We understand that the installation of software on personal devices can raise apprehensions among parents. Please be assured that Dyknow, part of the Securly family, is designed to be a safe and secure program, prioritizing student privacy. It does not collect any personal information about students and operates with minimal intrusion, allowing teachers to view student screens only when a session is activated during school hours and the student is connected to our school's network.

To provide additional context and transparency, let me offer insights into the events leading up to Dyknow's implementation and our expectations moving forward. Before transitioning to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, our teachers utilized a similar software called "GoGuardian." This platform aimed to unify filtering, classroom engagement, and mental health tools into a single suite, aligning with our 1-to-1 program's objectives. However, challenges arose in seamless integration across various devices, prompting a reevaluation of our needs in the BYOD environment.

During the 2023-2024 school year, we engaged DyKnow after a successful pilot with a group of students and teachers. This summer, we revised the Parent/Student Handbook and corresponding policies to align the language with our school's mission and goals. As Dyknow is now being rolled out across all grade levels, some concerns have been raised by students and parents.

We acknowledge the crucial role technology plays in education and understand the challenges of managing distractions in a digital learning environment. Dyknow empowers teachers to create a focused and engaging learning atmosphere by providing tools such as real-time screen monitoring, instant feedback and engagement, and a distraction-free learning environment.

Here is how Dyknow works:

• A small application is installed on student devices (both school-owned and personal) for monitoring purposes.
• Monitoring occurs only when a student is on our school's Wi-Fi, during school hours, and when a teacher has activated a monitoring session.
• Teachers can tailor monitoring sessions to allow unrestricted access, apply specific plans, communicate with students, and push out URLs or content for instructional purposes.
• Students using school-issued Chromebooks have the software pushed via Google's management console.
• The software is inactive when no monitoring session is active, ensuring privacy when not needed.

If you have lingering questions or concerns, I encourage you to arrange an in-person appointment with our technology department. This meeting will be an opportunity for you to get a live demonstration of Dyknow that will address any additional queries remaining.

For students who prefer not to have Dyknow installed on their personal devices, we offer the option of providing them with a school-owned Chromebook and charger for use during school hours. This allows us to maintain a consistent and distraction-free learning environment while respecting individual preferences.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to create an optimal learning environment for all students. We value your input and are committed to addressing any concerns you may have.