We use a robust suite of tools designed to support diverse learning styles. While specific apps may vary by grade level or subject, our primary systems are:

• Clever: Our central hub. Think of this as the "Digital Backpack" where students find all their learning apps in one place without needing multiple logins.
• Google Workspace for Education Plus: Where students create documents, slide decks, and collaborate with teachers.
• Aeries: Our Student Information System where you can track attendance, grades, and official records.
• Renaissance: A tool used primarily for monitoring progress in reading and math.

Parent Tip: The best way to see exactly what your child is using is to have them log into Clever with you. Look for the section titled “CUSD District Supported Services” to see the full list of approved apps for their specific grade.

Our Chromebook 1-to-1 program ensures that every student has direct, equitable access to a personal computing device to support their learning.

• Grades K-4 (In-Class Model): Our younger learners use dedicated devices that remain safely in their classrooms.
• Grades 5-12 (Take-Home Model): Every student is issued an individual Chromebook and charger to use at school and at home.

Parent Tip: For students in grades 5-12, the Chromebook is considered an essential instructional tool, just like a textbook. Thank you for reinforcing guidance around establishing a routine of charging the device every night so they are ready for learning each morning as well as awareness about food/drink near the device, remembering not to throw backpacks, etc.

Filtering Both On and Off-campus: Even when a Chromebook is used on your home Wi-Fi, our district-mandated web filters remain active to block inappropriate content. Take a look at our network safety explainer for more information on web safety and filtering in CUSD.

Repairs: If a device is damaged (such as a cracked screen), please have your student notify their on-site Library Media Technician or teacher immediately to start the repair & potential billing process.

The Protective Case Requirement: Some of our Chromebook models now come with a specialized protective case. This case must stay on the device at all times. Our warranty provider requires the case to be in place to cover the cost of repairs; removing the case may result in the warranty being voided and repair costs being billed to the family.

We believe that protecting student privacy is just as important as the technology itself. We follow strict federal and state guidelines to ensure your child’s information is never exploited.

What this means for your family:

• Your Data is Not for Sale: We strictly follow laws like FERPA (privacy of records) and COPPA (safety for children under 13). This means we ensure no third-party company can sell your child’s data or use it for targeted advertising. This includes our Google Workspace for Education Plus licenses.
• Highest Standards for Safety (CA NDPA): Before we approve any website or app, the provider must sign a California National Data Privacy Agreement (CA NDPA). This is a legally binding contract that forces companies to provide high-level security and guarantees they will only use student data for educational purposes.

Parent Tip: We maintain a "Privacy Dashboard" (powered by the nonprofit organization California IT in Education) where you can see exactly which tools have been vetted and approved. If an app isn't on the list, it’s usually because the company couldn't meet our strict safety standards. Click here to access our list of approved Vendors & Apps.

We don't just provide the tools; we teach students how to use them with integrity. Digital citizenship is the ability to navigate digital environments safely and respectfully.

• Our Curriculum: We utilize the Common Sense Media curriculum, a gold standard in K-12 digital literacy. This program covers critical topics such as online privacy, media balance, cyberbullying, and evaluating the credibility of information.
• Mandated Lessons: To ensure every student has a foundation of safety, we mandate a minimum of three specific digital citizenship lessons per grade level each year.
• A Daily Conversation: While we have dedicated lessons, we know that being a good digital citizen isn't a one-time event. Our teachers and staff work to make these concepts part of the daily classroom culture, teaching students that their "digital footprint" is permanent and that they should treat others online with the same respect they would face-to-face.

Parent Tip: Be a Digital Role Model. You are our best partner in this mission and we thank you for partnering with us to continue these conversations with our students. Please consider reviewing this resource from Common Sense Media for Parents/Families.