Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
This year we will be using Schoology in English 1 and 3 during the 2013-2014 school year.
Schoology is a free and secure learning network for teachers, students, parents, and schools. It
provides a safe way for us to connect, share content, access homework, participate in discussions
and receive class information. Schoology is accessible online and through any mobile device
with Internet capabilities – including free apps for iOS and Android devices.
Schoology will enhance the learning experience and help students develop important online
skills. Students will be able to:
● Participate in class or group discussions that are monitored by the teacher (students
cannot send private messages to other students
● Communicate directly with the teacher to ask questions and get help with work
● Keep track of important due dates, events, and tasks
● Receive and turn in assignments and quizzes
● View missed work when absent from class
● Access Schoology from any computer or mobile device with Internet capabilities and
receive notification reminders via email or text (optional)
Schoology will not be used as a social network like Facebook or MySpace. This tool will be
used strictly for educational purposes using the following guidelines:
● Each account is associated with a student’s name and students are responsible for any
content bearing their name.
● Students will keep their passwords private and are responsible for any content which is
posted under their name.
● Students who make inappropriate comments will lose Schoology privileges, and
depending on the offense, receive additional consequences.
● Students should not add any information to their bio page which could identify them. No
posting of birthday, address, phone number, daily routine/location, etc. is permitted.
● Students can only add their cell phone number to receive text alerts if they have parent
permission.
● Students cannot use as their profile picture photos of themselves or of any other student,
or photos of any other item that might identify them. It is suggested that students create
an avatar for their profile picture.
● Students should remember the purpose of Schoology is educational in nature.
● Students will be required to use appropriate grammar instead of texting language.
● Schoology does not allow private student-to-student messaging-- the site will be used to
discuss school-related content only.
● Students are prohibited from expressing put-downs or sarcasm toward another’s ideas.
● As always, students must comply with the Lake Travis Independent School District
Student Code of Conduct and Student Acceptable Use Policy, and all rules and
consequences, including those related to harassment and bullying, are applicable with
respect to a student’s use of these systems.
Students who violate the guidelines above may lose the privilege of using Schoology and
face disciplinary consequences.
You may also sign up for a parent account on Schoology, which connects to your child’s
account. This is a great way to keep informed of due dates, assignments, grades, school events,
and any direct communication between your child and me.
You will need a parent code to create your account, which can be found in your child’s
account. Parent accounts are not required, but I recommend signing up for one to stay
engaged with your child’s learning experience.
https://www.schoology.com/home.php
Schoology takes privacy seriously and has received the TRUSTe Children’s Privacy Seal. The
only information required from students to set up an account is the teacher’s class code, their
name, and a username and password. Please review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
with your child and note that these policies may change over time, so you should review them
again when you or your child receives a notification that they have been updated.
To enhance learning activities, I may choose to use certain educational applications from third
party entities within the service provider web site. This digital content is offered by vetted thirdparty publishers, who have their own privacy policies but are required to abide by Schoology
privacy policy standards, as well.
Your child must adhere to the guidelines for use contained herein and in the Lake Travis
Independent School District Student Code of Conduct and Student Acceptable Use Policy.
I look forward to a great year as we incorporate the use of technology into our classroom
curriculum. If you have any questions, please contact me at hinojosav@ltisdschools.org
Thank you,
Vanessa Hinojosa