Student Well-Being: 3 Topics that K12 is focused on today.

Student Well-Being: 3 Topics that K12 is focused on today.

by | May 15, 2023 | Blogs-Lead

Based on recent trends and discussions in education, here are 3 topics that schools are most focused on today based on their concerns about student well-being:

Mental Health and Emotional Wellness: Schools are increasingly concerned about the mental health and emotional wellness of their students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students have experienced significant disruptions to their daily routines and social connections, and may be struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. Schools are looking for ways to support students’ mental health and well-being, such as by providing access to counseling services, offering mindfulness and meditation practices, and implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula.

Schools are working to support their students’ mental health and emotional wellness in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

  1. Counseling Services: Many schools are providing access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors or social workers, to help students who may be struggling with mental health issues. These professionals can provide individual or group counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and referrals to outside resources if necessary.
  2. SEL Curricula: Social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula are becoming increasingly popular in schools to promote students’ mental health and emotional wellness. These curricula focus on teaching students skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. By helping students develop these skills, schools hope to promote their mental health and well-being and improve their overall academic performance.
  3. Mindfulness Practices: Many schools are implementing mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, as a way to help students reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and promote overall well-being. These practices can be incorporated into the classroom or offered as separate activities during the school day.
  4. Parent Education: Schools are also working to educate parents about how they can support their children’s mental health and emotional wellness. This may include providing resources on how to recognize signs of mental health issues, how to communicate effectively with their children, and how to access community resources if necessary.
  5. School Culture: Creating a positive and supportive school culture can also play a role in promoting students’ mental health and emotional wellness. Schools are working to foster a sense of community, belonging, and inclusion among students, as well as providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

Overall, schools are taking a holistic approach to supporting students’ mental health and emotional wellness, recognizing that these factors are closely tied to academic success and overall well-being. By providing access to counseling services, implementing SEL curricula, offering mindfulness practices, educating parents, and creating a positive school culture, schools hope to promote the mental health and well-being of their students.

Online Safety and Digital Citizenship: As students spend more time online for learning and socializing, schools are increasingly concerned about their online safety and digital citizenship. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content are all risks that students face in the digital world. Schools are looking for ways to teach students about responsible online behavior, provide guidance on how to stay safe online, and implement tools and policies to protect students from harmful content and interactions.

Schools are working to support their students’ online safety and digital citizenship in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

  1. Education and Awareness: Schools are educating students about online safety and digital citizenship, including topics such as cyberbullying, online privacy, and responsible use of social media. By providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe online, schools hope to reduce the risk of negative online experiences and promote responsible digital citizenship.
  2. Filtering and Monitoring: Many schools are implementing filtering and monitoring tools to help keep students safe online. These tools can block access to inappropriate content, monitor online activity for signs of bullying or other negative behaviors, and alert administrators to potential risks or issues.
  3. Parent Education: Schools are also working to educate parents about how they can help keep their children safe online. This may include providing resources on how to monitor their children’s online activity, how to talk to their children about online safety, and how to set appropriate boundaries and guidelines for online use.
  4. Policy Development: Schools are developing policies and guidelines related to online safety and digital citizenship. This may include acceptable use policies for technology, guidelines for social media use, and protocols for responding to cyberbullying or other negative online behaviors.
  5. Partnership with Technology Providers: Finally, many schools are partnering with technology providers to help ensure online safety and digital citizenship. This may include working with companies that provide filtering and monitoring tools, as well as those that offer education and awareness programs or resources for parents and educators.

Overall, schools are taking a proactive approach to promoting online safety and digital citizenship, recognizing that these skills are critical for success in the digital age. By educating students and parents, implementing filtering and monitoring tools, developing policies and guidelines, and partnering with technology providers, schools hope to create a safe and positive online environment for their students.

Equity and Inclusion: Many schools are also focused on promoting equity and inclusion for all students. This includes addressing issues related to racial and social justice, promoting diversity and inclusivity in curricula and school culture, and providing support for students from underrepresented communities.

Schools are looking for ways to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, and to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. Schools are working to support their students’ equity and inclusion in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

  1. Culturally Responsive Teaching: Schools are implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, which involve recognizing and addressing the cultural and linguistic diversity of students in the classroom. This includes valuing and incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences into the curriculum and instructional practices.
  2. Professional Development: Many schools are providing professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to increase their understanding and skills related to equity and inclusion. This includes training on topics such as implicit bias, culturally responsive teaching, and creating inclusive classroom environments.
  3. Diverse Curriculum: Schools are incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum, including texts and materials that reflect the diversity of the student population. This includes exposing students to a variety of cultures, histories, and perspectives.
  4. Student Support: Schools are providing additional support for students who may face barriers related to equity and inclusion. This includes counseling services, mentorship programs, and resources for students from historically marginalized communities.
  5. Community Partnerships: Schools are partnering with community organizations and leaders to support equity and inclusion. This includes collaborating with local advocacy groups, cultural centers, and businesses to provide resources and opportunities for students.

Overall, schools are taking a proactive approach to promoting equity and inclusion, recognizing that all students deserve a safe and welcoming learning environment where they can thrive. By implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, providing professional development opportunities, incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, providing student support, and partnering with community organizations, schools hope to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all students.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services including webfilters, classroom managers and student-online monitoring/alerting tools by vendors such as Linewize by FamilyZone, ContentKeeper and Blocksi.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

Strategies for supporting student’s social-emotional development in k12 schools.

Strategies for supporting student’s social-emotional development in k12 schools.

by | Mar 14, 2023 | Blogs

It is critical for educators to pay attention to children’s social and emotional development in addition to their intellectual growth. In order to help students become self-aware, control their emotions, form wholesome relationships, and make ethical judgements, social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential in K-12 classrooms. The following are some tactics that schools can use to promote student’s social and emotional growth.

Promote Good Relationships: According to Melissa Schlinger, vice president of practice at the Collaboration for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, “building positive relationships between teachers and students is a crucial component of supporting kids’ social-emotional well-being” (CASEL).

Teaching self-awareness is important because it serves as the basis for social and emotional learning, according to Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Schools can instruct pupils on how to recognize their emotions and create strategies to effectively handle both the highs and the lows.

Encourage pupils to practice mindfulness since it can improve their ability to concentrate, handle stress and grow empathetically. According to Dr. Brackett, mindfulness practices like deep breathing and guided meditation can teach pupils how to control their emotions and remain composed under pressure.

Include play-based learning: Play-based learning gives kids the chance to connect with one another and learn skills like communication and problem-solving. Angela Hanscom, a pediatric occupational therapist, and the creator of TimberNook, asserts that play is crucial for the growth of social skills.

Encourage Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can enhance mental health, lessen stress, and boost confidence. Dr. Desiree Shapiro, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health, claims that exercise helps students form good habits and efficiently manage their emotions.

Establish a Secure and Encouraging Environment: According to Shlinger, a secure and encouraging environment can aid pupils in feeling safe and forming wholesome relationships. School may develop areas where kids feel free to express themselves and ask for assistance when necessary.

Teach Conflict Resolution Skills: Social interaction inevitably involves conflict. Effective conflict resolutions skills can assist students in establishing connections and controlling their emotions. Role-playing exercises and group problem-solving are effective ways to teach conflict resolution techniques, according to Shlinger.

Promote Cultural Competence: According to Dr. Adena Klem, Director of Education at the Anti-Defamation League, “Cultural competency is essential for encouraging social-emotional development in diverse communities. By encouraging variety and offering opportunity for pupils to learn about many cultures, schools may promote cultural competence.”

Promote Peer Mentorship: Peer mentoring initiatives can aid in student’s social and relational development. According to Dr. Shapiro, peer mentoring gives kids the chance to learn from one another and foster empathy and understanding.

Work Together with Families and Communities: According to Dr. Klem, collaboration between schools, families, and communities is crucial for fostering social and emotional development. To provide students with tools and support, schools can collaborate with families and community organizations.

Implement Technologies That Allow Students to Express Their Feelings: A software tool, such as Pulse by Linewize, can provide students with a 60-second weekly student wellbeing check-in. This helps schools easily keep a Pulse on student’s wellness by engaging students to find and help those who need early intervention.

These techniques can be used in K-12 institutions to foster a welcoming atmosphere that supports student’s social-emotional growth. To guarantee that students have the abilities and resilience to succeed in school and in life, it is crucial to place a high priority on their well-being.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services including webfilters, classroom managers and student-online monitoring/alerting tools by vendors such as Linewize by FamilyZone, ContentKeeper and Blocksi.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

10 Reasons to Buy from a Value-Added-Reseller (VAR)

10 Reasons to Buy from a Value-Added-Reseller (VAR)

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Blogs

Here are ten reasons why buying from a value-added reseller (VAR) can be beneficial for your K12 school district:

  1. Expertise: VARs have specialized knowledge and expertise in the products and solutions they offer, which can help school districts make informed purchasing decisions.
  2. One-stop-shop: VARs offer a wide range of products and solutions from multiple vendors, making it easier for school districts to purchase everything they need from a single source.
  3. Customization: VARs can help school districts customize solutions to meet their specific needs and requirements.
  4. Cost savings: VARs often have access to special pricing and discounts, which can help school districts save money on their purchases.
  5. Support: VARs provide ongoing support and maintenance for the products and solutions they sell, which can help school districts keep their technology running smoothly.
  6. Training: VARs can provide training and education on the products and solutions they offer, helping school districts maximize their investment.
  7. Integration: VARs can help school districts integrate new technology solutions with existing systems and infrastructure.
  8. Scalability: VARs can help school districts plan for future growth and scalability, ensuring that their technology investments can grow with them.
  9. Proven track record: Many VARs have a proven track record of working with other organizations and providing high-quality solutions and support.
  10. Accountability: VARs are accountable for the products and solutions they sell, which can provide peace of mind for school districts and help ensure that they are getting the most value from their investments.

FilteredNet has been selling Internet Security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors to provide a range of internet security services to our K12 customers, including web filtering, classroom management, and student online safety monitoring.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

On-prem vs cloud filtering.

On-prem vs cloud filtering.

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Blogs

Web filters are an essential tool for any organization to ensure that their network is secure and their employees are productive. With the rise of cloud technology, many organizations are opting for cloud-only web filters. However, there are still significant benefits to using on-prem web filters.

Firstly, on-prem web filters provide faster and more efficient filtering. With on-prem filters, all the filtering takes place on-site, which means that there is no need for data to travel to the cloud and back. This not only saves time, but it also reduces network traffic and can lead to faster internet speeds.

Secondly, on-prem web filters provide greater control and customization. With an on-prem solution, IT administrators have complete control over the web filtering policies and can customize them to suit the specific needs of their organization. This level of control is not possible with cloud-only web filters, which typically have limited customization options.

Thirdly, on-prem web filters offer greater security. By having the web filtering taking place on-site, organizations can ensure that sensitive data does not leave their network. This is particularly important for organizations that deal with confidential information, such as healthcare or financial institutions.

Finally, on-prem web filters offer cost savings in the long term. While cloud-only web filters may seem cheaper initially, they can become expensive over time as the organization grows and needs to add more users. On-prem solutions are often a one-time purchase, and they can be more cost-effective in the long term.

In summary, on-prem web filters offer faster and more efficient filtering, greater control and customization, greater security, and long-term cost savings. While cloud-only web filters have their benefits, on-prem solutions are still an excellent option for organizations looking to ensure the security and productivity of their network.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services, including webfilter solutions such as Linewize by FamilyZone and ContentKeeper.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.

Has remote learning made snow days obsolete?

Has remote learning made snow days obsolete?

by | May 4, 2021 | Blogs

2020 was certainly a challenging year on so many levels for K12 school districts. But as the saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. For K12 schools, a sudden shift last year from in-person to at-home teaching created a need to provide remote access to instructional resources. While the transition was difficult for some schools at first, many districts were quick to adapt to the new learning environment.

Now some school districts, such as New York City public schools, have decided to nix snow days all together, opting for remote learning instead. Gone are the days where school buildings in NYC will be closed due to bad weather. Starting the 2021/22 school year, “The DOE will shift all students to remote instruction in lieu of cancelling schools due to severe weather conditions,” the DOE wrote in a statement provided to CNN.

With so many districts now fully supporting at-home instruction, schools are more prepared to switch to remote instruction at a moments notice. Due to damage and power outages at several schools in Fort Smith, Texas, for example, teachers and students at Fort Smith Public Schools used their remote learning plan for the day.

Although switching back and forth based on the needs for that day are made easier by remote learning technologies, securing school owned devices while at home and protecting students while online is more important than ever. Web filtering solutions that can decrypt SSL traffic and accurately report on all student’s surfing activities are crucial; basic DNS filters are no longer enough.

Hybrid-cloud based solutions such as the Linewize Web Filter provide school districts with a web filtering system and classroom management tool equipped with selective SSL decryption, red flag safety alerts, teacher/student screen sharing, and cyber safety education for the community.

Other hybrid-cloud web filters like the ContentKeeper Web Filter not only provide selective SSL decryption, but application controls that allow schools to identify & block suspicious apps such as BitTorrent, Psiphon or Ultrsurf that students us to circumvent school web filters & anonymously access the Dark Web.

Whether students will be learning at home, in school, or a combination of both, technology stands at the ready, and security solutions are finally available to provide the digital safety net needed to help districts keep their students safe while online at home.

FilteredNet has been selling webfilters and I.T. security solutions to K12 schools since 1995.

We work with I.T. security vendors covering a range of internet security services, including webfilter solutions such as Linewize by FamilyZone and ContentKeeper.

To learn more about our services, or schedule a demo contact us today.