and online accounts is highly recommended. Parental controls can help manage screen time, filter content, and restrict access to inappropriate apps or websites, creating a safer digital environment for children.
  • To maintain a safe, productive, and equitable learning environment, all students must adhere to the district's annual Student Responsible Use Agreement (RUA). This policy serves as our digital code of conduct, defining the boundaries of academic honesty, copyright laws, and appropriate communications on school-issued devices. Staying aligned with these expectations ensures that technology remains a powerful catalyst for collaborative learning rather than a distract

    Student Responsible Use Agreement (RUA)

  • We actively empower our students to build a supportive digital community by communicating with kindness, rejecting online harassment, and standing up against cyberbullying. For families looking to reinforce these habits, resources like ConnectSafely offer excellent frameworks for discussing smartphone safety and social media etiquette. If a student ever encounters challenges online, they are equipped to report it immediately to campus administrators.

    Connect Safely