Dear Parents and Guardians,
We understand that digital tools have become an integral part of modern education, and we appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring that our students have access to the best resources available. At USD 353, we are committed to providing a cutting-edge learning experience for our students, and we rely on Google and Google Chromebooks to help us achieve this.
Over the years, our schools have made extensive use of Google Workspace for Education, including 3rd party apps, to enhance the educational journey of our students. We want to emphasize that your child has been using these applications for some time now, and the policy changes made by Google are a proactive step to ensure that your child's data and information are well-protected.
Google Workspace for Education is a suite of educational tools offered by Google, such as Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Classroom, and more. These tools have been used by millions of students and teachers worldwide to facilitate collaborative learning and enhance educational outcomes. As part of our commitment to preparing students for the demands of the 21st century, we use Google Workspace to support classroom activities, communication with teachers, Chromebook sign-ins, and fostering digital citizenship.
We understand that you may have questions and concerns about your child's privacy and data security. Google has provided us with a comprehensive document that answers common questions regarding what information is collected, how it is used, and the protection of personal data. Please take the time to review this document and feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
To ensure that your child continues to benefit from these essential tools, we kindly request your consent to create and manage a Google Workspace for Education account for them. This consent is essential for us to maintain seamless access to Google apps and services, including textbooks and assignments, which are integral to your child's educational experience within USD 353.
We will make copies of the consent forms available during upcoming parent-teacher conferences in October for your convenience. Please take a moment to complete the form for us, granting permission for your child to continue using Google Workspace for Education.
We want to assure you that we take the responsibility of vetting and selecting appropriate applications for our students very seriously. Our primary concern is to provide a safe and enriching learning environment, and we will continue to work diligently to maintain the trust you have placed in us.
Thank you for your ongoing support in your child's educational journey, and we look forward to another successful school year. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Jen Kern, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Technology
Wellington USD 353