ParentSquareParents’ Guide to Technology
Technology Resources for Families
Our 1:1 Device Initiative
As part of P-H-M’s strategic technology goals, the District is 1:1 with Chromebooks or iPads with every student in the District, nearly 11,000 students! Students in grades 6–12 (approximately 6,000 students) are issued a personal Chromebook device to take home with them.
Penn High School students were the first to receive Chromebooks at the start of the 2014 school year, followed by all three middle schools in 2015. Elementary students in grades 1–5 have Chromebooks to use in the classrooms during the school day and Kindergartners use iPads.
Digital Devices
Chromebooks – Browsers can expand learning and extend students’ reach
Chromebooks are lightweight personal devices (keyboard with hinged screen/lid) designed for browsing the internet and accessing network items. P-H-M issues one to each middle school and high school student to carry home and use throughout their secondary school career. Read more about the advantages of P-H-M’s Chromebook initiative and the benefits it provides to our students.
- Chromebook Guidelines (PDF)
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Chromebook Acknowledgment Form (PDF)
- Chromebook Repair Plan (PDF)
Chromebook Technical Assistance
If students are having a technical issue with their Chromebooks or need repairs or a replacement, families can email chromebooks@phm.k12.in.us. P-H-M’s Technology Department will respond to emails Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. If necessary, appointments will be set up at the student’s home school.
iPads – Small tablets are a good fit for young children in the primary grades
Our iPads are loaded with educational software and learning games, and students enjoy using them. They are meant to supplement, not replace, instruction. Students are always supervised when using iPads in the classroom.
Student Classwork, Grades & Information
Skyward Family Access – See your students’ grades & other student information
In order to use this application, P-H-M must have your email address on record. If you have not shared an email address with your school, please contact your school’s front office to update your contact information and receive access.
You will need to set your own password using the step-by-step instructions below.
Canvas – Shows your student’s schoolwork and classroom information
In order to use this application, P-H-M must have your email address on record. If you have not shared an email address with your school, please contact your school’s front office to update your contact information and receive access.
You will need to set your own password using the step-by-step instructions below.
Getting Started with Skyward & Canvas
- Step-by-step Family Access & Canvas login instructions (PDF)
- Skyward Parent Toolkit for more information on getting started with Skyward
- Get help with your Skyward & Canvas accounts by emailing familyaccess@phm.k12.in.us
eLearning – Provides organized online learning outside the classroom when school is canceled
eLearning is facilitated by P-H-M teachers who create lesson plans and make them available online (and offline) for students to work on outside the classroom. eLearning is an alternative to scheduling make-up days.
- Learn more on our eLearning page
- Contact your child’s teacher for help with eLearning
Communication Tools
Parents and guardians receive alerts, updates, and posts on:
- Urgent Alerts, such as School Closings and Delays
- Principal & Teacher Newsletters
- School & Classroom Calendar of Events
- Fill out Permission Slips & other Required Forms
- Volunteer, RSVP for events, Item Donation Sign-up
- Attendance Notifications
Follow us on Social Media for examples of #PHMExcellence
What do we mean when we use #PHMExcellence? Follow us and find out! (Remember to confirm you are seeing official, not fake, accounts. If needed, request to join closed groups.)
Instructional Resources
Clever – Allows students to visit numerous secure sites with a single login
Clever is the solution to the problem of multiple log-ins! Once logged in to P-H-M’s Clever portal, students can go directly to several of their most-used programs including Plato and Study Island.
- Watch the Clever video to learn more
- Log in to Clever
Elementary Launch Pad – Quick access to age-appropriate applications
Students will find some of their favorites here, and parents can browse offerings by subject. All are free and available online at home and at school.
Links to Learning Resources – Educational software used by Penn High students
This page on Penn’s website contains links to programs teachers recommend and students use. It is a quick way to find the one you need, then opening it either directly or through the Clever portal.
Online Safety
P-H-M’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) – Expectations for users on the district’s network
It is important for students to understand and abide by the terms in the AUP. Agreement is implied by the act of logging in to the P-H-M network, making student users accountable for their online conduct. The AUP is published in the student handbooks each year.
Hapara – A way for teachers to monitor and control what students do on Chromebooks
In addition to equipping teachers with interactive tools, Hapara runs a school-based filter that is always operating on the networks inside our buildings so students are safe while browsing.
Securly – A way for schools and parents to monitor students’ online behavior on school-issued Chromebooks
In addition to teachers using Hapara in the classrooms, P-H-M middle schools and Penn High School Administrators now also have Securly to help keep students safe on their school-issued Chromebooks. This same tool is now free and available to P-H-M parents of middle and high schoolers. Parents will receive a weekly email from Securly.com that will show parents a preview of your student’s online activity while using their P-H-M issued Chromebook.
More Online Resources
P-H-M’s Online Payment Systems – A safe and convenient way to pay for school fees and services
We’ve partnered with “e~Funds for Schools” to pay book fees and “RevTrak” to purchase tickets to community education classes and DVT / Planetarium shows.
SchoolCafé – Parents can monitor their student’s cafeteria purchases and pay for them online
See what your student is eating and limit the choices, if you wish. Keep tabs on account balances and replenish when needed—all online!
Home Internet Access
Discount Plans – Internet access is becoming more important, and more affordable!
Several national discount programs are available to help eligible families get online. The “EveryoneOn” program lists a number of resources, including free/discounted computers and user training, for households who meet income requirements.