How Technology Supports Learning at HBCSD

We want to keep you informed about how we use technology in our schools and why. At our September Board Meeting, Executive Director of Technology, Mr. Chris Bell, shared a technology update with the Board of Trustees. This message is the first in a series of updates we'll share throughout the year.

Since adopting our 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, HBCSD has worked to make sure our technology supports the District's goals and our Learner Profile, which calls for students who are resourceful, curious, responsible, self-aware, caring, and globally conscious. Thanks to our community and Measure Q, our classrooms have been modernized and are compatible with upgrades to our staff and student devices. The Strategic Plan also commits us to ensuring teachers use technology in their teaching and to plan for timely maintenance and replacement of our technology. Together, these efforts give our teachers and students reliable, up-to-date tools that support learning every day.

Technology is a tool, not a teacher.

• Devices support teaching and learning in our classrooms. They never replace our educators.

• Students use technology to create things, like writing stories, designing projects, coding, and researching, instead of just watching or scrolling.

• Every TK–8 student has a dedicated device: iPads at Eader, Peterson, Seacliff, Smith, and Sowers, and Chromebooks at Dwyer, Hawes, and Moffett. Hawes' Apple technology rollout is expected to be fully deployed by winter break. Dwyer and Moffett are on track to complete their Apple technology rollouts in 2027. 

Balance matters.

• Devices are used when they help students meet a specific learning goal, not throughout the entire school day.

• Teachers are trained to balance screen time with hands-on and face-to-face learning. Offline collaboration and creative activities remain central to every school day.

Keeping students safe.

• HBCSD meets all requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

• Securly Filter blocks harmful or inappropriate content on district devices and whenever students are signed in with their HBCSD account, at school and at home.

• Securly Aware alerts District staff to possible signs of cyberbullying, self-harm, or threats, so we can respond quickly and support students.

• Securly Home is a parent app that shows you your child's search history and lets you pause internet use outside school hours. It works on any device, including home computers, whenever your child is signed in to Chrome with their HBCSD Google account. More information is coming soon.

Throughout the year, we'll continue training teachers and staff on classroom technology, regularly reviewing our safety systems, and encouraging families to use the Securly Home app so student safety extends beyond the school day. In the coming weeks, we'll share more information about Securly Home and other resources to help families support healthy technology use at home.

This year, each monthly Board of Trustees meeting will also include a report from one of our schools on how technology is built into the work already happening in their classrooms, and how it's strengthening their programs. These reports will give our community a glimpse into how teaching and learning happen every day, and how we're preparing students for tomorrow.

If you have questions or need support, please contact your child's school office.