How does CSD filter and monitor students' online activity?
CSD has several systems and expectations around supporting student and staff online safety.
Filtering
CSD implements internet content filtering with a solution from Lightspeed Systems -- a major K-12 provider -- that meets the requirements of the federal Children's Internet Protection Act. No filter is 100% accurate all of the time, and therefore teachers are required to monitor students' online activity at school. If a teacher has a concern about students' access to a particular site, they can redirect the student and use a dedicated support ticket category to request blockage of that site.
CSD strives to ensure that websites accessed through CSD equipment and connections are appropriate to the learning environment. All traffic that connects through CSD's network, regardless of the device and its owner, is routed through the content filter.
All network traffic on CSD-owned Chromebooks is routed through the content filter, even when the device is off-campus. Generally speaking, anywhere (including off-campus) a student uses their CSD Google Workspace account to log into a non-CSD Chromebook at the account (device login) level or logs into the Chrome web browser and turns on data sync, that browser profile's traffic will be routed through the CSD content filter. This is because CSD Google Workspace accounts are configured to force-install an extension that routes traffic through the content filter.
Monitoring
CSD uses Bark for Schools to provide alerts to upper elementary and secondary school staff for potentially unsafe content in students' key Google Workspace collaboration tools: email and Drive (including Docs, Sheets, and Slides). The Bark for Schools monitoring is active anywhere a student uses their CSD Google Workspace tools, including off-campus.
Beacon Hill Middle School uses Lightspeed Classroom as a classroom Chromebook management tool, and it is being piloted at Decatur High School. It is used to push resources to students and keep them on task by monitoring what is on student Chromebook screens. A teacher can see a student's screen only when 1) the student's device is on campus and 2) during the time the student is scheduled to be in that teacher's class. Classroom does not function off-campus, and it does not allow teachers to adjust a device's microphone or camera.
Whereas the content filtering described above is intended to control what outside websites are accessible by students, Bark and Lightspeed Classroom monitoring tools are intended to keep an eye out for problematic content within our approved tools.
In addition to technical monitoring, CSD's Acceptable Use Policy requires staff to monitor the internet use of students under their charge.
If students do access a potentially disruptive website, staff have a specific technology support ticketing process that allows them to rapidly report the site for an expeditious block.
Why is my child able to access blocked material at home?
Essentially students should not be able to access material from home that they are unable to access from school. As long as they are using their school issued device at home and remaining on our school network. Some few possibilities:
- Using a personal device: The CSD content filter only applies to district-issued Chromebooks. If your child uses a personal laptop, phone, or tablet at home, that device won’t have the school’s filtering.
- Logged in with a personal account: if a student logs out of their CSD Google account and into a personal account on a school Chromebook, the filtering may not apply. It’s important students stay logged into their CSD account at all times.
- Bypassing controls: Some students may attempt to use VPNs or browser extensions to bypass filters. While CSD works to block these tools, new ones appear frequently. Our district has policies and procedures in place for students who violate our user policy according to the districts Code of Conduct found here.
Why choose Chromebooks?
They are the most practical and budget-friendly option for supporting learning across the district.
Will all students in grades 6–12 receive a device each school year?
Yes. Each student is assigned a Chromebook, protective case, and charger. Equipment must be returned at the end of the school year. A
signed equipment loan form is required before a student may receive a device and is done each year via the Infinite Campus portal.
What are students expected to do with this equipment?
Students are expected to:
- Bring their device to school daily
- Keep it safe and secure
- Use it only for educational purposes
- Report any damage, malfunction, or loss to a teacher or media center staff immediately
Can I use my own computer at home for schoolwork?
Yes. Students may use their personal devices off campus. However, CSD cannot provide technical support for personally owned equipment.
Can students keep their devices over the summer?
No. Devices must be returned at the end of each school year. If a student is participating in a district-supported summer program, a device will be provided for the duration of that program.
What if my child enrolls after the initial device distribution?
A device will still be issued. Parents will complete the loan agreement during registration, and the student will receive a device from the media center.
What should we do if a student is moving or withdrawing?
Devices should be returned to the front office or media center, depending on the school's instructions (BHMS or DHS).
Does the district offer device insurance?
Yes. CSD partners with a vendor to cover accidental damage. Intentional damage or negligence will be handled according to the Code of Conduct and equipment loan agreement.
What are the replacement costs for damaged or lost equipment?
As of fall 2024:
- Chromebook: $250
- Protective case: $30
- Charger: $30
- Please refer to the CSD Family and Student Handbook for the most current costs.
How is CSD funding this program?
Devices are funded through SPLOST V, a voter-approved sales tax used to support capital improvements in the district.
Can students bring their own device to school?
No. All students will use the district-issued devices during school hours.
How can I support my child in being responsible with their school-issued device?
You can help by setting clear expectations at home about using the device for educational purposes only. Talk with your child about balancing screen time, avoiding distractions like games or social media, and handling the device with care.
Remind your child that the CSD Code of Conduct outlines appropriate use of technology and includes a tiered approach to handling violations. This means that if a student misuses their device—such as visiting inappropriate sites, attempting to bypass filters, or using it for non-academic activities—consequences will increase in severity if the behavior continues.
Encourage your child to:
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Keep their device charged and bring it to school daily
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Use only approved websites and learning platforms
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Report any damage, loss, or tech issues to a teacher or media center staff
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Log in only with their CSD Google account
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Follow all digital citizenship expectations
By staying involved and reinforcing these guidelines at home, you help ensure your child uses technology as a powerful tool for learning and growth.
For more details, please refer to the CSD Forms and Handbook page which includes our full technology use policy
